Melinda French Gates has recently shared her insights on the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a billionaire. In an interview she described her wealth, estimated between $11 and $13.5 billion, as “surreal” and emphasized the significant responsibility it brings.
“It comes with a great responsibility. But it doesn't feel like a weight,” Melinda said. She explained that while her wealth does not feel burdensome, the real challenge lies in witnessing the struggles of mothers trying to provide for their children and thinking about how she can help improve their lives.
Her net worth is estimated at $11 billion by Forbes, while the Bloomberg Billionaires Index suggests it is closer to $13.5 billion. For over 20 years, Melinda has been active in philanthropy, dedicating much of her wealth to charitable causes through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which she co-founded with her ex-husband, Bill Gates, in 2000.
In May, she announced on X that her resignation from the foundation included an additional $12.5 billion for her charitable work. Melinda said she plans to use this money “to commit to my work on behalf of women and families.” During her divorce from Gates, she also received about $6 billion in stock, according to Bloomberg.
In 2015, she started her own philanthropic initiative, Pivotal Ventures, which focuses on issues affecting women and families. This June, three years after her divorce, Melinda stepped down as co-chair of the foundation, securing funds to continue her charitable efforts aimed at supporting women and families.
During the interview, Melinda also mentioned that she has made significant political contributions, including her support for Kamala Harris' campaign. She has previously remarked, “If you are lucky enough to be a billionaire, believe me, you can give away half of it and not change your life. We should have a society where if for whatever reason wealth is in your hands, you put it back in society so that you change and lift up others.”
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