Early Life and Family
Karen Pritzker was born in Oberlin, Ohio, in 1958. She is a member of the prominent Pritzker family, known for their significant business ventures and philanthropic contributions. Her grandfather, A.N. Pritzker, laid the foundation for the family's wealth. Her father, Robert Pritzker, further diversified the Chicago-based family business, the Marmon Group, into a portfolio of over 60 industrial corporations. She has two siblings, Jennifer N. Pritzker and Linda Pritzker.
Rise to Success
Karen Pritzker is known for her roles as an investor, philanthropist, and film producer. Her investments, through Pritzker/Vlock, address sectors from technology to health. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Northwestern University. Pritzker has invested in leading public companies, including Apple, as well as hundreds of private biotech and medical device firms.
Key Business Strategies
Karen Pritzker's financial investments are a testament to her foresight and adaptability. Her focus on health and innovation mirrors her philanthropic pursuits, creating a synergy between her financial interests and humanitarian goals. She is also the Chairman of the Board of Colson Associates.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is a cornerstone of Karen Pritzker's life. She is president and director of The Seedlings Foundation, dedicated to the physical and mental health of children. She co-founded The My Hero Project in 1995, which empowers young people. Pritzker and her late husband, Michael Vlock, made several donations, including to Yale University School of Medicine, Teach for America, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.