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TAWANI Enterprises, Inc. is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairwoman, Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker (Retired), has been named to the inaugural 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy list, honoring 100 global leaders transforming the world through generosity, leadership, and impact.

Lieutenant Colonel Pritzker was recognized as an innovator for her visionary leadership and exceptional lifetime commitment to philanthropic giving, having donated nearly half a billion dollars to an eclectic range of causes that span military and veteran support, education, historical preservation, science, human rights, and health equity.

A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, Pritzker has transformed her legacy of service into a robust philanthropic platform through the TAWANI Foundation and Pritzker Military Foundation. Notable efforts include more than $33 million in support to Norwich University, and over $12 million in polar research funding to institutions such as the Field Museum and SETI Institute.

Through her Foundations she has personally helped deliver aid on the ground—providing hands-on support while contributing more than $3.5 million to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and $3.6 million to Operation White Stork, a U.S. veteran–led organization delivering vital medical aid to civilians and soldiers on Ukraine’s front lines.

Lieutenant Colonel Pritzker’s philanthropic reach also includes significant support for women’s health, the arts, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental conservation. Her partnerships span organizations such as Women in International Security, Loyola University Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Creek Women’s Health.

Through her continued leadership at TAWANI Enterprises and her foundation work, Lieutenant Colonel Pritzker remains dedicated to supporting communities, advancing knowledge, and championing causes that shape a better, more inclusive future.

The full list is now available at time.com/time100-philanthropy and will appear in the June 9, 2025 issue of TIME, available on newsstands beginning Friday, May 30.

About TAWANI Enterprises

A visionary umbrella organization with an entrepreneurial outlook, TAWANI Enterprises has a private equity portfolio of startup and mature innovative companies in various industries; and not-for-profit interests. The company offers back-office services to all internal owned companies, including TAWANI Property Management, TAWANI Foundation, Pritzker Military Foundation, Master Wings Publishing, TAWANI Ventures, Mission94 Firearms Education Center and Aurum Trading a rare coin and precious metals dealer. All investments, for profit and not-for-profit, are based on TAWANI’s mission to create opportunities for growth and knowledge and to create things of shared value to be enjoyed by citizens into the future. For more information, visit http://www.tawanienterprises.com.

About the TIME100 Philanthropy List

The TIME100 Philanthropy List honors 100 of the most influential global leaders who are shaping the future of giving. The list highlights individuals whose philanthropic efforts are driving meaningful change across sectors – from education and health to human rights, science, and sustainability. Honorees are selected for both the scale of their giving and the strategic vision behind it, celebrating those who are using their resources, platforms, and influence to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. For more information, please visit https://time.com/collections/time100-philanthrophy/.

TAWANI Enterprises, is proud to announce that its Chairwoman,
Lieutenant Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), was named a Silver winner for the 14th Annual Best in Biz Awards’ Philanthropist of the Year in the Executive of the Year category. Lt. Colonel Pritzker, who received the Bronze award in 2023, was recognized for her exceptional social impact and dedication to societal causes. The award highlights her leadership in guiding company initiatives, charitable giving, funding, and employee matching programs that create meaningful, lasting contributions to communities in need.

The Best in Biz Awards is the only business awards program judged by independent panels of prominent writers and editors from top-tier publications. Judges award a score from 1 to 10, with 10 indicating an entry the judge deems worthy of a gold win, 9 indicating a silver contender, and 8 indicating an entry deserving a bronze award. The organization presented several awards within five categories including company, department/team, executive, product and crisis management/PR.

“I’m truly humbled and honored to be named the Best in Biz Awards’ 2023 Philanthropist of the Year for the second year in a row,” said Lt. Colonel Pritzker. “This recognition highlights the ongoing commitment of our TAWANI Foundation and Pritzker Military Foundation to support a wide array of causes. Through our work, we’re proud to make a difference in areas such as military support, education, historic preservation, and cultural enrichment, helping organizations drive their missions forward.”

Through the Pritzker Military Foundation and TAWANI Foundation, Lt. Colonel Pritzker has significantly impacted numerous organizations across the United States, donating millions to causes ranging from military education to environmental stewardship. Her philanthropic efforts extend globally, responding to crises like the tornado in Tennessee and supporting individuals affected by conflict in Ukraine. Lt. Colonel Pritzker’s life and work exemplify a profound commitment to integrity and societal betterment, driven by her belief in creating enduring value in every enterprise she undertakes.

