Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), President and Founder of the TAWANI Foundation, has been extensively involved in philanthropic work for over two decades, though her drive to help others and make an impact on communities around her was first instilled earlier in life by the examples set by her parents and other family members.

In 1974, Jennifer enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving until 1977 with the 82nd Airborne Division.  She commissioned in 1979 and served on active duty until 1985 with the 101st Airborne Division and VII Corps Germany.  From 1985 to 2001, she served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Illinois Army National Guard.  She retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and subsequently received an honorary promotion to full Colonel in the Illinois Army National Guard.

Jennifer is a graduate of U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Infantry Officer Basic and Advance Courses, Tactical Intelligence Officer Course, Combined Arms and Services Course and Chemical and Quartermaster Officer Advanced Courses.  She has a B.A. in History from Loyola University, Chicago.  She was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Norwich University in 2007.

Given her upbringing and expansive military career, her philanthropy grew to encompass support for organizations operating in a wide array of subject matter areas, including support for military organizations and projects related to military history, medical and scientific research in human sexuality and gender identity, cultural and educational institutions, historic preservation, and human rights advocacy.  Through the TAWANI Foundation, the Pritzker Military Foundation, and privately, Jennifer has made significant investments in charitable support to philanthropic initiatives across the nation and internationally.  Her philanthropic work has even taken her as far as Antarctica on several research expeditions with world-renowned astronauts and scientists.

In addition to her role serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of TAWANI Enterprises, Inc., Jennifer devotes significant time to her philanthropic activities.  Along with her active engagement as Founder and Chair of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, President and Founder of the TAWANI Foundation, and President and Founder of the Pritzker Military Foundation, she also serves as a Governing Member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Visiting Committee to the Library at The University of Chicago and a member of the Leadership Council for the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota.  Additionally, she has previously served on the boards of Norwich University (1997-2007), the USO of Illinois (1997-2012), the National Strategy Forum (2000-2013), the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (2001-2007), the Illinois National Guard and Militia Historical Society (1996-2008), and the National Guard Association of Illinois (1994-1995).

In 2016, Jennifer received a number of prestigious awards and honors, including the U.S. Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award, the Landmarks Illinois Legendary Landmark Award, and the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s “Trailblazer” award.