Childhood and Education Journey of Janet Yellen in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Janet Yellen. A timeline of key moments.

Janet Louise Yellen is a prominent American economist with a distinguished career in public service and academia. She notably served as the 78th United States Secretary of the Treasury (2021-2025) and Chair of the Federal Reserve (2014-2018), becoming the first woman to hold both positions. Prior to these roles, she led the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Yellen currently holds a professorship at the University of California, Berkeley, solidifying her influence in economic policy and thought.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1906: Birth of Julius Yellen

In 1906, Julius Yellen, Janet Yellen's father, was born.

1907: Birth of Anna Ruth Blumenthal

In 1907, Anna Ruth Blumenthal, Janet Yellen's mother, was born.

1942: Birth of John Yellen

In 1942, John Yellen, Janet Yellen's older brother, was born.

August 13, 1946: Birth of Janet Yellen

On August 13, 1946, Janet Louise Yellen was born. She would later become an influential American economist, serving as the United States Secretary of the Treasury from 2021 to 2025 and Chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018, the first woman to hold either position.

1963: Graduated as Valedictorian

In 1963, Janet Yellen graduated as the valedictorian of her class at Fort Hamilton High School.

1964: Joined The Brown Daily Herald

In the spring of 1964, Janet Yellen joined the business staff of The Brown Daily Herald, but left soon after to focus on her academic studies.

1967: Graduated from Brown University

In 1967, Janet Yellen graduated from Brown University.

1971: Earned Ph.D. from Yale University

In 1971, Janet Yellen earned a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University.

1975: Death of Julius Yellen

In 1975, Julius Yellen, Janet Yellen's father, passed away.

June 1978: Yellen marries George Akerlof

In June 1978, Janet Yellen married George Akerlof, an economist and Nobel laureate. They met in the fall of 1977, became engaged by December, and married less than a year after meeting.

1978: Married George Akerlof

In 1978, Janet Yellen married economist George Akerlof, whom she met at the Federal Reserve.

1981: Birth of Robert Akerlof

In 1981, Janet Yellen and George Akerlof's son, Robert Akerlof, was born. He later became an economist.

1986: Death of Anna Ruth Yellen

In 1986, Anna Ruth Yellen, Janet Yellen's mother, passed away.

May 10, 2022: Yellen comments on the economic consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade

On May 10, 2022, during a Senate Banking Committee hearing, Janet Yellen commented on the potential economic consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade, stating it would have damaging effects on the economy and set women back decades, increasing their risk of poverty. This statement was made after a leaked draft majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization indicated the Supreme Court's intention to overrule previous abortion legalization decisions.

October 2023: Yellen comments on the potential economic implications of Israel's war on Gaza

In October 2023, Janet Yellen, in an interview with Sky News, stated that it was too early to speculate on the significant economic consequences of Israel's war on Gaza. She noted that the impact depends on whether the hostilities extend beyond Israel and Gaza, an outcome she would like to avoid.