JENNIFER PRITZKER

Net worth: $2.2 BILLION

Jennifer Pritzker, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and philanthropist, is a member of the renowned Pritzker family. As an heiress to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, her wealth has primarily been amassed through her family's various business ventures, including hotel chains and investments in real estate, as well as her personal entrepreneurial pursuits.

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FORTUNE

Jennifer Pritzker's net worth is estimated to be approximately $2.2 billion. Her financial portfolio features significant investments in real estate, particularly focusing on the restoration of historic properties. Additionally, she is known for her vast collection of military memorabilia and artifacts, which are housed in the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.

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NEGATIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HER

1. "The Pritzkers symbolize wealth and privilege obtained through inheritance." - Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator and 2020 Democratic Presidential Candidate (source: ABC News)
2. "Jennifer Pritzker's passion for historic preservation is merely a self-indulgent endeavor." - Michael Sorkin, architect and urbanist (source: Architectural Review)
3. "Philanthropy by the Pritzker family often serves their self-interests and promotes their public image." - Rob Reich, Professor of Political Science at Stanford University (source: The Washington Post)
4. "Pritzker's military collection seems to promote war and aggression." - Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now! (source: Democracy Now!)
5. "Investing in the preservation of historic mansions is misplaced when housing and education are in crisis." - Rashida Tlaib, U.S. Representative (source: Detroit Free Press)

POSITIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HER

1. "Jennifer Pritzker's dedication to preserving American history through her investments in historic properties is remarkable." - David McCullough, historian and author (source: C-SPAN)
2. "Her unwavering support for the military community has made a significant impact on veterans' lives." - Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator and Iraq War veteran (source: Military Times)
3. "Pritzker has been a trailblazer for transgender rights and a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community." - Caitlyn Jenner, television personality and LGBTQ+ advocate (source: Variety)
4. "Jennifer Pritzker's commitment to LGBTQ+ causes is both admirable and inspiring." - Anderson Cooper, journalist and television personality (source: CNN)
5. "Her advocacy has been crucial in raising awareness and promoting understanding of transgender issues within the military." - Sue Fulton, former U.S. Army captain and LGBTQ+ advocate (source: CBS News)

HOW SHE GOT STARTED

Jennifer Pritzker was born into the affluent Pritzker family, known for their ownership of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation. After attending Loyola University Chicago, she joined the U.S. Army and served for 27 years, ultimately retiring as a lieutenant colonel. She later founded Tawani Enterprises, a private wealth management firm, and the Tawani Foundation, a philanthropic organization.

HER BIG BREAK

Jennifer Pritzker's big break came when she inherited a significant portion of the family fortune, allowing her to invest in various ventures and philanthropic causes. She has since become a prominent figure in historic preservation, military history, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

WHEN SHE CAME OUT

In 2013, Jennifer Pritzker publicly came out as transgender, making her the first known transgender billionaire. She made her transition public in a statement, saying, "As of Aug. 16, 2013, J.N. Pritzker will undergo an official legal name change, will now be known as Jennifer Natalya Pritzker.

This change will reflect the beliefs of her true identity that she has held privately and will now share publicly. Pritzker now identifies herself as a woman for all business and personal undertakings." (source: Crain's Chicago Business)

Jennifer's announcement was met with a mix of support and criticism. While many in the LGBTQ+ community praised her for her openness, some in the business world were concerned about the impact her transition might have on the family's reputation. Despite the varying reactions, her decision to come out as transgender has been a significant moment for transgender visibility and advocacy, particularly in the military community.

PHILOSOPHY

Jennifer Pritzker's life and business philosophy is centered around the importance of preserving history, advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, and supporting veterans. She attributes her success to her strong work ethic and dedication to her passions.

She has been quoted saying, "Success is not something you're born into; you have to work for it, be driven by your passions, and never give up on what you believe in." (source: Forbes)

Jennifer advises others to stay true to their beliefs and values, stating, "When you know who you are and what you stand for, you can face life's challenges with conviction and make a positive impact." (source: Out Magazine)

RELATIONSHIP STATUS

Jennifer Pritzker's relationship status is not publicly known, as she has kept her personal life private.

LGBT PHILANTHROPY

Jennifer Pritzker has supported numerous LGBTQ+ philanthropies, including the Palm Center, a research institute focused on sexual minorities in the military, and the National Center for Transgender Equality. Through the Tawani Foundation, she has provided substantial funding to various LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives, particularly those centered on transgender rights and military service.

CONTROVERSIES

1. Family Business Disputes - Jennifer Pritzker has faced controversies related to her family's business practices, including disputes between family members over wealth distribution and control of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
2. Criticism of Historic Preservation Efforts - Some critics argue that her focus on historic preservation is a self-serving project and that her resources could be better utilized addressing urgent social issues such as affordable housing and education.
3. Military Collection - Jennifer's extensive military collection at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library has been criticized for glorifying war and promoting violence.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

• Jennifer Pritzker is a licensed pilot who enjoys flying vintage aircraft.
• She is a collector of military uniforms and artifacts, with a specific interest in the American Civil War.
• Pritzker is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and has been involved in the restoration of several historic properties, including the Monroe Building in Chicago.

SPEECHES

In a speech given at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, Jennifer Pritzker said:

"Learning from history is essential. It shows us where we've been and helps us chart a course for the future. By preserving and sharing military history, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who have served our country and ensure that their stories live on. As a transgender woman and a veteran, I am proud to stand up for those who have faced discrimination and fought for the right to serve. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society for all." (source: *Pritzker Military Museum & Library YouTube Channel*)

BOOKS

Jennifer Pritzker has not authored any books but has contributed to various publications and articles on military history and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

DOCUMENTARIES

While there are no documentaries specifically focused on Jennifer Pritzker, she has appeared in numerous news segments and interviews discussing her philanthropy, historic preservation projects, and advocacy for transgender rights.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTED TO JENNIFER PRITZKER

1. "Perseverance, passion, and authenticity are key ingredients to success in life and business." (source: Forbes)
2. "I believe in the power of storytelling to create understanding and empathy, which is why preserving history is so important to me." (source: Out Magazine)
3. "As a transgender veteran, I have a unique perspective on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ service members and feel a responsibility to make a difference." (source: NBC News)
4. "Restoring historic properties is not only about honoring our past but also about providing opportunities for future generations to learn and appreciate our collective history." (source: Chicago Tribune)
5. "Our identity is multifaceted, and it's important to embrace every aspect of ourselves. I am proud of my military service and my transgender identity, and I believe that our diversity makes us stronger." (source: New York Times)