Mitzi Perdue: Heiress, Humanitarian, Author, and Global Advocate
The name Mitzi Perdue is one that spans multiple worlds—business, philanthropy, journalism, and humanitarian advocacy. She is not only the daughter of one empire and the widow of another but also a dynamic figure who has spent her life carving her own path. From her upbringing as the daughter of one of the co-founders of Sheraton Hotels to her marriage into the Perdue Farms family, Mitzi Perdue could have lived a quiet life in the shadow of wealth. Instead, she chose to dedicate her life to writing, speaking, and championing causes that affect some of the most vulnerable populations in the world.
Her career has touched on family business sustainability, anti-human trafficking, environmental stewardship, and frontline war reporting. This unique blend of backgrounds makes her an inspirational figure and a role model for those who wish to combine privilege with purpose.
Early Life and Education
Harvard and Beyond
Mitzi Perdue was born into privilege, the daughter of Ernest Henderson, co-founder of Sheraton Hotels. Despite the wealth and prominence of her family, she quickly learned the value of responsibility and purpose. She pursued her education at Harvard University, where she earned a degree in Government with honors. During her time there, she was active in student leadership and organizations, honing her ability to engage with people and causes.
George Washington University
She later earned a Master’s in Public Administration from George Washington University. Even at that early stage, Mitzi demonstrated her forward-thinking mindset. Her master’s thesis, written in the mid-1960s, predicted that computers would one day be so powerful and interconnected that people would “plug in for information the way we now plug in for electricity.” This vision showed her ability to anticipate trends long before they became mainstream.
Marriage and Family Legacy
Sheraton and Perdue
Mitzi’s family heritage is extraordinary. From her father’s side, she inherited the Sheraton Hotels legacy, a brand that became one of the world’s largest hospitality chains. Later in life, she married Frank Perdue, the man who built Perdue Farms into one of the most recognized poultry brands in the United States.
Together, they represented the joining of two powerful family enterprises. But rather than simply being known as an heiress, Mitzi built her own identity as an author, journalist, and advocate. She has also written extensively about Frank’s leadership, particularly in her book Tough Man, Tender Chicken: Business and Life Lessons from Frank Perdue.
Writing and Journalism Career
Syndicated Columnist
Mitzi Perdue is a prolific writer, with more than 1,600 articles published in newspapers and magazines. For over a decade, she wrote a syndicated column, The Environment and You, which was carried by the Scripps Howard News Service. Her columns made complex scientific and environmental issues accessible to everyday readers.
Science and Health Journalism
Beyond environmental issues, Mitzi has contributed to publications such as GEN: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News and the Academy of Women’s Health. In these roles, she interviewed leading scientists, explored breakthroughs in biotechnology, and wrote in ways that both professionals and lay readers could understand.
War Correspondent
More recently, Mitzi has worked as a war correspondent in Ukraine, publishing over 200 articles on critical global issues such as human trafficking, landmines, and war crimes. Her frontline reporting reflects her courage and commitment to amplifying voices in crisis zones.
Authorship
Business and Family
Mitzi’s authorship extends well beyond journalism. She has written several books on family business and leadership. Her work How to Make Your Family Business Last tackles the challenges of generational wealth and how families can preserve not only their assets but also their values.
Biography Writing
She also authored the biography of Mark Victor Hansen, the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Her gift as a storyteller shines through in her ability to capture lives and legacies in ways that inspire others.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
Inspiring Audiences
Mitzi Perdue is a sought-after public speaker, delivering keynotes around the world on topics such as:
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Building strong family businesses
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Company culture across generations
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Overcoming adversity
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Combating human trafficking
Her speaking engagements often blend personal stories, research, and actionable insights, leaving audiences with practical tools and a renewed sense of purpose.
Anti-Human Trafficking Work
One of her most passionate causes is anti-human trafficking. As co-founder of Mental Help Global, she works to raise awareness and create solutions to fight modern slavery and exploitation. Her efforts include public campaigns, collaborations with international organizations, and first-hand reporting from conflict zones.
Honors and Recognition
Mitzi Perdue’s dedication has been recognized globally. Her awards include:
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Ellis Island Medal of Honor
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Luce Humanitarian of the Year Award
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UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Award for Empowering Women
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Star of Ukraine for her support of the Ukrainian people
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United Nations Pioneer in Philanthropy Award
These honors reflect her dual legacy as both a businesswoman and humanitarian.
Personal Values and Philosophy
Mitzi Perdue’s life demonstrates that wealth does not have to lead to complacency. Instead, it can be a tool for impact. She consistently emphasizes values such as resilience, stewardship, and advocacy for those without a voice.
Her approach to family business also highlights the importance of culture over capital—the belief that values, trust, and vision matter more than financial assets in sustaining success across generations.
Conclusion
Mitzi Perdue stands out as a woman who has not allowed her life to be defined by her heritage alone. While her background links her to the Sheraton Hotels empire and the Perdue Farms dynasty, she has created her own legacy. As a journalist, author, speaker, and humanitarian, she has touched lives worldwide, from boardrooms to battlefields.
Her work in anti-human trafficking, family business leadership, and global advocacy shows that true success lies not in wealth itself but in how it is used to benefit others.
In today’s world, where challenges such as exploitation, war, and environmental crises dominate headlines, Mitzi Perdue’s voice reminds us of the power of storytelling, advocacy, and resilience. She is a living example of how privilege, when paired with purpose, can shape a better future for generations to come.
