Meet the Founder
Melinda French Gates
Philanthropist. Advocate. Visionary Leader.
Melinda French Gates is one of the world’s most influential voices for women and girls. As the founder of the Melinda French Gates Foundation, she is driven by a deep belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy, empowered, and fulfilling life—no matter where they are born.
For over two decades, Melinda has championed causes that uplift communities, break cycles of poverty, and close the gender gap. Her work spans across global health, education, women’s economic empowerment, and technology for good.
Melinda is not just a philanthropist—she’s a trailblazer who challenges the status quo. Through her leadership, the foundation is reshaping what’s possible when women lead, innovate, and rise together.
“If you want to lift up humanity, empower women. It is the most comprehensive, pervasive, high-leverage investment you can make.”
— Melinda French Gates
