Susan Wojcicki (Ramond Oogler) of Silicon Valley: A Google Hero, a Digital Artist, and a Noogler
By now you may have heard the news that Susan Wojcicki has passed away after two years of living with lung cancer. It feels like it isn’t true as I write this. Susan was active and vibrant and one of the most active people I have ever met. Her loss is devastating for all of us who know and love her, for the thousands of Googlers she led over the years, and for millions of people all over the world who looked up to her, benefited from her advocacy and leadership, and felt the impact of the incredible things she created at Google, YouTube, and beyond.
“Susan was not just my best friend, but a brilliant mind, a loveable mother, and a dear friend to many,” Dennis Troper wrote in a Facebook post. “Her impact on our family and the world was immeasurable.”
Wojcicki, born in Santa Clara, Calif., grew up on Stanford University’s campus, where her father was a physicist. She made a difference in the world by developing her passion for innovation. (Her two younger sisters, Anne and Janet, also went on to become powerhouses in their own respective fields.)
Aside from growing two tech behemoths, Wojcicki also devoted herself to improving the workplace for women and parents. She was at Google the first to take parental leave, and still advocated for that policy in the workforce.
Finding information, telling stories, and supporting creators, artists, and small businesses are three things I took on when I was given the challenge. I am proud of everything we have achieved. She said in a post that it has been exhilarating, meaningful and all-consuming.
I will always remember her kindness to me as a prospective Noogler 20 years ago. During my Google interview she took me out for an ice cream and a walk around campus. He said in a statement that he was “sold” by the internet companies.
Her graduation speech at JohnHopkins University is what was remembered for. She wondered about her career and the opportunities that came her way.
Remembering Susan Wojcicki, a Trailblazer and Pioneer of Philanthropics in the Dialogue of Mothers in Sierra Leone
“Rarely are opportunities presented to you in the perfect way, in a nice little box with a yellow bow on top,” she said. “Opportunities, the good ones, they’re messy and confusing and hard to recognize. They’re risky. They challenge you.”
On Saturday, Neal Mohan wrote on YouTubeX that he had lost a teammate, mentor, and friend. I am forever grateful for her friendship and guidance. I’ll miss her a lot. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones.”
Marc Benioff, CEO and co-founder of Salesforce, described Wojcicki — who was on Salesforce’s board — as a trailblazer and an example of great leadership. She had a beautiful ability to lead and illuminate every interaction with wisdom and warmth. Her kind heart, wise counsel, and philanthropic spirit touched countless lives,” he said on X.
John Green said, “She was (very quietly) the single biggest donor to our project supporting maternal health in Sierra Leone. She never once asked for credit or attention for her gifts–just privately supported our project and many others. An exceptional leader and person.”
Susan went from renting a garage to leading teams across consumer products, building ads and becoming CEO of YouTube, which is one of the world’s most significant platforms. She did not stop there. Susan used her position to build a better workplace, as she was the first to take maternity leave. And in the years that followed, her advocacy around parental leave set a new standard for businesses everywhere. Susan was also deeply passionate about education. She thought that YouTube could be a learning platform for the world and she championed those who took the time to teach.