Melinda French Gates

Founder of Pivotal. Co-founder of the Gates Foundation. Author of The Moment of Lift & The Next Day.

United States

About

Philanthropist, businesswoman, author, and global advocate for women & girls. Founder of Pivotal. Co-founder of the Gates Foundation. Author of The Moment of Lift.

Experience

  • Founder at Pivotal
    2015 - Present · 11 yrs 6 mos

    Pivotal, which I founded in 2015, works to accelerate the pace of social progress for women and young people in the U.S. and around the world. Pivotal includes Pivotal Philanthropies, Pivotal Initiatives Fund, and Pivotal Ventures.

  • Co-Founder & Co-Chair at Gates Foundation
    2000 - 2024 · 24 yrs

    As co-founder and co-chair, I set the direction and priorities of the foundation. Specifically, I concentrated on family planning, maternal and child health, and applying the principles of user-centered design to the field of global health and development.

  • Board of Trustees Member at Duke University
    1996 - 2003 · 7 yrs

  • General Manager of Information Products at Microsoft
    1987 - 1996 · 9 yrs

    During my time at Microsoft, I managed teams that developed multimedia and interactive products including Expedia, Cinemania and Encarta.