Elizabeth Pipko: Public Figure Biography

Elizabeth Pipko started as a Wilhelmina model at 17 and later graduated with honors from Harvard Extension School to become a political activist. She built her early career in fashion and appeared in top magazines like Maxim and Harper’s Bazaar. Her path has been unique, weaving through modeling, academics and advocacy.

Soviet immigrant parents raised Elizabeth in New York City. She faced a major setback when a figure skating injury ended her career at 15. This didn’t stop her from earning a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and becoming a national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. She started the Lest People Forget project in 2023 to fight anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial.

This detailed profile covers Elizabeth’s net worth, her rise to fame, and her key work in political and social causes. It shows her growth from competitive athlete to fashion model, her academic success, and her powerful voice in American politics and Jewish advocacy.

Early Life of Elizabeth Pipko

The story of Elizabeth Pipko’s remarkable life began on June 26, 1995, in New York City. Her path was shaped by her family’s bold decision to seek freedom and a new life in America.

Born to Soviet immigrant parents

Elizabeth Pipko’s parents showed incredible courage by leaving everything behind in the Soviet Union to create a new life in America. Her father, Roman Pipko, and her mother brought with them a rich cultural heritage and powerful stories of survival. These experiences became the life-blood of Elizabeth’s outlook and values. “If I am being honest, all that they went through has basically shaped everything about me,” Elizabeth reflected on her family’s influence. “There isn’t a decision that I make now that doesn’t stem from something that I learned from my family’s experiences,” she added.

She is the granddaughter of Marc Klionsky, a world-renowned Jewish artist who left Soviet Russia with his family in 1974 because of rising anti-Semitism. Klionsky, who died in 2017 at age 90, earned acclaim for his masterful portraiture and work with Elie Wiesel. Elizabeth shared how he practiced his art: “My grandfather was a really famous artist, and probably the proudest Jew you would ever meet. He would have to hide in his basement in the dark whenever he wanted to paint something that had to do with his religion”.

Growing up in New York City

New York City shaped Elizabeth’s early years, where she built strong family bonds, especially with her brother. “My brother has made the biggest effect on my life,” she revealed. “He is the built-in best friend I don’t deserve, but am so so so grateful for”. Their relationship became essential to her growth, different from what she saw as society’s view of competitive sibling relationships.

Elizabeth Pipko studied at Rabbi Arthur Schneier’s Park East Day School until age 10. This education gave her strong academic values that later helped her achieve success and led to connections between Elizabeth Pipko’s net worth and her various career paths.

Elizabeth’s childhood balanced many interests. She started as a figure skater before life steered her toward modeling and advocacy. Even with her later modeling career that included elizabeth pipko bikini photoshoots, she stayed true to her family values and cultural identity.

Jewish heritage and influence

Elizabeth Pipko’s Jewish identity remains the life-blood of her personal and professional life. “I am a Jew first,” she stated firmly. “And whether it’s the modeling world, or the political world, or anything in between, I always try to act as a Jew and think/feel/act the way that God would want me to”.

Her religious education started early. “I attended an Orthodox Jewish school from age three,” Elizabeth explained, but added, “I wouldn’t say we were devout. We went to synagogue on holidays, sometimes on Saturdays, and of course, I learned Hebrew”. Her family managed to keep certain traditions: “I never ate pork, shrimp or cheeseburgers, but I would eat meat outside [the home]”.

Her faith grew stronger as she matured. “I pray every single day, I have a kosher house. I go to synagogue every Shabbat. All of these things matter to me”. She applied for Israeli citizenship at 18, showing her deep connection to her heritage.

Her family’s history taught Elizabeth the value of religious freedom. “My parents and grandparents risked everything so that they could have a daughter who is openly, and proudly, Jewish,” she reflected. “I know I’m allowed to be proud, but I also know what’s it like not to be allowed”. These values shaped her identity and influenced her marriage to elizabeth pipko husband Darren Centinello, with whom she shares these beliefs.

