Who Is Laurene Powell Jobs? A Look at Her Life, Career, and Net Worth

Laurene Powell Jobs is a billionaire businesswoman and the widow of Apple’s co-founder, Steve Jobs. She is also the mother of Eve Jobs, who is about to marry British Olympian Harry Charles. The wedding, expected to cost $6.7 million, has brought Laurene back into the spotlight.

Let’s take a closer look at her story, her work, and her huge net worth.

Early Life and Education

Laurene was born in 1963 in West Milford, New Jersey. Her father, a pilot, died in a plane crash when she was just three. Her mother later remarried. Laurene grew up with a strong focus on education.

She studied political science and economics at the University of Pennsylvania. Later, she worked at big firms like Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs on Wall Street.

Meeting Steve Jobs

In 1989, Laurene joined Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. That’s where she met Steve Jobs. The two got married in 1991 at Yosemite National Park.

Together, they had three children — Reed, Erin, and Eve Jobs. When Steve passed away in 2011, Laurene inherited his fortune. This included shares in Apple and Disney.

Net Worth and Wealth

As of July 2025, Laurene Powell Jobs is worth $14.7 billion (Forbes). That makes her one of the richest women in the world.

She used to be the largest individual shareholder in Disney. In 2017, she reduced her stake to 4%.

Her real estate holdings are impressive too:

• A $16.5 million home in San Francisco

• A $70 million home bought in 2024 (a city record)

• A $94 million oceanfront estate in Malibu

Career and Philanthropy

Laurene is not just wealthy. She uses her money for social change. She started College Track in 1997. It helps low-income students go to college.

In 2004, she launched the Emerson Collective, a group focused on:

• Education

• Climate change

• Immigration

• Journalism

• Racial justice

She also started XQ: The Super School Project to improve U.S. high schools.

Politics and Close Ties

Laurene supports U.S. politics too. She has donated millions to causes linked to Vice President Kamala Harris. They are close friends and have even attended personal events together.

Media and Sports Investments

In 2017, Laurene bought a 20% stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Capitals (NHL).

That same year, she took over The Atlantic magazine through the Emerson Collective. She helped keep it alive during the pandemic.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Before her big ventures, Laurene co-founded a healthy food startup in 1992 called Terravera. Later, she stepped away to do volunteer work.

She also enjoys:

• Collecting art

• Beekeeping

• Traveling on her late husband’s yacht, Venus, worth over $110 million

Giving Back to the World

In 2021, she launched the Waverley Street Foundation, pledging $3 billion over 10 years for climate action.

In 2023, Forbes named her the 25th most powerful woman in the world.

Eve Jobs’ Wedding

Laurene’s daughter, Eve, is about to marry British Olympian Harry Charles. Their wedding will be attended by famous guests like:

• Princess Beatrice

• Jessica Springsteen

• Jennifer and Phoebe Gates

• Kamala Harris

Laurene Powell Jobs is more than Steve Jobs’ widow. She is a leader in business, education, and philanthropy. Her story shows how wealth can be used for good.

With a massive net worth, powerful projects, and an exciting family wedding ahead, Laurene’s influence is only growing.