Melinda French Gates

Overview

Melinda French Gates, born on August 15, 1964, is an American philanthropist, businesswoman, and the former co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which she co-founded alongside her then-husband, Bill Gates, in 2000. Widely recognized for her efforts in global health, education, and advancing gender equality, Melinda is a prominent advocate for women's rights. In 2015, she founded Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company focusing on social progress in the U.S. and globally. As of 2025, she has authored two books, "The Moment of Lift" and "The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward," both reflecting her commitment to empowering women and navigating life transitions. Her net worth is estimated to be approximately $30 billion.

Recent Developments

July 2025: Melinda French Gates's estimated net worth reached $30.8 billion, one of the highest for a woman worldwide. Despite her wealth, she reportedly refused to fund her daughter Phoebe's startup, emphasizing the importance of forging her path.
April 2025: She released her memoir "The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward," providing insights into her personal life, including her departure from the Gates Foundation and her views on overcoming life transitions.
May 2024: Melinda resigned as co-chair of the Gates Foundation, marking a new chapter in her philanthropic journey focused on her initiative, Pivotal Ventures.
2024: She announced a $1 billion pledge, directed towards advancing women's rights and gender equality globally.
2024: She discussed the importance of funding women's initiatives and tackling systemic gender inequalities through her firm Pivotal Ventures in various interviews and public appearances.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Melinda Ann French Gates
Born	August 15, 1964, Dallas, Texas
Nationality	American
Occupation	Philanthropist, Businesswoman
Known For	Co-founder of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Pivotal Ventures
Net Worth	$30.8 billion
Education	B.S. in Computer Science, Duke University; MBA, Duke's Fuqua School of Business

Early Life and Education

Melinda French Gates was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She is one of four children and developed an early interest in computers through her studies at Ursuline Academy, a Catholic high school for girls. Pursuing her passion, she attended Duke University, earning a bachelor's degree in computer science and economics in 1986, followed by an MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business in 1987. Her education laid a foundation for her future career in technology and philanthropy.

Career and Notable Achievements

Melinda joined Microsoft in 1987 as a product manager, where she worked on various projects, including developing multimedia products like Expedia and Encarta. In 1996, she left Microsoft to focus on her family and philanthropic initiatives.

2000: Co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which became the world's largest private charitable organization.
2015: Founded Pivotal Ventures to focus on empowering women and advancing social progress in the U.S.
2019: Published "The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World," highlighting women's rights and empowerment.

Current Work and Impact

Today, Melinda French Gates is focused on Pivotal Ventures, which continues to thrive as an influential force for gender equality and social equity. Her work in philanthropy has significantly impacted global health, education, and women's rights worldwide. Her recent book, "The Next Day," adds a personal narrative to her professional accomplishments, inspiring others to navigate life's changes with resilience and purpose.

Bill Gates

Melinda was married to Bill Gates, with whom she co-founded the Gates Foundation. Their collaborative efforts have made significant contributions to global health and education. Although they divorced in 2021, they continue to share a professional legacy through their philanthropic endeavors.

Melinda French Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focuses on solving critical global challenges, including health, poverty, and education. As co-chair, Melinda played a pivotal role in directing its strategies to improve public health and empower women.

Melinda French Gates Net Worth

With a net worth of approximately $30 billion as of 2025, Melinda French Gates remains a powerful and influential figure in philanthropy, dedicating much of her wealth to social causes through her initiatives.

Conclusion

Melinda French Gates has had a profound impact on global philanthropy, using her wealth and influence to advance critical humanitarian causes. Through her work, she continues to promote values of equality and empowerment, setting a powerful example for future generations. Her ongoing legacy through both her foundation and Pivotal Ventures ensures that her contributions will continue to affect positive change worldwide.