Michael Dell’s wife is Susan Dell, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. The couple married on October 28, 1989, after meeting in Austin, Texas, and they have four children together. Susan is best known for co-founding and chairing the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which supports education, healthcare and economic opportunities for families worldwide. In 2026, she has also attracted attention for her leadership of the couple’s philanthropic initiatives and their major charitable commitments.
When people search for Michael Dell wife, they are often curious about the woman married to the billionaire founder of Dell Technologies. His wife is Susan Dell, an American businesswoman, fashion entrepreneur and philanthropist who has built an influential career of her own.
Michael and Susan Dell first met in Austin, Texas, in February 1988. They married on October 28, 1989, and have four children together. Beyond their marriage, they have developed a long-standing partnership in business-related philanthropy through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which they established in 1999.
Susan is particularly recognised for her work supporting education, healthcare, children’s development and economic opportunities. The foundation says the couple have committed approximately $10 billion to charitable organisations and social enterprises across several countries.
Susan has also attracted renewed public attention in 2026 because of the couple’s major philanthropic commitments, including their $6.25 billion pledge connected to investment accounts for American children.
Here is a closer look at Susan Dell’s background, career, marriage, family, achievements and latest developments.
Who Is Susan Dell, Michael Dell’s Wife?
Susan Dell is an American philanthropist and former fashion entrepreneur best known as the wife of technology billionaire Michael Dell. She is also the co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
Although Michael Dell became internationally recognised through his technology business, Susan developed her own professional identity through fashion, athletics and charitable work.
She has spent more than two decades helping guide the couple’s philanthropic activities. Her work has focused on improving opportunities for children and families, particularly in education, healthcare and financial stability.
According to her official biography published by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, she has helped guide the organisation’s priorities and expansion for more than 25 years.
Some important facts about Susan Dell include:
- Full name: Susan Dell.
- Known for: Philanthropy, fashion entrepreneurship and community development.
- Husband: Michael Dell.
- Marriage date: October 28, 1989.
- Children: Four.
- Foundation: Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
- Professional background: Fashion entrepreneur and philanthropist.
- Major fashion venture: Luxury fashion label Phi.
- Athletic interests: Marathon running, cycling and triathlons.
- Recognition: Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.
Susan’s professional journey demonstrates that she has pursued interests and achievements beyond her husband’s technology career. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation+1
When Did Michael Dell and Susan Dell Get Married?
Michael Dell and Susan Dell married on October 28, 1989. Their relationship began the previous year when they met in Austin, Texas.
According to their official family story, the couple met on a blind date in February 1988. At the time, Michael was building his computer business, while Susan was establishing her professional life in Austin.
Their first meeting reportedly included a bicycle ride. Susan suggested what she considered an easy ride, but Michael soon discovered that her idea of an easy cycling trip was rather different from his.
The experience became an early example of their shared interest in physical fitness and outdoor activities.
Their relationship developed over the following months, and Michael proposed the next spring. They married later in 1989 in a ceremony that respected their Jewish traditions.
Michael and Susan Dell’s Relationship Timeline
| Year | Important event |
|---|---|
| February 1988 | Michael and Susan met on a blind date in Austin, Texas. |
| 1989 | Michael proposed to Susan. |
| October 28, 1989 | The couple married. |
| 1999 | They co-founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. |
| 2017 | They supported recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey through the Rebuild Texas Fund. |
| 2025 | They received the History-Making Texan Award. |
| December 2025 | They announced a $6.25 billion commitment for children’s investment accounts. |
| April 2026 | Their philanthropic commitments were reported to have exceeded $10 billion. |
| October 2026 | Their charitable work and Susan’s leadership received renewed media attention. |
Their marriage has lasted more than three decades, and their partnership has expanded into family life and international philanthropy. OneDell+2
How Did Michael Dell Meet His Wife?
Michael and Susan Dell met through a blind date in Austin in February 1988.
At that time, Michael was already working on expanding his computer company, which had been founded in 1984. Susan had moved to Austin for work connected with real estate developer Trammell Crow.
Their introduction led to a lunch and eventually a relationship.
A particularly memorable part of their early relationship was their shared cycling experience. Susan suggested a bicycle ride, which Michael initially understood to be relatively easy. However, her athletic approach made the ride more challenging than he expected.
Their shared interest in fitness became one of the recurring elements of their relationship.
The couple’s official family website describes their meeting as the beginning of a partnership built around curiosity, determination, family and shared purpose.
How Many Children Do Michael and Susan Dell Have?
Michael and Susan Dell have four children: three daughters and one son.
Their children’s names are:
- Alexa Dell
- Kira Dell
- Juliette Dell
- Zachary Dell
The family has generally maintained a relatively private personal life, although some of their children’s professional activities and major family milestones have appeared in media coverage.
