Early Life
Lynn Schusterman was born Lynn Rothschild on January 21, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Oklahoma City. She was raised in a Jewish family and learned the value of philanthropy from her father. She attended the University of Miami.
Rise to Success
In 1962, she married Charles Schusterman. Together, they built a successful business empire. Charles founded Samson Resources in 1971, an oil and gas exploration company. Under Charles's leadership, Samson Resources grew, contributing significantly to the Schustermans' wealth. The family sold most of the company's assets in 2011. Lynn Schusterman held onto some oil and gas assets, which are part of Samson Energy.
Key Business Strategies
Lynn's primary source of wealth is rooted in the oil and gas industry, stemming from Samson Resources. She also has significant investments. The sale of Samson Resources' assets in 2011 for $7.2 billion was a pivotal moment, enabling a significant expansion of their philanthropic endeavors. The family has maintained control over certain oil and gas assets.
Philanthropy
In 1987, Lynn and Charles Schusterman founded the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. After Charles's death in 2000, Lynn became the first woman to lead a large Jewish philanthropic organization. Lynn Schusterman's giving is focused on the global Jewish community, Israel, and her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She signed the Giving Pledge in 2011, committing to donate the majority of her wealth to charity. The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies distributes approximately $400 million annually. The family has given away more than $3.5 billion. Her philanthropy includes advocacy for the LGBT community and support for various educational and social initiatives.
