Susan Dell Parents: The Dallas Family That Shaped a Billionaire Philanthropist

Key Takeaways

• Susan Dell was born Susan Lynn Lieberman to Zelig and Marilyn Lieberman in Dallas, Texas.
• Her father, Zelig “Zeck” Lieberman, was a renowned cancer surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.
• Her mother, Marilyn Ely Lieberman, was a homemaker who raised Susan and her two brothers, Steve and Randy.
• The Lieberman household placed a strong emphasis on hard work, education, and community service—values that would later define Susan Dell’s philanthropic work.
• Her brothers went on to successful careers in real estate and venture capital, making the Lieberman family one of high achievement.

The Lieberman Family

Susan Dell, who has recently drawn public attention alongside her husband Michael Dell at the White House, came from a prominent Jewish family in Dallas, Texas. Born Susan Lynn Lieberman, she was the daughter of Zelig “Zeck” Lieberman and Marilyn Ely Lieberman.

The family was deeply rooted in the Dallas community and placed a premium on both professional excellence and giving back. Susan grew up alongside her two brothers, Steve and Randy Lieberman, in an environment that valued hard work and community service.

Zelig Lieberman: The Renowned Surgeon

Susan’s father, Zelig Lieberman, was a celebrated physician who built a distinguished career in medicine. He served as a cancer surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, where he was highly regarded in his field.

His professional achievements set a standard of excellence that would influence his children. According to those who knew the family, Zelig’s dedication to his patients and his profession left a lasting impression on Susan, who would later channel her own resources into healthcare and education initiatives through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

Marilyn Lieberman: The Family’s Foundation

Susan’s mother, Marilyn Ely Lieberman, was described as a homemaker who complemented her husband’s medical career with lessons in compassion and family unity. While Zelig was often occupied with his demanding surgical practice, Marilyn provided the emotional and moral foundation for the household.

The values she instilled in Susan and her brothers—kindness, responsibility, and a commitment to family—became central to Susan Dell’s approach to philanthropy. The Hebrew concept of tikkun olam, or “repairing the world,” was a guiding principle in the Lieberman home, and Susan has cited it as a core motivation for her charitable work.

The Lieberman Brothers: Steve and Randy

Susan’s two brothers, Steve and Randy Lieberman, followed paths that reflected the family’s culture of achievement. Steve built a career in real estate, while Randy established himself in venture capital. Both remained in the Dallas area, where the family’s roots ran deep.

The brothers have occasionally appeared at family events, including a Neiman Marcus event celebrating Susan’s fashion label, Phi, in 2004, where Susan’s father and both brothers attended with their wives.

A Legacy of Giving

The Lieberman family’s emphasis on community service proved formative. When Susan and Michael Dell established the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in 1999, it was in many ways a continuation of the values Susan learned growing up in Dallas. The foundation has since become one of the largest private philanthropies in the United States, focusing on children’s education, health, and economic stability.

In December 2025, the Dells pledged $6.25 billion to fund “Trump Accounts,” a federal investment program for children—a gift that reflects the same spirit of giving that defined Susan’s upbringing in the Lieberman household.