Sheila Marcelo’s journey wasn’t just about building a business—it was about solving a deeply personal problem. As a young mother balancing work, school, and family, she struggled to find reliable childcare. Instead of accepting the status quo, she built a platform that would revolutionize caregiving for millions worldwide.

Care.com started as an idea born from necessity but became the world’s largest online marketplace for care services. Marcelo’s story is one of resilience, vision, and the power of using technology to address real human needs.

The Inspiration Behind Care.com

Marcelo’s entrepreneurial journey began with frustration. Juggling the demands of an MBA program, a growing family, and a career, she saw firsthand how broken the caregiving system was. Finding trusted childcare or senior care was a challenge, and existing solutions were fragmented and inefficient.

She didn’t just identify a gap—she decided to fill it. With a background in tech and a passion for problem-solving, she envisioned a digital solution that could connect families with caregivers in a seamless, trustworthy way.

Scaling an Idea into a Global Business

Launching Care.com in 2006, Marcelo set out to bridge the gap between families and caregivers. The platform quickly gained traction, offering a one-stop solution for childcare, senior care, pet care, and more. What set Care.com apart was its ability to use technology to build trust—integrating background checks, reviews, and a user-friendly experience.

Her leadership propelled the company to rapid growth. By 2014, Care.com had gone public, proving that mission-driven businesses could also achieve commercial success. However, as the company scaled, Marcelo faced new challenges—competition, regulatory hurdles, and the responsibility of ensuring the safety and quality of care providers on the platform.

Navigating Challenges and Leading with Purpose

As the platform grew, so did its complexities. Ensuring safety and trust at scale required constant innovation, from AI-driven vetting systems to partnerships with regulatory bodies. Marcelo embraced these challenges, reinforcing her commitment to both the caregivers and families relying on Care.com.

But leadership is about more than just business—it’s about impact. Marcelo became an advocate for caregivers, pushing for better pay, professional recognition, and policies that support working families. Under her leadership, Care.com didn’t just grow; it helped elevate the conversation around caregiving as an essential industry.

Lessons from Sheila Marcelo’s Journey

1. Solve a Real Problem – The best businesses are born from real-life frustrations and needs.
2. Technology is a Tool for Impact – Scaling a mission-driven company requires the right tech solutions to build trust and efficiency.
3. Leadership Means Advocacy – True leadership goes beyond business metrics; it includes making a meaningful impact on the industry and society.
4. Innovation is Ongoing – Scaling a company requires constant adaptation to new challenges and opportunities.

Redefining Success and the Future of Caregiving

Marcelo’s legacy goes beyond Care.com. She continues to champion initiatives that support caregivers, working families, and female entrepreneurs. Her journey proves that business success and social impact can go hand in hand—and that the best ideas often come from our own struggles.

Through her work, she has not only transformed caregiving but also reshaped how we think about balancing career, family, and support systems. And for millions of families worldwide, that change is more than just business—it’s life-changing.