UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — American educator and journalist Esther Wojcicki will present the 2026 spring commencement address for the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST). The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on May 9 at Pegula Ice Arena.
“Esther Wojcicki has dedicated her life to empowering young people to think creatively, act independently and lead with purpose,” said Andrea Tapia, dean of the College of IST. “Her message will resonate deeply with our graduates as they step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.”
Wojcicki is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most influential teachers. Over a 45-year career in secondary education, she taught English, journalism, social studies and mathematics, shaping the lives of thousands of students. Her work has inspired leaders across industries — including Silicon Valley pioneers such as Steve Jobs — and she is also the mother of three accomplished daughters: the late YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, Fulbright scholar Janet Wojcicki and 23andMe founder Anne Wojcicki.
Wojcicki is known for her practical and transformative approach to education and leadership. At its core is TRICK — Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration and Kindness — a simple yet powerful framework for helping individuals reach their highest potential. She has expanded this philosophy through her ParentingTRICK app, designed to support families around the world in raising confident, capable children.
She is the author of “Moonshots in Education” and “How to Raise Successful People” and serves as the chief executive officer of Global Moonshots in Education. She is also the founder of WOJ Education, a founder of the Google Teacher Academy and cofounder of the University of Oregon Journalistic Learning Initiative. She has served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education, Hewlett Foundation, Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching, Silicon Valley Education Foundation and Time Magazine Education.
Wojcicki was the first in her family to attend college. Her academic background includes degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, San Jose State University and the University of Paris. She has received honorary doctorates from the Rhode Island School of Design, Palo Alto University and the University of Brasilia.
Wojcicki’s influence on the tech industry is highlighted in a new documentary titled “The Godmother of Silicon Valley: The Teacher Who Changed the World.”