“Melinda Gates Discusses Benefits of Working Independently After Divorce from Bill Gates”

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In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shared insights into her life since her divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in 2021. French Gates discussed the positive changes and professional recognition she has experienced as a result of her newfound independence.

"Melinda Gates Discusses Benefits of Working Independently After Divorce from Bill Gates"

"Melinda Gates Discusses Benefits of Working Independently After Divorce from Bill Gates"

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shared insights into her life since her divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in 2021. French Gates discussed the positive changes and professional recognition she has experienced as a result of her newfound independence.

French Gates highlighted how her accomplishments are now acknowledged on her own merits rather than being overshadowed by her former husband. “When I get a meeting now, I know it’s because of me,” she said, noting a significant shift from the past when she felt her contributions were often overshadowed by Gates’ reputation.

The divorce ended a longstanding personal and professional partnership, which included significant philanthropic efforts through their foundation. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed approximately $77.6 billion in global aid. Despite their joint efforts, French Gates revealed that she often faced biases, with many assuming she had less expertise in philanthropy compared to her ex-husband, a situation she attributed to lingering sexism.

French Gates recounted experiences where she had to assert her presence in meetings to ensure her voice was heard. “I would speak first to make sure they listened to me,” she explained, reflecting on her role as a “challenger” who fought to be acknowledged equally.

The dynamics of their collaboration were also explored in a biography by The New York Times reporter Anupreeta Das, which depicted Gates as a “mansplainer” in their early years. However, French Gates noted that by the end of their partnership at the foundation, there was a more balanced dynamic, with Gates tolerating her interventions when necessary.

Even after resigning from the Gates Foundation in May 2024, French Gates remains committed to philanthropy, focusing on women’s rights, health, and education. She continues to drive social progress through Pivotal Ventures, a company she founded in 2015, which aims to foster social change, particularly for women and families.

In this new chapter, French Gates is embracing a more flexible approach to philanthropy, emphasizing trust in partner organizations and letting them define success on their own terms. She advocates for humility and supporting movements rather than leading them from the forefront, marking a significant evolution in her approach to social impact.

Sources By Agencies

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