1. Alexa Dell
Alexa Dell is the eldest daughter of Michael and Susan Dell.
She has developed interests in business and entrepreneurship. She has also received media attention for her marriage and family life.
PEOPLE reported that Alexa married Frédéric Choquette in March 2025 and welcomed a daughter in February 2026. She also has a son from a previous relationship.
2. Kira Dell
Kira Dell is another daughter of Michael and Susan.
She has pursued business interests and has been associated with Adaptive Water, an Austin-based company. Her professional activities are separate from her father’s technology business.
3. Juliette Dell
Juliette Dell is the couple’s daughter who has also maintained a relatively private public profile.
She married Chase Chamberlin, founder of Commonwealth Sports, in March 2024, according to PEOPLE.
4. Zachary Dell
Zachary Dell is Michael and Susan’s son.
He has pursued entrepreneurship and technology-related business interests. PEOPLE has reported that he founded Based Power, an Austin-based technology company.
The Dell family’s children have pursued different professional interests, rather than all following the same career path.People.com
What Does Susan Dell Do for a Living?
Susan Dell is primarily known today for her philanthropic leadership, but her professional background includes fashion entrepreneurship and competitive athletics.
Her career can be understood through three major areas.
Fashion Entrepreneurship
Before becoming widely recognised for her charitable work, Susan established herself in the fashion industry.
She founded three fashion labels, including the luxury fashion brand Phi.
Her fashion career involved designing and developing clothing collections. One notable achievement was designing gowns for Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager for the 2001 presidential inaugural gala.
Phi became one of her best-known fashion ventures. The luxury label was launched in 2003 and closed in 2009.
Her experience in fashion demonstrated her interest in creativity, business development and entrepreneurship.
Philanthropy and Community Development
Susan’s most prominent professional role is her work with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
She serves as the organisation’s co-founder and chair.
Her responsibilities include helping guide the foundation’s strategic priorities and supporting initiatives designed to improve opportunities for families.
The organisation works with nonprofits, educational institutions and social enterprises in multiple countries.
Sports and Fitness
Susan Dell is also an accomplished athlete.
She has participated in:
- Marathon running.
- Competitive cycling.
- Triathlons.
- Ironman competitions.
One of her notable athletic achievements was participating in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
Her interest in fitness has also influenced her involvement in health-related initiatives and community programmes.Michael & Susan Dell Foundation+2
What Is the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation?
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is a philanthropic organisation established by Michael and Susan Dell in 1999.
Its mission is to accelerate opportunities for families and develop solutions that can improve people’s lives.
The foundation supports initiatives in several countries, including:
- United States
- India
- South Africa and other African countries
- Israel
Its activities cover education, healthcare, employment, financial inclusion and community development.
According to the foundation’s official biography of Susan Dell, the couple have committed $10 billion to nonprofits and social enterprises. The organisation also manages more than 800 active projects worldwide each year.
Education Initiatives
Education is one of the foundation’s major areas of work.
Its programmes support schools, students and educational organisations seeking to improve learning opportunities.
The organisation also supports scholarship initiatives designed to help students access higher education and develop professional careers.
In India, the foundation has supported projects focused on improving school education and expanding economic opportunities.
Healthcare Initiatives
The Dells have supported healthcare infrastructure and programmes, particularly in Texas.
Their philanthropic investments include:
- Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin.
- Dell Seton Medical Center.
- Dell Children’s Medical Center.
- Healthcare innovation and community health programmes.
These initiatives reflect the couple’s interest in improving access to medical services and strengthening healthcare systems.
Economic Opportunity and Financial Inclusion
The foundation also supports programmes that help families and entrepreneurs improve their financial circumstances.
Its initiatives include employment opportunities, financial services and programmes designed to support economic mobility.
This work is particularly relevant in communities where access to education, employment and financial resources can be limited.Michael & Susan Dell Foundation+2
Michael and Susan Dell’s $6.25 Billion Philanthropic Commitment
One of the most significant developments associated with Michael and Susan Dell in recent years is their $6.25 billion commitment connected to investment accounts for American children.
The couple announced the commitment in December 2025. The initiative is connected to Trump Accounts, a programme intended to help eligible children begin building financial assets at an early age.
The commitment is designed to provide $250 contributions for up to 25 million eligible children.
The initiative attracted considerable attention because of the scale of the commitment and its potential impact on families.
How Are the Children’s Accounts Intended to Work?
The basic idea is to give eligible children an initial investment contribution that can potentially grow over time.
The contribution is intended to provide an early financial foundation and introduce more families to long-term investment and wealth-building opportunities.
The $6.25 billion commitment is associated with the following figures:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total commitment | $6.25 billion |
| Planned contribution | $250 per eligible child |
| Potential beneficiaries | Up to 25 million children |
| Announcement | December 2025 |
| Initiative | Trump Accounts |
The commitment is distinct from the federal government’s separate contribution programme.
