Childhood and Education Journey of Janet Yellen in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

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

Janet Louise Yellen is an American economist notable for her groundbreaking roles as the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve (2014-2018) and serve as United States Secretary of the Treasury (2021-2025). Her career includes leading the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Currently, she is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, contributing significantly to economic thought and policy.

Sections (4)

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

1906: Julius Yellen's birth

In 1906, Julius Yellen, Janet Yellen's father, was born. He later became a family physician.

1907: Anna Ruth Blumenthal's birth

In 1907, Anna Ruth Blumenthal, Janet Yellen's mother, was born. She later became an elementary school teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mother.

1942: Birth of John Yellen

In 1942, Janet Yellen's older brother, John Yellen, was born. He later became a program director for archaeology at the National Science Foundation.

August 13, 1946: Janet Yellen's birth

On August 13, 1946, Janet Louise Yellen was born. She later became an American economist and public servant.

1963: Graduation as Valedictorian

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

1964: Joins The Brown Daily Herald

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

1967: Graduation from Brown University

In 1967, Janet Yellen graduated from Brown University.

1971: Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University

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

1971: Earns Ph.D. from Yale University

In 1971, Janet Yellen earned her master's and PhD in economics from Yale University.

1975: Death of Julius Yellen

In 1975, Janet Yellen's father, Julius Yellen, who was a family physician, passed away.

1977: Meeting George Akerlof

In the fall of 1977, Janet Yellen met George Akerlof, who would later become her husband, at an event. They became engaged in December of that year.

June 1978: Marriage to George Akerlof

In June 1978, Janet Yellen married George Akerlof, an economist and Nobel laureate, after meeting in the fall of 1977 and becoming engaged that December.

1978: Marriage to George Akerlof

In 1978, Janet Yellen married economist George Akerlof after meeting him at the Federal Reserve.

1981: Birth of son, Robert Akerlof

In 1981, Janet Yellen's son, Robert Akerlof, was born. He is also an economist.

1986: Death of Anna Ruth (Blumenthal) Yellen

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

2003: Robert Akerlof graduates from Yale

In 2003, Janet Yellen's son, Robert Akerlof, graduated summa cum laude in economics and mathematics from Yale University.

2009: Robert Akerlof earns Ph.D. from Harvard

In 2009, Janet Yellen's son, Robert Akerlof, earned his Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.

May 10, 2022: Comments on economic consequences of Roe v. Wade overturning

On May 10, 2022, during a Senate Banking Committee hearing, Janet Yellen commented on the economic consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade, stating that eliminating women's right to choose would have damaging economic effects and set women back decades, potentially increasing poverty and reliance on public assistance. This statement was in response to Sen. Bob Menendez and was debated by Sen. Tim Scott.