Elizabeth’s early years built the foundation for the multi-talented public figure she would become—rooted in her heritage, inspired by her family’s immigrant story, and determined to leave her mark on the world.

From Figure Skater to Fashion Model

Elizabeth Pipko’s athletic life began well before her modeling career caught the public eye. She found her passion at the time she was ten years old – figure skating sparked such a deep love that her family left New York City for Florida to support her athletic dreams.

Competitive skating career

From the beginning, Elizabeth Pipko showed complete dedication to figure skating. A trip to Florida ignited her love for the sport, and she persuaded her family to move south so she could train with her chosen coach. “I think I am a figure skater before I am anything else,” she has stated, adding, “figure skating is where I found myself”. She started competing later than most skaters but made up for lost time with intense training while completing her studies online. Her steadfast dedication showed – she trained six to seven days every week and spent extra hours in dance studios and gyms.

Elizabeth Pipko spent seven years competing throughout the United States. This experience taught her discipline and determination that shaped her approach to modeling and education, which ended up affecting her net worth through various career paths.

Career-ending injury at 15

Elizabeth Pipko’s world changed at 15 years old. “I was practicing jumps on the floor, which skaters do before they attempt them on ice, and I landed on the side of my foot and snapped every ligament, every tendon, and bruised every bone in my ankle,” she revealed. The doctors’ news crushed her dreams – they said she would never skate again and might not even “walk properly”.

This setback became a vital turning point. She turned to writing poetry during recovery and published her first collection “Sweet Sixteen” in 2013. Her second book, “About You,” told her emotional story after losing skating, though it never directly mentioned the injury.

Discovery and signing with Wilhelmina Models

Elizabeth Pipko’s modeling career started unexpectedly when she turned 17. “I was actually discovered out of nowhere and then signed to Wilhelmina models, something I never thought would be possible,” she explained. The story itself seems like fate – someone photographed her while she sat in a New York City park, leading to her discovery.

The prestigious Wilhelmina Models contract fulfilled her longtime dream. “I had known about Wilhelmina from my years watching and studying America’s Next Top Model, so to get to be signed by them at just seventeen years old was an incredible feeling,” she shared. This new path gave Elizabeth Pipko much-needed confidence while she battled depression from her skating injury.

Notable magazine features and campaigns

Elizabeth Pipko’s modeling portfolio grew faster than expected. Her work appeared in several major publications:

• Featured in Maxim, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, L’Officiel, Esquire, and Sports Illustrated
• Selected as Sports Illustrated’s “Lovely Lady of the Day” in July 2015
• Featured in an eight-page spread with a familiar photographer

Her 2018 role in Vizcaya Swimwear’s “Perfectly Imperfect” campaign stood out most. This anti-photoshop initiative promoted positive body image and caught the attention of major publications like PEOPLE and Vanity Fair Italia. Speaking about the bikini campaign, she said, “We wanted to do something special and something that would feel natural, and also inspire people not to be ashamed of the skin they were born in”.

Her modeling work later connected with her political interests. She met her future husband, Darren Centinello, while they both volunteered for Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Elizabeth Pipko’s path from athlete to fashion model shows how she turned challenges into opportunities. Her story proves that setbacks can lead to unexpected new beginnings.

Elizabeth Pipko’s Educational Journey

Elizabeth Pipko matched her success on the runway with an equal drive toward academic excellence. Her educational path showcases her diverse interests and intellectual growth.

Attending Rabbi Arthur Schneier’s Park East Day School

Elizabeth Pipko’s educational roots began at Rabbi Arthur Schneier’s Park East Day School, a prestigious Jewish day school on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This institution has served students since 1976 and provided both general and Jewish studies in a nurturing environment. The school helped shape her deep connection to Jewish heritage, which later influenced her advocacy work and contributed to her net worth through various career paths.

