Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, began her career in the world of finance. Born into a family of entrepreneurs, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School with a degree in economics. Her first job was at a hedge fund, where she honed her skills in investment management. However, her passion for education and social impact would eventually lead her down a different path.

In 1989, Laurene met Steve Jobs at a conference, and the two quickly fell in love. After their marriage, she became more involved in her husband’s work at Apple and Pixar. However, she also wanted to make her own mark. In 1997, she founded the Emerson Collective, a social impact organization that focuses on education, immigration reform, and environmental conservation. Her work with the collective, along with her advocacy for various social causes, has made her a prominent figure in her own right, separate from her husband’s legacy.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Laurene Powell Jobs’ net worth is estimated to be around $22.3 billion, making her one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. This significant fortune is primarily inherited from her late husband, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and Pixar.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ Career

Before her marriage to Steve Jobs, Laurene Powell Jobs had a successful career in investment banking. She worked at firms like Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs. After her husband’s passing, she founded the Emerson Collective, focusing on education, immigration reform, and social justice. She also serves on the board of several prominent organizations, including the XQ Institute and College Track.

Other Ventures

Laurene Powell Jobs is the majority owner of the Atlantic magazine, which she purchased in 2017. She also invested in several tech startups through her investment firm, Luma Investments. Additionally, she is a significant donor to various charitable causes, including education and health initiatives.

Assets

Powell Jobs’ assets include a 7% stake in Disney, acquired through her ownership of Pixar Animation Studios. She also owns a significant amount of Apple stock, valued at over $11 billion as of 2021. Her real estate portfolio includes properties in Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills, and a 193-acre ranch in Pescadero, California.

Annual Income

Laurene Powell Jobs’ annual income is primarily derived from her investments and ownership stakes. As of 2021, her estimated annual income is around $120 million, primarily from her Apple and Disney holdings. Her Emerson Collective and other ventures also contribute to her annual earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Steve Jobs Widow

Frequently Asked Questions: Steve Jobs’ Widow Net Worth

1. Who is Steve Jobs’ widow?

Laurene Powell Jobs is the widow of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. They were married from 1991 until his death in 2011.

2. How did Laurene Powell Jobs meet Steve Jobs?

Laurene Powell Jobs met Steve Jobs in 1989 at a conference at Stanford University, where she was studying business. They started dating soon after and married in 1991.

3. What is Laurene Powell Jobs’ net worth?

Laurene Powell Jobs’ net worth is estimated to be around $20 billion as of 2021.

4. How did Laurene Powell Jobs inherit her wealth?

Laurene Powell Jobs inherited a significant portion of her wealth from her husband Steve Jobs, who left behind a fortune estimated to be around $10.2 billion at the time of his death in 2011.

5. What is Laurene Powell Jobs’ occupation?

Laurene Powell Jobs is the founder and president of the Emerson Collective, an organization that focuses on education, immigration reform, and social justice. She is also a majority owner of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

6. Does Laurene Powell Jobs have any children?

Yes, Laurene Powell Jobs and Steve Jobs have four children together: Reed, Erin, Eve, and Lisa Brennan Jobs.

7. What is Laurene Powell Jobs’ educational background?

Laurene Powell Jobs graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School with a degree in economics in 1985. She later earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1991.

8. What is Laurene Powell Jobs’ philanthropic work?

Laurene Powell Jobs is known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and immigration reform. She has donated millions of dollars to various causes and organizations, including the XQ Institute, which she co-founded to rethink high school education.

9. What is Laurene Powell Jobs’ role in Emerson Collective?

Laurene Powell Jobs is the founder and president of the Emerson Collective, which she launched in 2004. The organization aims to advance social justice and equality through various initiatives, including education, immigration reform, and environmental conservation.

10. What is Laurene Powell Jobs’ relationship with the Apple company?

Laurene Powell Jobs has been involved with Apple since her husband co-founded the company. After Steve Jobs’ death, she inherited a significant stake in the company, making her one of its largest shareholders. However, she does not have an active role in the company’s management or operations.