Lt. Colonel Jennifer Pritzker served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and the Illinois Army National Guard for nearly three decades. A historian, businesswoman, investor, developer, and philanthropist, she founded TAWANI Enterprises in 1994. Through a dynamic portfolio of brands, including the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, and not-for-profit interests, TAWANI Enterprises aims not just to grow value for itself but to create things of value shared and enjoyed by its fellow citizens into the future.

To view the complete list of the Best in Biz Awards honorees, please visit their website.

About TAWANI Enterprises 

A visionary umbrella organization with an entrepreneurial outlook, TAWANI Enterprises has a private equity portfolio of startup and mature innovative companies in various industries; and not-for-profit interests. The company offers back-office services to all internal owned companies, including TAWANI Property Management, TAWANI Foundation, Pritzker Military Foundation, Master Wings Publishing, TAWANI Ventures, Mission94 Firearms Education Center and Aurum Trading a rare coin and precious metals dealer. All investments, for profit and not-for-profit, are based on TAWANI’s mission to create opportunities for growth and knowledge and to create things of shared value to be enjoyed by citizens into the future. For more information, visit https://www.tawanienterprises.com.

TAWANI Enterprises, Inc. is proud to announce that its Founder and CEO, Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), has been named as a 2024 Silver Globee® winner for CEO of the Year at the 12th Annual Globee Awards. Additionally, TAWANI Foundation, led by Colonel Pritzker, has also received a Silver Globee® for Business Philanthropist of the Year. TAWANI FoundaQon is a 501(c)(3) organizaQon and serves as the philanthropic arm of TAWANI Enterprises, Inc.

“I am deeply honored to receive a CEO of the Year award from the Globee Awards and to have TAWANI Foundation recognized as a Business Philanthropist of the Year,” said Colonel Pritzker. “I’m proud to see our Foundation acknowledged for its impactful work, and I look forward to leading our team at TAWANI Enterprises toward more great achievements in the future.”

Colonel Pritzker is a distinguished retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army, who received an honorary promotion to Colonel upon her retirement in 2001 by the Illinois National Guard. She turned her career to entrepreneurship and currently oversees an array of businesses under the TAWANI umbrella, including TAWANI Property Management, Mission94 Firearms Education Center, TAWANI Ventures, Master Wings Publishing and Aurum Trading. Colonel Pritzker is renowned for her philanthropic generosity and dedication to fostering lasting value in the organizations she supports. She established two influential foundations: the Pritzker Military Foundation and TAWANI Foundation.

In 2022 and 2023, TAWANI Foundation bestowed more than $16 million in support to 294 organizations The Foundation focuses its philanthropy on six core areas: nurturing the arts and culture, preserving historical heritage, championing health and wellness, advocating for LGBTQ+ and human rights, advancing education and spearheading environmental stewardship. It has provided local grants to worthy recipients such as the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Loyola University, Project H.O.O.D, Chicago Math and Science Academy, the Chicago Parks Foundation for the AIDS Garden, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, among many other Illinois-based entities. The Foundation has also provided support to national and international organizations, from the American Red Cross in the aftermath of natural disasters to Operation White Stork, a U.S. veteran-run organization supporting on-the-ground aid in Ukraine.

“TAWANI Foundation’s vision is to empower progress and make a meaningful difference for the organizations that we support, and we are grateful and honored that our philanthropic efforts have been recognized with a Globee Award,” said TAWANI Foundation Chief Operating Officer of Philanthropic Activities Susan Rifkin.

This prestigious program recognizes exceptional business leaders globally, highlighting their contributions to innovation, business growth, and positive change in their industries. Winners were selected for their outstanding leadership and impactful achievements. The Globee Awards program entails rigorous peer-to-peer and industry expert review processes to ensure that the most impactful and noteworthy leaders are selected. This year, more than 1,800 executives, professionals, and business owners from around the world applied to participate in the judging process, representing a diverse range of industries and regions. For the full list of judges, visit https://globeeawards.com/leadership/judges/

For the full list of winners, visit https://globeeawards.com/leadership/winners/

About TAWANI Enterprises

A visionary umbrella organization with an entrepreneurial outlook, TAWANI Enterprises has a private equity portfolio of startup and mature innovative companies in various industries; and not-for-profit interests. The company offers back-office services to all internal owned companies, including TAWANI Property Management, TAWANI Foundation, Pritzker Military Foundation, Master Wings Publishing, TAWANI Ventures, Mission94 Firearms Education Center and Aurum Trading, a coins and precious medals maker. All investments, for-profit and not-for-profit, are based on TAWANI’s mission to create opportunities for growth and knowledge and to create things of shared value to be enjoyed by citizens in the future. For more information, visit https://www.tawanienterprises.com

About TAWANI Foundation

Founded in 2002 by notable philanthropist and entrepreneur Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), TAWANI Enterprises’ philanthropic organization TAWANI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBTQ+ and human rights, education, and environmental initiatives. TAWANI Foundation’s vision is to make a sustained and measurable difference for organizations that focus on enriching knowledge, improving health and wellness, and promoting scientific understanding – all with a common goal of making a positive, long-term impact on individuals, communities, and the culture itself. To learn more, visit https://tawanifoundation.org.