The school, which received its official name after Rabbi Schneier in 1990, stands out for its strong mathematics, science, and STEM programs. Elizabeth Pipko studied there until she turned 10, building a solid foundation before her family moved to Florida to support her figure skating career.

Harvard Extension School experience

A 2015 Esquire article created some confusion about Elizabeth Pipko’s Harvard connection by stating she “took a year off from minoring in mathematics at Harvard to train for the Olympics.” The reality was that she enrolled at Harvard Extension School rather than Harvard College. She chose to major in legal studies while pursuing a double minor in religion and mathematics.

Her academic dedication brought results as she graduated cum laude from Harvard Extension School. This achievement went together with her growing public profile during her modeling career and before meeting her future elizabeth pipko husband through political campaign work.

Master’s degree at University of Pennsylvania

Elizabeth Pipko earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice in May 2023. She balanced her studies with her advocacy work, which included founding the Exodus Movement and her elizabeth pipko bikini campaign that promoted body positivity.

After graduation, Elizabeth Pipko spoke out against her alma mater’s decision to host controversial speakers with alleged antisemitic rhetoric. As the founder of Lest People Forget, a Holocaust education initiative, she encouraged Jewish students nationwide to stay proud of their identity whatever campus pressures they faced.

Political Career and Advocacy

Beyond the fashion world, Elizabeth Pipko stepped into American politics with the same drive she showed in her other pursuits. Her political activities showcase her evolving public image and steadfast dedication to causes that match her personal values.

Working on Trump’s 2016 campaign

Elizabeth Pipko started her political career as a volunteer for Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. She quickly advanced to become a national volunteer services coordinator for the data team within eight weeks, earning $4,000 monthly. She had to keep this role under wraps from the modeling industry. “It was clear from the start that, if I wanted to survive in modeling, I couldn’t tell anyone about my new job,” she explained. This political chapter changed Elizabeth Pipko’s life profoundly—she met her future husband, Darren Centinello, during the campaign. He now leads social media strategy for Trump’s presidential efforts.

Founding the Exodus Movement

Elizabeth Pipko launched the Exodus Movement (originally named “Jexodus”) in March 2019. This initiative aims to encourage Jewish Americans to leave the Democratic Party. She created the organization after noticing rising anti-Semitism among progressive politicians. The group’s website states they represent Jewish Americans who “reject the hypocrisy, anti-Americanism, and anti-Semitism of the rising far left.” The movement expanded rapidly, launching chapters in 11 states by July 2019, demonstrating Elizabeth’s growing influence in political advocacy circles.

Becoming RNC national spokesperson

Elizabeth Pipko achieved a major milestone as the national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee in May 2024. She collaborates with the Jewish Coalition and RNC co-chair Lara Trump in this role. Her background in bikini modeling has evolved into political commentary, as she appears on major cable news networks to discuss current affairs.

Holocaust remembrance initiatives

Elizabeth Pipko created the Lest People Forget project in January 2023—a digital Holocaust museum powered by crypto-technology. Young people can access Holocaust materials and help preserve historical artifacts through this platform. She developed this project after Kanye West’s controversial comments revealed knowledge gaps among younger generations about antisemitism and Holocaust denial. Through this initiative, Elizabeth Pipko carries forward her grandfather’s legacy while her husband supports her advocacy work.

Personal Life and Elizabeth Pipko’s Husband

Elizabeth Pipko’s romantic journey began during her political activities, which shaped both her personal and professional life.

Marriage to Darren Centinello

Love found Elizabeth Pipko at an unexpected moment during the 2016 Trump presidential campaign. She met her future husband Darren Centinello while volunteering for the campaign. “My personal and political life became intertwined when I fell in love with Darren,” she recalled about their first meeting. Their bond grew stronger as they worked side by side. Centinello later became the director of social media strategy for Trump’s campaigns. This relationship became a turning point for Elizabeth Pipko as she balanced her modeling career with her growing political presence.

