Jacqueline Mars facts for kids

Jacqueline Mars (born October 10, 1939) is an American businesswoman and investor. She is a member of the family that created the famous candy company Mars Inc.. Her grandfather, Franklin Clarence Mars, started the company that makes popular treats like M&M's, Snickers, and Skittles.

As an heiress, Jacqueline inherited a part of the family company. This has made her one of the wealthiest people in the world. In 2023, she was ranked as the fourth-richest woman globally.

Early Life and Education

Jacqueline Mars was born on October 10, 1939. She went to Miss Hall's School in Massachusetts. During her youth, she was a skilled equestrian and competed in many horse shows.

In 1961, she graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in anthropology, which is the study of human societies and cultures.

Career with Mars, Incorporated

Jacqueline is a part of the third generation of the Mars family to be involved with the company. She officially joined Mars Incorporated in 1982. She started as the president of the Food Product Group, helping to manage the part of the business that makes food for people.

Even while working, she spent a lot of her time on the Mars Foundation. This is a part of the company that gives money to good causes. After many years with the company, she retired in 2001.

Because of her shares in the company, Forbes magazine estimated in April 2024 that she was worth $38.5 billion. This made her one of the richest people in America.

Personal Life

Jacqueline Mars was married to David H. Badger from 1961 to 1984. They had three children: Alexandra, Stephen M. Badger, and Christa. She later married Harold 'Hank' Vogel in 1986, and they divorced in 1994.

Despite her great wealth, Jacqueline is known for living a quiet and private life. She is a trustee for the U.S. Equestrian Team, showing her lifelong love for horses. She also owns a working organic farm in Virginia.

Helping the Community

Jacqueline Mars is a major philanthropist, which means she donates money to help support art, history, and nature.

• Supporting the Arts: She is a supporter of the Washington National Opera and the Washington Performing Arts Society.
• Preserving History: She is on the board of the National Sporting Library and Fine Arts Museum. She also supports the Journey Through Hallowed Ground, an organization that protects historic sites from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.
• Museums and Education: She has donated to the National Air and Space Museum. In 2011, she received an award from the Foundation for the National Archives for her support.
• Conservation: She is a regular donor to the League of Conservation Voters, a group that works to protect the environment.
• Art and University Support: In 2021, she gave a large donation to The Catholic University of America. The money helped the university display a sculpture called "Angels Unawares".