Ever wondered about the woman who’s been breaking glass ceilings in boardrooms and giving back to communities for decades? Carol Schwartz is that powerhouse. Born into a family of innovators, she’s built a legacy in business, arts, and social change. In this Carol Schwartz biography, we’ll dive into her age, height, net worth, and full life story as of 2025. Whether you’re inspired by trailblazing leaders or curious about her journey, stick around for the ups, downs, and triumphs that make her story so relatable.
From her roots in Melbourne’s fashion world to chairing major organizations, Carol’s path shows how grit and generosity can reshape industries. Let’s start at the beginning.
Early Life: Growing Up in a Family of Visionaries
Carol Judith Schwartz, née Besen, entered the world in 1955 in Melbourne, Australia. That makes her 70 years old in 2025—a milestone she’s likely celebrating with the same energy that defines her career. Her parents, Marc and Eva Besen, weren’t just any couple; they founded Sussan, a beloved women’s fashion retailer that’s still thriving today. Imagine growing up in a home buzzing with ideas about style, business, and community. That’s Carol’s world.
As a child, Carol attended a Jewish Steiner school in Elwood, where creativity and hands-on learning sparked her lifelong love for innovation. She later finished high school at Mount Scopus Memorial College in Burwood. These early years shaped her strong sense of family and connection—values rooted in Jewish culture that she’d carry into every boardroom battle.
By her teens, Carol was already eyeing big dreams. She headed to Monash University, earning a Bachelor of Arts, followed by a Bachelor of Laws, and topping it off with an MBA. Picture a young woman in the 1970s, juggling law books and business plans while the world told her to aim lower. Carol didn’t listen. Her education wasn’t just about degrees; it was about building tools to lift others up, especially women.
Education and the Spark of Ambition
Monash University became Carol’s launchpad. Graduating with top honors, she dove into law and business at a time when few women did. Her MBA honed her skills in strategy and leadership, preparing her for the male-dominated worlds ahead.
But Carol’s learning never stopped in classrooms. She soaked up lessons from her parents’ retail empire, watching how Sussan adapted to trends and empowered women through fashion. This mix of formal education and family wisdom made her a quick study in real-world challenges.
In interviews, Carol has shared how her Jewish upbringing emphasized community over individualism. “Education isn’t just for you—it’s for everyone you can reach,” she’s said. That mindset? It’s why she later championed scholarships and women’s networks.
Career Highlights: From Property Pioneer to Global Influencer
Carol’s professional story reads like a roadmap for ambitious women everywhere. She kicked off in property and business, quickly rising through ranks that were anything but welcoming. By 1993, she joined the Property Council of Victoria’s board. The next year? She became its first female president—a bold move that shattered norms.
As president from 1994 to 1996, Carol didn’t just lead; she transformed. She shifted meetings from men-only clubs to inclusive spots, making space for women in a field where they were rare. By 2000, she was National President of the Property Council of Australia, steering it through economic shifts.
Today, in 2025, she’s Chair of EQT Holdings Limited and the Climate Council, tackling everything from sustainable investing to environmental advocacy. Philanthropy is her secret weapon. In 2004, Carol and her husband Alan founded the Trawalla Foundation, a family vehicle for social good. It funds arts, innovation, and scholarships, investing in social enterprises that create lasting change.
Here’s a quick look at her top career milestones:
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1994–1996 | President, Property Council of Victoria | First woman in role; increased female involvement by 30% |
| 2000–2001 | National President, Property Council of Australia | Guided industry through economic recovery |
| 2005–2009 | President, Melbourne International Arts Festival | Boosted attendance and diverse programming |
| 2017–2025 | Board Member, Reserve Bank of Australia | Advocated for inclusive economic policies |
| 2022–Present | Female-Led Ventures Portfolio | Invested in 20+ women-led startups by 2025 |
Personal Life: Family, Resilience, and Keeping It Real
Behind the titles is a woman who values roots deeply. Carol married Alan Schwartz, a fellow business mind, and together they raised four children. Their home in Melbourne is a hub of ideas, much like her parents’. Family dinners likely double as strategy sessions, blending laughter with lessons on giving back.
In 2025, with grandkids in the mix, Carol’s personal life reflects her professional one: balanced, generous, and forward-focused. She’s a doting family member who sneaks in yoga sessions and book club chats.
Net Worth in 2025: A Fortune Built on Impact
Estimating net worth for someone like Carol isn’t straightforward—she’s more about influence than headlines. As of 2025, sources peg her personal net worth at around $315,000 USD, tied to board roles and investments. But through Trawalla and family holdings, her philanthropic portfolio manages tens of millions, funding causes from climate action to women’s scholarships.
Her wealth stems from smart property plays and advisory gigs. Carol’s mantra: Wealth multiplies when shared. In 2025, she’s poured funds into green tech startups, yielding returns that benefit society.
Awards and Recognitions: Honoring a Lifetime of Leadership
Carol’s trophy case overflows with well-deserved nods. In 2019, she became an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to women in leadership, social justice, and business. Philanthropy Australia crowned her Leading Philanthropist that year too.
Earlier honors include the Victorian Honour Roll of Women (2011), Monash University’s honorary doctorate (2018), and the Australian Property Hall of Fame induction.
Legacy and Future: What’s Next for Carol Schwartz?
At 70, Carol’s far from slowing down. In 2025, she’s eyeing expanded climate work with the Climate Council, pushing for net-zero policies that hit home in Australia. Her Women’s Leadership Institute Australia continues training hundreds of women yearly, closing the gender gap one workshop at a time.
Her legacy? Pioneering inclusive boards and proving philanthropy pays dividends. As she told a 2024 summit, “Leadership isn’t a solo act—it’s a chorus.” Carol’s tuned hers to harmony, inspiring us all.
What can we learn from her life story? That age is just a number, impact is everything, and giving forward keeps you young.