In October 2026, Michael and Susan Dell also visited the White House to promote the initiative.
The development brought additional attention to Susan because of her prominent role in the couple’s wider philanthropic work.Fortune+2
Susan Dell’s Role in the Couple’s $10 Billion Philanthropic Work
One of the most important aspects of Susan Dell’s public profile is her influence on the family’s charitable activities.
While Michael Dell is known for building a global technology company, Susan has played a significant role in determining how the family’s philanthropic resources are directed.
According to the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, their charitable commitments have reached approximately $10 billion.
The foundation’s work is not limited to writing cheques to charitable organisations. It also supports programmes, institutions and social enterprises that aim to create measurable improvements in people’s lives.
Some of its important areas include:
1. Children’s education: Supporting better schools, learning resources, scholarships and access to higher education.
2. Healthcare: Investing in medical facilities, healthcare innovation and programmes that improve family health.
3. Employment: Supporting young adults through career development and employment initiatives.
4. Financial inclusion: Helping entrepreneurs and families access financial services and economic opportunities.
5. Community development: Supporting organisations working to improve living conditions and economic stability.
Susan’s involvement is particularly important because she is not simply associated with the foundation through her marriage. She is its co-founder and chair, with a formal leadership role.
Michael and Susan Dell’s $750 Million Gift to the University of Texas
Another major philanthropic development came in April 2026, when Michael and Susan Dell announced a $750 million gift connected to the University of Texas at Austin.
The announcement was made on April 21, 2026, and was reported by the Houston Chronicle the following day.
The contribution is intended to support an advanced research campus and a medical centre equipped with artificial intelligence technology.
The broader investment also includes support for scholarships, student housing and computer science.
The gift is significant because it represents another major investment by the couple in education, research and healthcare in Texas.
It also demonstrates that their charitable work extends beyond individual grants to large-scale institutional projects.
The contribution further strengthened their relationship with the University of Texas, where Michael began his entrepreneurial journey as a student.Houston Chronicle+1
Susan Dell’s Awards and Recognition
Susan Dell has received recognition for her contributions to philanthropy, community development and public service.
Some of her notable achievements include:
Texas Women’s Hall of Fame
Susan was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018 as part of the class recognised for contributions to philanthropy.
The honour recognised her efforts to support Texas families, particularly through recovery initiatives following Hurricane Harvey.
The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame information published by Texas Woman’s University highlights her role in the foundation and the Rebuild Texas Fund.
History-Making Texan Award
In 2025, Michael and Susan Dell received the History-Making Texan Award from the Texas State History Museum Foundation.
The award recognises individuals whose contributions have had an exceptional impact on Texas, the United States and the wider world.
Their philanthropic activities were an important part of the recognition.
Public Service and Health Advocacy
Susan has also served on President George W. Bush’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Her involvement in health and fitness initiatives reflects her long-standing interest in physical wellbeing and community health.BOLDLY GO+1
What Is Susan Dell’s Net Worth?
Many people searching for Michael Dell’s wife also want to know about Susan Dell’s personal wealth.
However, there is an important distinction between the wealth of the Dell family and Susan Dell’s independently verified personal net worth.
Michael Dell’s wealth is associated primarily with his ownership interests and business investments connected to Dell Technologies and other assets.
Susan’s public profile includes her fashion ventures, philanthropic leadership and family investments.
However, there is no reliable, independently verified public figure establishing Susan Dell’s individual net worth.
For that reason, it would be misleading to assign her a specific personal net-worth figure without supporting financial disclosures.
It is also important not to confuse the couple’s charitable commitments with their personal wealth. The foundation’s reported $10 billion in philanthropic commitments represents charitable giving and commitments, not Susan’s individual net worth.
Readers should therefore treat websites publishing precise figures for Susan Dell’s personal fortune with caution unless they provide credible supporting evidence.
What Is Michael Dell’s Wife Doing in 2026?
In 2026, Susan Dell continues to be associated with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and its philanthropic priorities.
Her public profile has received renewed attention for several reasons.
Continued Leadership of the Foundation
Susan remains the foundation’s co-founder and chair.
The organisation continues to work on education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunity initiatives across its international programmes.
Major Investment in American Children
The couple’s $6.25 billion commitment to children’s investment accounts has been one of the most widely discussed philanthropic developments associated with them.
Their October 2026 White House appearance brought additional public attention to the initiative.
Expansion of Education and Healthcare Investments
The $750 million University of Texas commitment announced in April 2026 is another example of their continued involvement in large-scale charitable projects.
Renewed Media Attention
In October 2026, media coverage also focused on Michael Dell’s public support for Susan following online criticism of her appearance at a White House event.
