Melinda French Gates

About Melinda French Gates

Melinda French Gates is one of the most powerful women in philanthropy. In May 2024 she said she would resign as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Her last day at the Gates Foundation will be on June 7, 2024. She did not give a reason for leaving; however, Bill and Melinda Gates divorced in 2021.

After divorcing in 2021, Bill transferred at least $5 billion worth of stock in various public companies to Melinda; Forbes estimates she received an additional $5 billion in other assets.

As part of the foundation's mission to help all people lead healthy, productive lives, she has devoted much of her work to women's and girls' rights.

Melinda French Gates' mission is also to close the funding gap for female founders through her investment and incubation company, Pivotal Ventures.