Kimbra Walter | |
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| Born | United States |
| Education |
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| Occupations |
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| Known for | Co-founder of Professional Women's Hockey League |
| Spouse | Mark Walter |
| Children | 1 |
Kimbra Walter is an American attorney, sports executive, and philanthropist. She is known for her role as co-founder of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) alongside her husband Mark Walter, [1] and for her extensive philanthropic work in conservation, social equity, and education.
Walter earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Northwestern University in 1985, and subsequently obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University. [2] [3]
Walter is a practicing attorney who has dedicated much of her career to philanthropic endeavors. She serves on the boards of trustees of several prominent Chicago institutions, including the Lincoln Park Zoo, OneGoal, and the Goodman Theatre. [4]
Together with her husband Mark, Kimbra Walter co-founded TWF Causes (The Walter Family Causes), an organization that advances two primary missions: promoting equity by addressing systemic obstacles for marginalized communities, and preserving rare species and wild places. [5] The organization operates on core values of equity, opportunity, and sustainability.
The Walters are the principal financial supporters of White Oak Conservation, a 17,000-acre wildlife refuge in northern Florida. The center focuses on conservation science, education, and the recovery of endangered species, including rhinoceros, cheetah, antelope, and okapi. In 2021, the preserve welcomed a herd of Asian elephants. [6]
The Walters established the Walter Family Foundation Scholarship Fund at Northwestern University School of Law (now the Pritzker School of Law), which provides full financial support including tuition and living expenses for law students with demonstrated financial need. [7] Their philanthropic programs also include support for Chicago Beyond, OneGoal, and The Academy Group.
In 2023, Kimbra and Mark Walter played a foundational role in establishing the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), which began play in January 2024. The league was formed through the consolidation of the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) and the remnants of the Premier Hockey Federation. [8]
On April 4, 2024, the PWHL announced that its championship trophy would be named the Walter Cup in honor of Mark and Kimbra Walter, recognizing their commitment to women's hockey. The name was proposed by tennis legend and PWHL advisory board member Billie Jean King. [9] The trophy, designed by Tiffany & Co., is made of sterling silver, weighs approximately 35 pounds, and stands 24 inches tall. Walter has participated in ceremonial presentations of the Walter Cup, including presenting the trophy to Minnesota Frost captain Kendall Coyne Schofield following the team's 2025 championship victory. [10]
Kimbra Walter is married to businessman Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners. The couple resides in Chicago with their daughter. [11] They are both Northwestern University alumni, having attended the university in the mid-1980s.