About the Globee Awards

The Globee Awards present recognition in ten programs and competitions, including the Globee® Awards for Artificial Intelligence, Globee® Awards for Business (International), Globee® Awards for Customer Excellence, Globee® Awards for Cybersecurity, Globee® Awards for Disruptors, Globee® Awards for Innovation (also known as Golden Bridge Awards®), Globee® Awards for Technology, Globee® Awards for Leadership, Globee® Awards for USA (previously known as Globee® Awards for American Business), and Globee® Awards for Women In Business. To learn more about the Globee Awards, please visit the website: https://globeeawards.com.

TAWANI Enterprises is pleased to announce that its Chairwoman, Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), was presented with a Badge of Honor from the Ukrainian National Guard’s Presidential Brigade. This recognition, awarded on September 17 at the Chicago Cultural Center during the #StandWithUkraine reception and special program, celebrates her steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. Through both her personal efforts and grants provided by her foundation, TAWANI Foundation, Lt. Col. Pritzker (Ret.) has contributed more than $5.4 million in relief to Ukraine. Additionally, she recently traveled to Ukraine, in February, to provide humanitarian support. The award ceremony included remarks from Serhiy Koledov, the Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago, and a performance by the Ukrainian band ANTYTILA.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized and receive the Badge of Honor from the distinguished Ukrainian National Guard’s Presidential Brigade,” said Lt. Col. Pritzker (Ret.). “This accolade represents not just a personal achievement but also underscores the importance of our collective responsibility in addressing and resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Through steadfast commitment, unity, and strategic action, we can contribute to achieving a just and enduring peace. This recognition further strengthens my resolve to support and advance the cause of stability and reconciliation in the region.”

The evening began with opening remarks from Serhiy Koledov, the Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago, followed by the Badge of Honor presentation and inauguration of Lt. Col. Pritzker (Ret.). Guests then enjoyed a screening of the short film “Culture vs War” before being treated to an exclusive acoustic performance by the Ukrainian band ANTYTILA. The band, currently on a U.S. tour to promote the “Culture vs War” project, highlights the stories of Ukrainian cultural artists who have left their creative pursuits to defend their homeland.

Attendees also had the chance to engage in an open discussion with the members of ANTYTILA, covering topics such as Ukrainian resistance, the future of Ukraine, the band’s musical journey, and their experiences with military service. The evening concluded with a raffle and private reception.

Lt. Col. Pritzker (Ret.) strongly believes that a resolution for the war would benefit not only Ukraine but also other nations, including the U.S. She stresses that supporting Ukrainians now can save lives in both countries and potentially avoid the need for U.S. military involvement. Under her leadership, TAWANI Foundation has provided significant aid to Ukraine. Her notable contributions include $40,000 for humanitarian aid through the Salvation Army, $255,000 for GPS equipment via Multi Source Reckoning System LLC, and more than $1.3 million for cold weather gear for the Ukrainian National Guard.

Her most significant donation was to Operation White Stork, a non-profit organization led by U.S.veterans. Her contribution exceeded $3.6M, which includes a $1.5M challenge grant. This funding facilitated the provision of battlefield individual first aid kits to National Guard brigades, as well as humanitarian aid and support for medical needs in Ukraine. Operation White Stork utilizes the skills of entrepreneurs and U.S. military veterans to deliver resources to end users. The organization’s team works directly on the ground in Ukraine to ensure gifts go directly to those in need and has a “no weapons” policy for the type of assistance it provides.

“Colonel Jennifer Pritzker’s transformational gifts through TAWANI Foundation have enabled White Stork to become the leading supplier of combat first aid kits to the Ukrainian military, with close to 100,000 IFAKs delivered to date,” said William McNulty, Co-founder and Head of Mission of White Stork. “I also appreciate that she has visited the frontlines and walked through the minefields to better understand the war from the perspectives of the women & men holding the line between freedom and autocracy.”

To learn more about the TAWANI Foundation grants, visit https://tawanifoundation.org/our-grants. The TAWANI Foundation is a private foundation that accepts applications by invitation only. There is no open application period.

Pictures and b-roll from the event can be found here.