Melinda Gates Speaking Fee: $150,000 to $200,000
Speaking Fee:
$150,000 to $200,000
Travels From:
BOS - Boston, MA
Travels From:
BOS - Boston, MA
Primary Topic Category:
Philanthropy
Primary Topic Category:
Philanthropy
Secondary Topic Category:
Women's Events
Secondary Topic Category:
Women's Events
Melinda Gates Speaker Profile: At A Glance
Melinda French Gates is an American businesswoman, philanthropist, and global advocate for women and girls. Born on August 15, 1964, in Dallas, Texas, she co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations. In 2015, she launched Pivotal Ventures to address social issues affecting women and families in the U.S. She is also the author of the bestselling book The Moment of Lift, which focuses on empowering women globally. Recently, she announced her resignation from the Gates Foundation to pursue new philanthropic endeavors.
Melinda French Gates began her career in the tech industry, joining Microsoft in 1987 as a marketing manager. She quickly rose through the ranks, working on key projects such as Microsoft Bob, Encarta, and Expedia. In 1994, she married Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, and shifted her focus to philanthropy and raising their three children.
In 2000, Melinda and Bill co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, dedicated to global health, education, and poverty alleviation. Under her leadership, the foundation has invested billions of dollars in initiatives such as vaccine development, infectious disease control, and educational programs. The foundation's efforts have had a significant impact worldwide, particularly in improving health outcomes in developing countries.
In 2015, Melinda founded Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company aimed at advancing social progress in the United States. Pivotal Ventures focuses on issues such as gender equality, women's empowerment, and family well-being. Her book, The Moment of Lift, published in 2019, further underscores her commitment to these causes by highlighting stories of women from around the world and advocating for greater recognition of women's unpaid work.
Melinda's philanthropic work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In May 2024, she announced her decision to step down as co-chair of the Gates Foundation to explore new opportunities in her philanthropic journey, continuing her legacy of fostering social change and equality.