Marissa Mayer, an American computer scientist and business executive, was born in Wausau, Wisconsin. Her mother, Margaret Mayer, was an art teacher of Finnish descent, while her father, Michael Mayer, worked as an environmental engineer for water utilities. Her grandfather, Clem Mayer, who had polio from age seven, served as the mayor of Jackson, Wisconsin, for over 30 years. Marissa has one younger brother.
As a child, Mayer was known for being shy but highly involved in after-school activities. She participated in Brownies, debate, swimming, piano, ice skating, and ballet. During middle and high school years, she continued with piano and ballet lessons, which she credits with teaching her confidence, poise, discipline, and how to handle criticism. From a young age, she displayed a strong interest in science and mathematics.
At Wausau West High School, Mayer was a member of the curling team and the precision dance team. Academically, she excelled in subjects such as physics, biology, calculus, and chemistry. She was active in extracurriculars and served as president of the school's Spanish Club. Additionally, she worked as a grocery store clerk and was selected to attend the prestigious National Youth Science Camp in West Virginia.
Mayer initially planned to become a pediatric neurosurgeon and took pre-med courses at Stanford University. However, she later shifted her focus to symbolic systems—a multidisciplinary major incorporating computer science, linguistics, cognitive psychology, and philosophy. At Stanford, Mayer was involved in university ballet productions, including The Nutcracker, and was an active member of the parliamentary debate team and a volunteer at a children’s hospital.
She also contributed to bringing computer science education to schools in Bermuda and spent a summer teaching symbolic systems under the supervision of Professor Eric S. Roberts. The class was well received, prompting the university to invite her to teach again the following summer. Mayer graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in symbolic systems.
| Birth Date: | 30 May, 1975 |
| Age: | 44 yrs |
| Occupations: | Computer scientist Engineer Business executive |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Wausau |
| residence: | San Francisco Palo Alto |
| Education: | Stanford University Wausau West High School |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American business executive and engineer, former CEO of Yahoo! |
| Spouse: | Zachary Bogue [M. 2009] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 600 million |
