MacKenzie Scott
Overview
MacKenzie Scott, born MacKenzie Tuttle on April 7, 1970, in San Francisco, California, is an American novelist and philanthropist. She was previously married to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, with whom she co-founded the company. Their divorce in 2019 left her with a substantial stake in Amazon, making her one of the richest women globally. In recent years, Scott has gained recognition for her pioneering approach to philanthropy, donating billions to various social causes, educational institutions, and community-focused organizations.
Recent Developments
- 2025: Scott has been actively involved in philanthropy, with recent reports highlighting substantial donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and tribal community colleges. Her donations include massive contributions to Howard University and several other higher education institutions, promoting educational equity and access.
- Investment in Education: Scott has also invested in startups, such as Funding U, founded by her former roommate. This initiative provides financial support to low-income students, reflecting her continuous effort to expand educational opportunities.
- Global Philanthropy: Scott's philanthropic endeavors have extended beyond the U.S., affecting global communities with substantial financial gifts that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Recognition: Her contributions have been recognized, leading to her inclusion in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Leaders, celebrating her impact on social justice and educational reform.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | MacKenzie Scott Tuttle |
| Born | April 7, 1970, San Francisco, CA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Novelist, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Co-founding Amazon, Philanthropy |
| Net Worth | Approximately $41.9 billion (2025) |
| Education | Princeton University (B.A. in English) |
Early Life and Education
MacKenzie Scott grew up in San Francisco's affluent area, experiencing a privileged upbringing. Her father, Jason Tuttle, was a financial planner, while her mother, Holiday Robin, stayed at home with MacKenzie and her two brothers. Despite this comfortable lifestyle, her family's finances altered dramatically during her high school years.
Scott attended the prestigious Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, where she excelled academically. Despite financial setbacks, she secured a scholarship to Princeton University, where she studied under acclaimed novelist Toni Morrison. Scott graduated with a bachelor's degree in English, thanks to Morrison's mentorship and the essential financial aid from a roommate during a critical time in her studies.
Career and Notable Achievements
Scott's career began at D.E. Shaw, a New York City hedge fund, where she met her future husband, Jeff Bezos. The couple married in 1993 and ventured to Seattle to establish Amazon. Initially a bookseller, Amazon expanded into a global e-commerce giant.
- Literary Pursuits: Alongside her business endeavors, Scott pursued her passion for writing. She authored "The Testing of Luther Albright" (2005), receiving positive reviews, followed by "Traps" in 2013.
- Philanthropy: Following her 2019 divorce, Scott embarked on a philanthropy journey, committing to the Giving Pledge, which meant donating a significant part of her wealth. She quickly became renowned for distributing her wealth through unconventional methods, focusing on rapid, unrestricted donations to a wide array of nonprofit organizations.
Current Work and Impact
MacKenzie Scott continues to break traditional philanthropic norms by supporting underfunded and overlooked causes. Her no-strings-attached donations target systemic challenges, with a special focus on equity, education, and crisis relief. With a clear commitment to giving away her fortune within her lifetime, her approach has sparked a broader conversation about wealth distribution and corporate and social responsibility.
Conclusion
MacKenzie Scott has emerged as a transformative force in global philanthropy. Her rapid, no-conditions donations have provided critical support to many underserved communities. As she continues to expand her philanthropic footprint, Scott's legacy hinges on her ability to influence broader societal change and inspire other wealthy individuals to reconsider how they deploy their wealth for the greater good.