Wedding at Mar-A-Lago

Elizabeth Pipko and Darren Centinello tied the knot on December 26, 2018, at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. The ceremony held deep meaning as the same rabbi who married Elizabeth’s parents 28 years earlier officiated their wedding. They showcased their political spirit through creative wedding invitations – red hats that read “Make Marriage Great Again” with wedding details on attached tags. “We weren’t worried about offending our guests—at this point, I’ve already lost so many friends because of my Trump affiliation, the ones left standing are here to stay,” Elizabeth Pipko shared about their bold wedding theme.

Balancing career and personal life

Elizabeth Pipko faced career setbacks after revealing her work for Trump. “I lost everything—all of my connections, including agents, bookers, photographers, and friends,” she revealed. She stood firm in her choice and said, “After our wedding, I knew the time had come to put my concerns about my modeling career out of my mind and announce publicly that I had proudly worked for and continue to proudly support President Trump.”

Elizabeth Pipko’s bikini modeling career took a back seat while she focused on political advocacy. She and her husband shared White House celebrations on social media as she developed various projects. This new direction helped her build wealth through different ventures in modeling, politics, and advocacy.

Elizabeth Pipko Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Elizabeth Pipko?

Elizabeth Pipko is an American model, author, and political activist. She gained recognition in the fashion industry before shifting her focus to conservative political activism. Pipko is also the founder of the Jexodus movement, which encourages Jewish Americans to reconsider their political affiliations.

What is Elizabeth Pipko known for?

Elizabeth Pipko is best known for her work as a model and her involvement in political activism. She made headlines for founding Jexodus, a movement urging Jewish voters to leave the Democratic Party. Additionally, she has authored books and frequently speaks on political and cultural issues.

What books has Elizabeth Pipko written?

Elizabeth Pipko has authored multiple books, including Sweet Sixteen and Finding My Place: Making My Parents’ American Dream Come True. Her books explore personal experiences, politics, and cultural identity, reflecting her journey as a model, writer, and activist.

What is Elizabeth Pipko’s background?

Elizabeth Pipko was born in New York City to a Jewish family with roots in the former Soviet Union. She pursued modeling at a young age while also focusing on her education. Her background in both fashion and politics makes her a unique figure in both industries.

How did Elizabeth Pipko start her modeling career?

Elizabeth Pipko began modeling as a teenager and quickly gained recognition in the fashion industry. She worked with major brands and appeared in various campaigns before shifting her focus to writing and political activism. Her transition from modeling to advocacy has shaped her public persona.

What is the Jexodus movement founded by Elizabeth Pipko?

The Jexodus movement, founded by Elizabeth Pipko, encourages Jewish Americans to rethink their political affiliations. The movement gained national attention for its message of political realignment and support for conservative policies. Pipko has been a vocal advocate for this cause through media appearances and public speeches.

What is Elizabeth Pipko’s role in politics?

Elizabeth Pipko is involved in conservative political advocacy, often appearing in media to discuss her views. She has worked on political campaigns and used her platform to promote conservative values. Her activism focuses on Jewish American issues, freedom of speech, and national identity.

Is Elizabeth Pipko married?

Yes, Elizabeth Pipko is married to Darren Centinello, a political strategist. Their marriage has occasionally been mentioned in media coverage, particularly in relation to their shared political interests. Despite her public presence, Pipko maintains a relatively private personal life.

What are Elizabeth Pipko’s views on Israel?

Elizabeth Pipko is a strong supporter of Israel and frequently speaks out in favor of U.S.-Israel relations. She advocates for Jewish rights and has used her platform to address issues concerning anti-Semitism and Middle Eastern politics. Her views align with her broader conservative stance.

Where can I follow Elizabeth Pipko on social media?

Elizabeth Pipko is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where she shares her thoughts on politics, culture, and personal interests. Fans can follow her for updates on her latest projects, interviews, and advocacy work.