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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Philanthropist

Melinda Gates

Melinda Gates, also known as Melinda French Gates, is an American philanthropist, businesswoman, and author.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Melinda French Gates is an American philanthropist, businesswoman, and author best known for co-founding the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest private charitable foundations.

What it is

Melinda Gates co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000 with her then-husband Bill Gates. The foundation focuses on global health, poverty alleviation, and education. In 2015, she launched Pivotal Ventures, an organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights and social progress.

Key details

Born Melinda Ann French in Dallas, Texas, in 1964, she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and economics and an MBA from Duke University. She worked at Microsoft in product development before leaving to focus on family and philanthropy. She left the Gates Foundation in June 2024 after more than two decades in leadership. She has authored two books: The Moment of Lift and The Next Day.

Why it matters

Melinda Gates has been a leading voice in global philanthropy, particularly in women’s empowerment and health. Her departure from the Gates Foundation marked a significant shift in the foundation’s leadership, and her continued work through Pivotal Ventures underscores her commitment to social change.

In short

  • Co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000.
  • Founded Pivotal Ventures in 2015 to advance women’s rights.
  • Left the Gates Foundation in June 2024.
  • Author of The Moment of Lift and The Next Day.

Quick questions

Who is Melinda Gates?
Melinda Gates is an American philanthropist, businesswoman, and author best known for co-founding the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
What is Pivotal Ventures?
Pivotal Ventures is an organization Melinda Gates founded in 2015 to advance women’s power and influence and support social progress.
What books has Melinda Gates written?
She has written The Moment of Lift and The Next Day.

Sources

  1. National Women's History Museum — https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/melinda-gates
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, philanthropy, co-founding the Gates Foundation, and Pivotal Ventures.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Melinda-Gates
    Supports: Birth date and place, American businesswoman and philanthropist, and Gates Foundation founding.
  3. Gates Foundation — https://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/leadership/melinda-french-gates
    Supports: Role in founding and co-chairing the foundation, departure in June 2024, Pivotal, children, and residence.
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/business-leaders/melinda-gates
    Supports: Microsoft career, education, family details, and leadership of the Gates Foundation.
  5. Melinda French Gates — https://www.melindafrenchgates.com/
    Supports: Current work, books, Pivotal, education, career, and residence.