Sheila Lirio Marcelo made history in 2014 as the seventh female founder to take her company public on the New York Stock Exchange. This monumental achievement marked a culmination of years of perseverance and dedication, overcoming numerous challenges as a woman of color, an immigrant, and ultimately a female founder focused on serving women.
Growing up in the Philippines in the '70s and '80s, Marcelo encountered early gender-based stereotypes, grappling with societal expectations that often conflicted with her aspirations. Despite familial pressures and unexpected detours, including becoming a young mother, Marcelo remained determined to succeed. Completing both her BA and a JD/MBA, she navigated the corporate world with resilience, albeit sometimes concealing aspects of her personal life to avoid being underestimated.
However, Marcelo's journey wasn't without its struggles. As a young VP at UPromise, balancing high expectations at work and home led to challenges in her relationships. Reflecting on her experiences, Marcelo realized the importance of valuing individuals beyond their perceived roles and expectations. This epiphany prompted her to embrace a leadership mantra: "Be intense with outcomes, but be chill with people."
Marcelo's pivotal moment came when her father's health crisis forced her to confront the intersection of work, family, and caregiving. This inspired the creation of Care.com, the world's largest online marketplace for caregivers. Despite concerns about being taken seriously in the male-dominated tech industry, Marcelo remained steadfast in her mission to address the needs of families and caregivers, advocating for caregiving as an economic imperative.
Care.com's success was a testament to Marcelo's vision and determination. However, she remained focused on her broader goals: advancing female entrepreneurship, addressing the cognitive load crisis for families, and harnessing AI advancements. This led to her latest venture, Ohai.ai, an AI assistant for "chief household officers."
Marcelo's journey exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a commitment to empowering others. Despite facing double underestimation as a female entrepreneur, she prioritized her values over external perceptions, striving to create meaningful impact while embracing vulnerability.
As Marcelo continues her entrepreneurial endeavors, her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for women and caregivers worldwide. By following her heart and embracing her vulnerabilities, she redefines success on her own terms, paving the way for a more inclusive and empathetic business landscape.
Marcelo's legacy extends beyond business achievements; it's a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, empathy, and authenticity in driving social change