View source for Melinda French Gates

{{Short description|American philanthropist (born 1964)}}
{{Family name hatnote|French Gates|Gates}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Melinda French Gates
| image              = Melinda Gates 2014.jpg
| caption            = French Gates in 2014
| birth_name         = Melinda Ann French
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1964|08|15}}
| birth_place        = [[Dallas]], Texas, U.S.
| education          = [[Duke University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]], [[MBA]])
| party              = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| occupation         = {{plainlist|
*Co-founder and former co-chair of [[Gates Foundation]]
*Founder of Pivotal Ventures
}}
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Bill Gates]]|January 1, 1994|August 2, 2021|reason=divorce}}<ref name="CNBC20210802">{{cite web |last1=Novet |first1=Jordan |title=Bill and Melinda French Gates are officially divorced following 27-year marriage |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/02/bill-and-melinda-french-gates-are-officially-divorced.html |publisher=CNBC |access-date=August 3, 2021 |language=en |date=August 2, 2021 |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803003913/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/02/bill-and-melinda-french-gates-are-officially-divorced.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| children           = 3, including [[Phoebe Gates|Phoebe]]
| honours            = {{plainlist|
* [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] (2016)
* [[Padma Bhushan]] (2015)
}}
| website            = {{Official website|https://www.gatesfoundation.org/Who-We-Are/General-Information/Leadership/Executive-Leadership-Team/Melinda-Gates |name= Gates Co-Founder Profile}}; {{Official website|https://www.pivotalventures.org/founder |name= Pivotal Founder Profile}}
}}

'''Melinda French Gates'''<ref name=":6">{{cite web |author1=King County Superior Court Clerk |title=Gates Petition for Divorce |url=https://dam.tmz.com/document/96/o/2021/05/03/9614c3c36f7c48d6aab9ec0c7e7f8932.pdf |publisher=[[TMZ]] |agency=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=June 6, 2021 |date=May 3, 2021 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512172812/https://dam.tmz.com/document/96/o/2021/05/03/9614c3c36f7c48d6aab9ec0c7e7f8932.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> (born '''Melinda Ann French'''; August 15, 1964) is an American philanthropist. Born and raised in [[Dallas]], Texas, she was educated at [[Ursuline Academy of Dallas]], [[Duke University]], and Duke's [[Fuqua School of Business]]. Shortly after joining [[Microsoft]] in 1987 as a multimedia product developer, she began dating the company's co-founder and then-chief executive [[Bill Gates]], whom she married in 1994 and divorced in 2021. They have three children together. 

From 2000 to 2024, she and Gates co-chaired the [[Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation]], the world's largest private charitable organization.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mathiesen |first=Karl |date=March 16, 2015 |title=What is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation? |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/mar/16/what-is-the-bill-and-melinda-gates-foundation |access-date=February 25, 2020 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=April 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425035020/http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/mar/16/what-is-the-bill-and-melinda-gates-foundation |url-status=live }}</ref> For their philanthropic endeavors, which focused on global health, development, and education, they received numerous awards and honors, including the U.S. [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] and the French [[Legion of Honour]]. After French Gates resigned as co-chair in May 2024, Gates became sole chair of the renamed Gates Foundation.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-13 |title=Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to change name |url=https://www.newsweek.com/bill-melinda-gates-foundation-name-change-departure-1900019 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref>

As part of her divorce settlement, French Gates received $12.5 billion for independent philanthropy, which she has stated will focus on women and families.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=David |date=2024-05-13 |title=Melinda French Gates is resigning from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/13/investing/melinda-gates-resigns-foundation/index.html |access-date=2024-09-04 |publisher=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Malik |first1=Yuvraj |last2=Soni |first2=Aditya |date=14 May 2024 |title=Melinda Gates to exit Gates Foundation with $12.5 billion for own charity work |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/melinda-gates-step-down-co-chair-bill-melinda-gates-foundation-2024-05-13/ |access-date=26 March 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref> She has become a prominent [[megadonor]] to the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], with a focus on [[Abortion in the United States|abortion rights]], and endorsed [[Kamala Harris]] in the [[2024 United States presidential election|2024 US presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schleifer |first=Theodore |date=2024-10-06 |title=Melinda French Gates's New Life: Abortion Politics and Kamala Harris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/06/us/politics/melinda-french-gates-abortion-politics-kamala-harris.html |access-date=2025-03-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In April 2025, she published a memoir, ''The Next Day: Transition, Change and Moving Forward''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hinsliff |first=Gaby |date=2025-04-17 |title=The Next Day by Melinda French Gates review – Melinda on life, before and after Bill |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/apr/17/the-next-day-by-melinda-french-gates-review-melinda-on-life-before-and-after-bill |access-date=2025-06-22 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Consistently ranked by ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine as one of the world's most powerful women,<ref name="The World">{{Cite web |title=Power Women |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/power-women/#3d5d9f225a95 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319123118/https://www.forbes.com/lists/power-women/#3d5d9f225a95 |archive-date=March 19, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |work=Forbes}}</ref> French Gates was recognized as one of the [[100 Women (BBC)|BBC's 100 women of 2021]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=December 7, 2021 |title=BBC 100 Women 2021: Who is on the list this year? |language=en-GB |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59514598 |access-date=December 16, 2022}}</ref> As of July 2025, her net worth is estimated at US$30.6 billion, according to ''Forbes''.<ref name="f2025">{{cite web | title=Melinda French Gates | website=Forbes | date=2025-05-05 | url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/melinda-french-gates/ | access-date=2025-05-06}}</ref>

