Esther Wojcicki

Congratulations to Esther on the documentary The Godmother of Silicon Valley, which celebrates her remarkable legacy. The film explores how, through her journalism programme, which she led from 1984 to 2020, Esther inspired countless young people who would go on to shape the technology industry. It also highlights the achievements of her daughters, former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki and 23andMe co-founder Anne Wojcicki, whose success reflects the values of curiosity, creativity and independence that Esther championed throughout her teaching career.

Esther Wojcicki’s commitment to transforming education serves the greater purpose of developing connected and caring human beings. As this moonshot movement prevails, we can expect to continue to see a new generation of citizens who treat each other with trust, respect, independence, collaboration, and kindness.

The WOJ Youth Reporter Award

Deadline September 1st

Student reporters of all ages are invited to share
inspiring short films on the theme of heroism!

The MY HERO Film Festival's WOJ Award, presented by Esther, encourages elementary, middle, high school, and college-age students to use their creativity and voice to highlight those working for positive change. Whether it’s a community leader, a local activist, or someone doing amazing things in their own unique way, we want to hear your story! 
How to Enter 🚀
Eligibility: Elementary, Middle, High School, and College-age Students may apply.

Submission Fee: FREE!

email: [email protected] to request a fee waiver

Then log on to https://myhero.com/Submit

Esther has received several awards for her contributions to education. In 2025, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Journalism Education Association of America, an award given to “retirees for lifetime dedication to journalism education in the form of advising or other contributions to the profession.”[1] On why Wojcicki was honored, Palo Alto adviser Ellen Austin said:

"Esther’s approach has always been that journalism students should be the center of everything happening, and that they should make the decisions about every aspect of their publications. Esther encouraged her students — and by extension us, as her colleagues — to go after great stories and not be afraid to ask questions.[2]"

Esther was also honored by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) at Columbia University with their Platinum Key Award. The centennial award is given to individuals who have had a significant and lasting impact on journalism education. Esther has been honored by the CSPA before; she is a recipient of both the CSPA Gold Key and the CSPA Charles R. O’Malley Award for Excellence in Teaching.[3]

[1] https://jea.org/awards/lifetime-achievement

[2] https://jea.org/news/jea-names-8-lifetime-achievement-award-winners/

[3] https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/news/cspa-centennial-awards-platinum-key

Discover the MY HERO Youth Reporter Journalism and Filmmaking Workbook, featuring a preface by Esther. Explore the chapter previews by clicking on the image below.

Created by MY HERO, this practical workbook is designed to guide young storytellers through the process of researching, reporting and producing a short film for the MY HERO International Film Festival. Whether you're new to filmmaking or looking to develop your journalism skills, it provides valuable advice and inspiration every step of the way.

Click on the image below to view Woj!, a short documentary about Esther Wojcicki and her unique approach to educating students. This short doc features an interview with Esther at Palo Alto High School, where she has created an award winning journalism program. WOJ is the nickname her students have lovingly bestowed upon her.

Click on the images below to learn about Wojcicki's books that are inspiring parents and educators around the world!

MY HERO is grateful to Esther for all of her support including donating the Student Reporter Award at our Film Festival and her contributions to the Student Reporter Project.