2022 Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award Recipient
Sheila Lirio Marcelo
Co-Founder and CEO of Proof of Learn and Founder of Care.com Sheila Lirio Marcelo is the recipient of the 2022 Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award. Kristen Palson, COO of the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, presented the award at the 43rd Simmons University Leadership Conference.
“Sheila exemplifies her values in her actions and leadership style,” Palson said. “Over the course of her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to an organization, compassion to its members, and courage to make challenging business decisions.”
Marcelo founded Care.com in 2006 and served as CEO until 2020. Care.com is the world’s largest online destination for finding and managing reliable family care—addressing the needs of 35 million people in 20 countries. In 2021, Marcelo co-founded Proof of Learn, an online education platform. Born and raised in the Philippines, she graduated from Mount Holyoke College and earned an MBA and JD from Harvard University. Marcelo was named one of the Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs by Fortune Magazine. She is a Henry Crown Fellow with the Aspen Institute, a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, was awarded a Marshall Memorial Fellowship, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
“It’s an honor to be recognized with this award in a forum that connects inspiring and innovative global leaders who are committed to the betterment of workplaces and communities,” Marcelo said.
“With her courage, bold vision, and authenticity, Sheila has helped millions of women make meaningful connections with dependable caregivers, allowing them to remain in the workplace. She embodies the theme of this year’s conference, Cultivating Courage and Connection,” said Susan MacKenty Brady, CEO of the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership.
The Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award is presented at our annual Simmons Leadership Conference. Candidates are nominated by the Institute’s team of staff, experts, and strategic advisory board members based on the recommendations offered by community members and business leaders worldwide. Each year’s recipient is selected by a distinguished Awards Committee.
“The mission of Simmons is to empower and educate the next generation of women leaders. Sheila, through Care.com, has helped elevate the careers of women around the world,” said Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, President of Simmons University. “Sheila stands as a role model and inspiration for our students.”
“Sheila’s work connecting families and caregivers has empowered women to be their best selves both at home and in the workplace. Her latest endeavor to make high-quality education accessible in all corners of the globe makes her an obvious choice as the recipient of this year’s award,” said Helen G. Drinan.