Philanthropic 50: Valerie Mars

One of four daughters of the late Forrest Mars, (Jacqueline’s brother), Valerie is currently senior vice-president for corporate development in the family firm. Like each of her three sisters, her net worth is estimated by Forbes as .

9 billion, thanks to an inheritance from her father.

She supports organizations dedicated to protecting the environment globally, including Conservation International, where she is a board member (along with actor Harrison Ford).

She is also a generous patron and honorary trustee of The Open Space Institute, a nonprofit whose aim is “the improvement of people’s lives and the world we live in.

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