Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mark Zuckerberg

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mark Zuckerberg made an impact.

Mark Zuckerberg is an American businessman and programmer best known as the co-founder, chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). He played a pivotal role in developing Facebook into a global social media platform, influencing how billions connect and communicate. Zuckerberg's leadership has faced scrutiny regarding data privacy, content moderation, and the societal impact of social media. Despite controversies, he remains a prominent figure in the technology industry and a key player in shaping the future of the metaverse and artificial intelligence.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

September 2010: Pledge to Newark Public Schools

In September 2010, Mark Zuckerberg, with the support of Governor Chris Christie, pledged US$100 million to Newark Public Schools.

September 2010: $100 Million Donation to Newark Schools

In September 2010, Zuckerberg donated $100 million to Newark Public Schools through the Startup:Education foundation. The donation's timing was scrutinized due to the impending release of "The Social Network" film.

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2010: Signing The Giving Pledge

In 2010, Zuckerberg, along with Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of their wealth to charity.

December 2012: Donation to Silicon Valley Community Foundation

In December 2012, Mark Zuckerberg donated 18 million shares to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, an organization focused on grant-making, including in the area of education.

December 2012: Commitment to Donate Majority of Wealth

In December 2012, Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan announced their commitment to donate the majority of their wealth over their lifetimes to "advancing human potential and promoting equality" in the spirit of The Giving Pledge.

February 2013: Fundraising Event for Chris Christie

In February 2013, Mark Zuckerberg hosted his first fundraising event for then-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Zuckerberg's interest was in education reform, specifically Christie's work on teachers unions and charter schools.

April 11, 2013: Launch of FWD.us Lobbying Group

On April 11, 2013, Mark Zuckerberg launched FWD.us, a 501(c)(4) lobbying group founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and investors, with Joe Green as president. The group aimed to address immigration reform, education improvement, and technological advancements but faced criticism for supporting oil and gas development initiatives.

June 20, 2013: Engagement with Facebook Users on FWD.us Video

On June 20, 2013, Mark Zuckerberg responded to claims about FWD.us on his Facebook profile, clarifying that the organization's goal was to ensure fair treatment for undocumented immigrants.

December 2013: Donation to Silicon Valley Community Foundation

In December 2013, Zuckerberg announced a donation of 18 million Facebook shares, valued at $990 million, to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. It was recognized as the largest charitable gift on public record for that year.

October 2014: $25 Million Donation to Combat Ebola

In October 2014, Zuckerberg and his wife donated $25 million to combat the Ebola virus disease during the West African Ebola virus epidemic.

February 2015: $75 Million Donation to San Francisco General Hospital

In February 2015, Zuckerberg and his wife donated $75 million to the foundation of the San Francisco General Hospital, leading to its renaming as The Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

December 1, 2015: Pledge to Transfer Facebook Shares to CZI

On December 1, 2015, Zuckerberg and his wife pledged to transfer 99% of their Facebook shares, then valued at $45 billion, to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) over the course of their lives.

2016: Creation of Chan Zuckerberg Biohub

In 2016, CZI gave $600 million to create the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, a collaborative research space in San Francisco, with the intent to foster interaction and collaboration between scientists at UCSF, University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University.

2017: Call for Action on Global Warming

In 2017, Mark Zuckerberg called for action to stop global warming in a commencement speech at Harvard University.

January 2025: Comments on the Trump Administration

In January 2025, Mark Zuckerberg commented positively on the Trump administration's support for leading companies and American technology.

March 2025: Relationship with Trump Administration During Antitrust Case

In March 2025, Mark Zuckerberg mentioned his relationship with the Trump administration while seeking a favorable settlement in an antitrust case with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).