Melinda French Gates: A Trailblazer for Women, Philanthropy, and Global Change
- 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: Advocate, Businesswoman, and Philanthropist
Melinda French Gates is a name synonymous with philanthropy, gender equality, and social progress. As a former co-chair of the Gates Foundation and the current head of Pivotal, she has dedicated her life to creating positive change for women, girls, and marginalised communities worldwide. Her efforts have made her one of the most influential women in global advocacy.
Leading Pivotal
After leaving the Gates Foundation in June 2024, Melinda devoted herself full-time to her organisation, Pivotal. Originally founded in 2015, Pivotal focuses on driving social progress and advancing women's power and influence in the United States and across the globe.
Pivotal achieves its mission through:
- High-Impact Investments: Backing initiatives that create lasting change for women and girls
- Philanthropy: Supporting grassroots organisations and global movements
- Advocacy: Amplifying issues that affect women’s lives
- Partnerships: Collaborating with industry leaders to scale transformative solutions
Through these efforts, Melinda has become a leading voice in empowering women to participate fully in politics, the workplace, and education.
Related: The Winning Habits of Bill Gates
Related: What is the 5 hour rule that Bill Gates sticks to?
Related: A Day in the Life of Bill Gates
The Moment of Lift: A Personal and Powerful Journey
In 2019, Melinda published The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World. The bestselling book not only chronicles her journey as a philanthropist but also shines a light on the inspiring stories of women she has met along the way.
Recognising the power of storytelling, Melinda established Moment of Lift Books, a publishing imprint designed to amplify diverse voices. The imprint focuses on releasing works that inspire change, celebrate courage, and highlight the transformative power of women’s stories.
Beyond Philanthropy: Expanding Women's Influence
Melinda French Gates continues to advocate for policy changes that dismantle barriers women face globally. Whether campaigning for better healthcare access or increasing representation in leadership roles, Melinda's work ensures that women's voices are heard and valued.
Her departure from the Gates Foundation has only strengthened her resolve. As she once remarked, "When you lift up women, you lift up humanity." Through Pivotal and her broader initiatives, she is putting that belief into action every day.
Related: Melinda French Gates' Day: Yoga, Philanthropy & a Dash of Gardening
The Legacy of Melinda French Gates
With billions in resources and a lifelong dedication to social impact, Melinda remains a trailblazing figure in philanthropy and advocacy. Her story is a testament to how purpose-driven work can change lives—and the world.
Melinda French Gates' journey inspires countless people to champion gender equality, innovation, and compassion. As she leads Pivotal and continues to elevate unheard voices through Moment of Lift Books, one thing is clear—her impact will be felt for generations to come.
