Melinda French Gates: Billionaires Aren’t a Monolith
- Age: 60 years old (born August 15, 1964)
- Businesses: Pivotal, Moment of Lift Books, former Co-chair of the Gates Foundation
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Net Worth: Approximately £5.4 billion ($6.5 billion)
- Spouse: Divorced from Bill Gates (2021)
Melinda French Gates believes billionaires shouldn’t be viewed as a single entity and emphasizes that not all wealthy individuals need to showcase their achievements on a public stage. As one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists, French Gates has long advocated for using wealth to empower marginalized communities, particularly women and girls.
Billionaires Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
In a recent interview with Elle, French Gates highlighted the misconception that billionaires operate as a monolithic group. “I think it’s really important to not see billionaires as a monolith. And not all of them need to stand on a stage to talk about or demonstrate what they’re doing,” she said.
Her comments come at a time when high-profile tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, have often appeared alongside political leaders, particularly during President Trump’s inauguration and beyond. French Gates, however, believes that billionaires can contribute in different ways without always being in the public eye.
Focusing on Philanthropy and Equality
French Gates has consistently prioritized philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and her personal work in supporting women and girls globally. Since her high-profile divorce from Bill Gates in 2021, she has committed to giving away a large portion of her wealth to charitable causes.
Her approach differs significantly from some of her billionaire counterparts. While Musk and Bezos often take center stage, French Gates focuses on creating sustainable, behind-the-scenes change.
Related: Melinda Gates: Life Before Marrying Bill Gates
Related: Melinda French Gates' Day: Yoga, Philanthropy & a Dash of Gardening
Raising Grounded Children Amid Wealth
Despite her immense wealth, French Gates also worked hard to ensure her children had a grounded upbringing. She chose to have her children use her maiden name in school to maintain a sense of normalcy and shield them from the pressures of their family’s public status.
A Quiet but Powerful Influence
Unlike many billionaires who align themselves with political power, French Gates has opted for a quieter approach, letting her philanthropic work speak for itself. While some billionaires, such as Musk, have been vocal about their political views and alliances, French Gates remains committed to using her wealth to drive meaningful societal change.
