Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Whitney Ann Kroenke |
| Also Known As | Whitney Kroenke Silverstein |
| Birth | September 29, 1977 |
| Age | 47 |
| Birthplace | Columbia, Missouri, USA |
| Education | B.S. in Speech (Theatre major), Northwestern University (late 1990s) |
| Occupations | Philanthropist, Film Producer, Entrepreneur, Arts Advocate |
| Known For | Co-founding Playing For Change and the Playing For Change Foundation; producing films centered on social themes |
| Notable Works | ReGeneration (2010), The Power of Few (2013), Sound of Freedom (2023) |
| Organizations Co-Founded | Playing For Change (2001), Playing For Change Foundation (2007), Nine Banded Whiskey (2014) |
| Notable Honors | Polar Music Prize (2019, awarded to Playing For Change) |
| Parents | Ann Walton Kroenke; E. Stanley “Stan” Kroenke |
| Siblings | Josh Kroenke (b. 1980) |
| Spouse(s) | Ben Burditt (m. 2006; div. 2010); Nyck (Nick) Silverstein (post-2010) |
| Children | Not publicly confirmed |
| Primary Base | West Hollywood/Los Angeles, California (reported) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @whitneyannkroenke; X: @wakroenke (low activity) |
From Stagecraft to Screens: Early Life and Education
Whitney Ann Kroenke was born on September 29, 1977, in Columbia, Missouri, into a family synonymous with American retail and sports enterprise. At Northwestern University in the late 1990s, she earned a B.S. in Speech with a major in Theatre—an education that stitched together choreography, dance, and acting. Early on, she sharpened her craft across the Atlantic and on New York stages, contributing choreography to an off-Broadway musical (I Sing) and the London production of Romeo & Juliet directed by Daniel Kramer.
The spotlight, however, was never her destination so much as a tool. After moving to Los Angeles, she leaned into projects that fused creativity with social good, aligning her artistic training with a widening philanthropic compass.
Building Platforms for Change: Playing For Change
In August 2001, a chance meeting in Los Angeles with producer Mark Johnson helped ignite a global music movement. Playing For Change launched soon after as a multimedia project connecting street musicians across continents through songs and videos stitched together like a sonic patchwork quilt. By 2007, Whitney helped form the Playing For Change Foundation to translate that energy into music education programs around the world, and she stepped in as executive director.
In 2019, the organization received the prestigious Polar Music Prize, a nod to its influence in bridging cultures through rhythm and melody. Through 2024 and 2025, Whitney continued to serve as president and a visible force behind the foundation’s programs, co-chairing events such as the Impact Awards and hosting intimate gatherings that rallied donors and artists alike. In an era of noise, her method remains melodious: build schools, nurture teachers, place instruments in young hands, and amplify community voices.
Producing with Purpose: Films and Projects
Whitney’s filmography mirrors her belief that storytelling can shift perspectives. She has produced a trio of features anchored in social themes and moral urgency.
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReGeneration | 2010 | Producer | Documentary examining youth engagement and social issues |
| The Power of Few | 2013 | Producer | Ensemble narrative exploring choices and consequence |
| Sound of Freedom | 2023 | Producer | Dramatic feature on human trafficking; widely discussed and debated |
Her entrepreneurial streak surfaced in 2014 with the co-founding of Nine Banded Whiskey in Austin, Texas—a venture that underscored her interest in building brands with character and craft.
Family Ties and Fortunes
Whitney is the daughter of Ann Walton Kroenke and E. Stanley “Stan” Kroenke—names that resonate across retail aisles and sports arenas. Her maternal lineage traces to James “Bud” Walton, who co-founded Walmart with his brother Sam, linking Whitney to one of the most consequential American business families of the past century.
| Family Member | Relationship | Notability | Estimated Wealth (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Walton Kroenke (b. 1948) | Mother | Walmart heiress, philanthropist | ~$13B |
| E. Stanley “Stan” Kroenke (b. 1947) | Father | Real estate and sports owner (NFL, NBA, NHL, global football) | ~$16B |
| Josh Kroenke (b. 1980) | Brother | Sports executive (Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche), football governance | — |
| Nancy Walton Laurie (b. 1951) | Aunt | Walmart heiress, philanthropist | ~High single-digit to low double-digit billions |
| Paige Laurie (b. 1982) | Cousin | Private figure following earlier public scrutiny | — |
Her inner circle has remained close-knit, with public appearances occasionally highlighting collaborations with her mother and brother. Whitney married designer Ben Burditt in 2006; they divorced in July 2010. She later married Nyck (Nick) Silverstein and has co-chaired events with him. Reports suggest she may have a daughter, though details remain private.
Financial Picture
Whitney is frequently described as an heiress, a term that reflects access to significant family resources rather than a publicly documented personal net worth. Various reports estimate that she has benefited from Walton-linked holdings, with some placing potential inheritance around the multi-billion-dollar mark. What is clear is that her philanthropy—especially through Playing For Change—and occasional business ventures are buoyed by a sturdy financial foundation, enabling long-term commitments rather than one-off gestures.
Recent Activity and Public Presence (2024–2025)
In 2024 and 2025, Whitney’s calendar has centered on philanthropic events, including the Playing For Change Impact Awards and private donor functions, with brand partners joining to amplify reach. Her social media footprint remains measured: a modest Instagram with sporadic posts and a lightly used X account tend to feature foundation news, personal reflections, and occasional project highlights. On YouTube and in interviews, she often leans into the foundation’s mission—using music as both lesson plan and lifeline—while celebrating the educators and students who keep the beat.
A Timeline of Milestones
- 1977-09-29: Born in Columbia, Missouri.
- Late 1990s: Graduates from Northwestern University (B.S. in Speech, Theatre major).
- 2001-08: Meets Mark Johnson; seeds of Playing For Change are planted.
- 2002: Playing For Change launches as a multimedia project.
- 2006-09-28: Marries Ben Burditt.
- 2007: Becomes executive director of the Playing For Change Foundation.
- 2010-07: Divorces Ben Burditt; releases ReGeneration as producer.
- 2013: Produces The Power of Few.
- 2014: Co-founds Nine Banded Whiskey (Austin, TX).
- 2019: Playing For Change receives the Polar Music Prize.
- Post-2010: Marries Nyck (Nick) Silverstein; adopts the name Whitney Kroenke Silverstein.
- 2023: Produces Sound of Freedom.
- 2024–2025: Hosts and co-chairs multiple Playing For Change events, including Impact Awards.
FAQ
Who is Whitney Ann Kroenke?
She is an American philanthropist, film producer, and entrepreneur known for co-founding Playing For Change and producing socially focused films.
How is she connected to the Walton family?
Her mother, Ann Walton Kroenke, is a Walmart heiress and daughter of James “Bud” Walton, making Whitney part of the extended Walton family.
What are her most notable films?
She produced ReGeneration (2010), The Power of Few (2013), and Sound of Freedom (2023).
What is Playing For Change?
It’s a global music movement and education nonprofit she co-founded that supports music programs and schools worldwide.
Did she study the arts formally?
Yes, she graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. in Speech and a major in Theatre.
Is she married?
She married designer Ben Burditt in 2006 (divorced 2010) and later married Nyck (Nick) Silverstein.
Does she have children?
Reports suggest she may have a daughter, but no details have been publicly confirmed.
What is known about her net worth?
Her exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed; estimates often cite significant Walton-linked wealth.
What businesses has she launched?
Beyond media and philanthropy, she co-founded Nine Banded Whiskey in 2014.
Where is she based?
She is reported to live in the Los Angeles area, with much of her work anchored in West Hollywood.
