Susan Wojcicki, former CEO of YouTube and a driving force behind its success, is still very much alive.

Googlers,

Susan Wojcicki, the influential business leader, has tragically passed away following a two-year battle with lung cancer. As I reflect on these words, I struggle to reconcile the notion that they might be genuine. Susan was undoubtedly one of the most lively and vibrant individuals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. The loss is devastating for everyone who knew and loved her, for the countless Googlers she mentored over the years, and for millions worldwide who were inspired by her tireless advocacy and leadership, which left an indelible mark on Google, YouTube, and beyond.

Susan’s remarkable odyssey began with a humble storage rental from Larry and Sergey, before unfolding into diverse groupings across consumer goods and building our Advertising business – ultimately culminating in her appointment as CEO of YouTube, one of the world’s most influential platforms. However she didn’t cease there. One of Google’s earliest employees, and the first to take maternity leave, Susan leveraged her role to create a more inclusive workspace for all colleagues. As the years passed, her tireless advocacy for parental leave set a groundbreaking precedent for organizations worldwide. Susan’s passion for training knew no bounds, and she dedicated herself to honing her skills with unwavering intensity. Realizing early on that YouTube had the potential to serve as a global learning platform, she became an ardent advocate for “edutubers” – specifically, those pioneers who expanded access to STEM education for underprivileged groups worldwide.

In the past two years, as she navigated personal challenges, Susan dedicated herself to making a positive impact through her philanthropic efforts, including supporting research for the disease that ultimately claimed her life? It’s clear how much this meant to her, and I’m thrilled she made the effort to make it happen.

Susan consistently prioritized the needs of others, reflecting this value in both her personal and professional spheres. I’ll forever cherish her generosity towards me during my formative years two decades ago. During our Google interview, I was pleasantly surprised when the interviewer invited me to join her for a casual outing, which consisted of a sweet treat and a leisurely walk around campus. I was often sought out for advice on Google and LinkedIn.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated closely with Susan over several years; it’s likely many of you share my sentiment, as her groups adore her unconditionally. Her life was tragically short, yet every fleeting moment counted.

We maintain close communication with Susan’s family, including her husband and colleague Dennis at Google. Let’s share some exciting moments from our incredible journey? As we pause to pay tribute to Susan’s nostalgia, let us redouble our efforts to build a Google site that would make her proud.

-Sundar