Moneycontrol reported on October 14, 2026, that Michael amplified supportive messages defending his wife and highlighting the couple’s charitable contributions.
The coverage brought attention to Susan’s public profile, although her philanthropic and professional work extends far beyond that particular episode.Michael & Susan Dell Foundation+3
The Relationship Between Michael Dell’s Business Career and Susan Dell’s Philanthropy
Michael and Susan Dell have built careers in different areas, but their work has increasingly overlapped through philanthropy.
Michael established Dell’s computer business in 1984, beginning with an initial investment of $1,000 while he was a student at the University of Texas.
Over the following decades, the company grew into one of the world’s major technology businesses.
Susan, meanwhile, pursued fashion entrepreneurship before becoming a leading figure in the family’s charitable organisation.
Their shared philanthropic interests eventually led to the establishment of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 1999.
This partnership is important because it connects the resources generated through business with programmes intended to improve education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
The foundation’s international presence, including its work in India, is particularly relevant to communities seeking improved access to education and financial services.
Rather than focusing exclusively on short-term charitable assistance, the organisation supports longer-term programmes intended to create sustainable improvements.
Where Do Michael and Susan Dell Live?
Michael and Susan Dell are long-time residents of Austin, Texas.
Austin has been an important part of their personal and professional lives.
It is where they met, where Michael developed his early business ambitions and where several of their philanthropic investments have been directed.
Their involvement in the University of Texas, local healthcare facilities and community programmes reflects their long-standing connection to the city.
The couple’s philanthropic activities, however, extend well beyond Texas, reaching communities in the United States, India, Africa and Israel.
Why Is Susan Dell Important Beyond Being Michael Dell’s Wife?
The search term michael dell wife naturally introduces readers to Susan through her marriage. However, describing her only as the spouse of a billionaire would overlook her professional achievements.
There are several reasons her independent career deserves attention.
First, she built a fashion business before becoming widely recognised for philanthropy.
Second, she has played a formal leadership role in one of the most significant family foundations associated with the technology industry.
Third, she has supported educational and healthcare projects that have a direct connection to communities and families.
Fourth, she has maintained a strong interest in athletics and physical fitness, including participation in demanding endurance competitions.
Her career reflects a combination of entrepreneurship, public service, leadership and philanthropy.
For readers interested in Michael Dell’s family, Susan’s story provides a broader understanding of the people and values behind the Dell family’s charitable work.
What Happens Next?
As of November 9, 2026, Susan Dell continues to serve as co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
The organisation’s ongoing work includes education, healthcare, employment and financial inclusion initiatives.
The couple’s children’s investment account commitment and their major investment in the University of Texas are also important parts of their recent philanthropic activity.
However, there has been no confirmed announcement establishing a new marriage-related development or change in their family status.
The most useful way to understand Susan Dell’s current public role is through her leadership in philanthropy and her continued involvement in the couple’s charitable commitments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Michael Dell’s wife?
Michael Dell’s wife is Susan Dell, an American philanthropist and former fashion entrepreneur. She is the co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, established in 1999.
2. When did Michael Dell marry Susan Dell?
Michael Dell married Susan Dell on October 28, 1989. The couple met in Austin, Texas, in February 1988 through a blind date.
3. How many children do Michael and Susan Dell have?
Michael and Susan Dell have four children: three daughters, Alexa, Kira and Juliette, and one son, Zachary.
4. What does Susan Dell do?
Susan Dell is a philanthropist and businesswoman. She previously worked in the fashion industry, founded several fashion labels, including the luxury brand Phi, and now leads philanthropic initiatives through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
5. What is Susan Dell’s net worth?
Susan Dell’s individual net worth has not been reliably established through publicly available financial disclosures. Her wealth should not automatically be equated with Michael Dell’s reported billionaire fortune.
6. What is the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation?
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation is a philanthropic organisation established in 1999 by Michael and Susan Dell. It supports education, healthcare, employment, financial inclusion and community development programmes in several countries.
7. Did Michael and Susan Dell donate $6.25 billion?
Yes. In December 2025, Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion commitment to provide $250 contributions for up to 25 million eligible American children through the Trump Accounts initiative.
8. Is Susan Dell involved in fashion?
Yes. Susan Dell previously worked as a fashion entrepreneur and founded three fashion labels, including the luxury brand Phi. She also designed gowns for Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager for the 2001 presidential inaugural gala.
9. Where do Michael and Susan Dell live?
Michael and Susan Dell are long-time residents of Austin, Texas. They also have philanthropic and business interests in several countries.
10. What is Susan Dell known for in 2026?
Susan Dell is particularly known for leading the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which has committed approximately $10 billion to charitable initiatives. Her recent public profile has also been influenced by the couple’s $6.25 billion children’s investment account commitment and their $750 million gift to the University of Texas at Austin.