==Early life and education==
Melinda Ann French was born on August 15, 1964, in [[Dallas]], Texas.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|date=October 23, 2011|title=Office romance: how Bill met Melinda|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/office-romance-how-bill-met-melinda-855292.html|work=The Independent|language=en|access-date=May 24, 2021|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524221717/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/office-romance-how-bill-met-melinda-855292.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2018 |title=Melinda Gates biography |url=https://www.biography.com/people/melinda-gates-507408 |access-date=May 24, 2021 |website=biography.com |publisher=A&E Television Networks |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327161235/https://www.biography.com/people/melinda-gates-507408 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Paul |date=November 25, 2006 |title=A woman of substance |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/nov/26/theobserver |access-date=May 24, 2021 |website=[[The Guardian]] |quote=Melinda Ann French was born in Dallas on 15 August 1964. |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807233846/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/nov/26/theobserver |url-status=live }}</ref> She is the second of four children born to Raymond Joseph French Jr., an [[aerospace engineer]], and Elaine Agnes Amerland, a [[homemaker]]. She has an older sister and two younger brothers.<ref>{{cite web |url-status=live |url=https://money.cnn.com/2008/01/04/news/newsmakers/gates.fortune/index2.htm |title=Melinda Gates goes public |pages=2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501013308/http://money.cnn.com/2008/01/04/news/newsmakers/gates.fortune/index2.htm |archive-date=May 1, 2012 |date= January 7, 2008 |first1=Patricia |last1=Sellers |website=CNN Money }}</ref>

French Gates, a [[Catholic]], attended St. Monica Catholic School, where she was the [[valedictorian]] of her class.<ref name="Catholic 2">{{Cite book |last=Jeanne M. Lesinski |url=https://archive.org/details/billgatesentrepr0000lesi |title=Bill Gates: Entrepreneur and Philanthropist |publisher=Twenty First Century Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-58013-570-2 |page=[https://archive.org/details/billgatesentrepr0000lesi/page/61 61] |quote=Melinda, a devout Catholic, wanted a religious wedding |access-date=March 10, 2011 |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="Catholic 1">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vo2ZAAAAIAAJ&q=Melinda+Gates+roman+catholic |title=Business Week, Issues 3649–3652 |publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]] |year=1999 |quote=Raised a Roman Catholic and educated at a girls' Catholic high school, Ursaline Academy in Dallas, Melinda was encouraged to pursue her love of science |access-date=March 10, 2011 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912183838/https://books.google.com/books?id=vo2ZAAAAIAAJ&q=Melinda+Gates+roman+catholic |url-status=live }}</ref> At age 14, French Gates was introduced to the [[Apple II]] by her father and Mrs. Bauer, a school teacher who advocated teaching computer science at the all-girls school.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gates|first=Melinda |title=The Moment of Lift : How Empowering Women Changes the World|date=2021|publisher=Flatiron Books |isbn=978-1-250-25772-7|oclc=1097579369}}</ref> It was from this experience she developed her interest in computer games and the [[BASIC]] programming language.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2008 |title=Office romance: how Bill met Melinda |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/office-romance-how-bill-met-melinda-855292.html |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929034825/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/office-romance-how-bill-met-melinda-855292.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

French Gates graduated as valedictorian from [[Ursuline Academy of Dallas]] in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ursuline Receives Additional $2 Million Grant; Science, Math, Technology Building Task Force is Formed |url=https://www.gatesfoundation.org/Media-Center/Press-Releases/2007/05/Ursuline-Receives-Additional-2-Million-Grant-Science-Math-Technology-Building-Task-Force-is-Formed |access-date=September 22, 2017 |website=Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923003303/https://www.gatesfoundation.org/Media-Center/Press-Releases/2007/05/Ursuline-Receives-Additional-2-Million-Grant-Science-Math-Technology-Building-Task-Force-is-Formed |url-status=live }}</ref> She earned a [[bachelor's degree]] in [[computer science]] and [[economics]] from [[Duke University]] in 1986 and an [[Master of Business Administration|MBA]] from Duke's [[Fuqua School of Business]] in 1987.<ref name="StangeOyster2013">{{Cite book |last1=Mary Zeiss Stange |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_BTKCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT386 |title=The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Women in Today's World |last2=Carol K. Oyster |last3=Jane E. Sloan |date=January 9, 2013 |publisher=SAGE Publications |isbn=978-1-4522-7037-1 |pages=386– |access-date=March 24, 2018 |archive-date=September 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912144343/https://books.google.com/books?id=_BTKCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT386 |url-status=live }}</ref> At Duke, French Gates was a member of the [[Kappa Alpha Theta]] sorority, Beta Rho Chapter.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2017 |title=The incredible life of Melinda Gates — one of the world's richest and most powerful women |url=https://www.businessinsider.nl/life-of-melinda-gates-2016-3/ |access-date=March 24, 2018 |archive-date=March 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325045442/https://www.businessinsider.nl/life-of-melinda-gates-2016-3/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Career ==
[[File:Melinda Gates - World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|French Gates in 2011]]

=== Early career and Microsoft ===
French Gates's first job was tutoring children in mathematics and computer programming.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Fast Company |date=January 9, 2017 |title=How Melinda Gates Is Diversifying Tech |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3066355/how-melinda-gates-is-diversifying-tech |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=Fast Company |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218082919/https://www.fastcompany.com/3066355/how-melinda-gates-is-diversifying-tech |url-status=live }}</ref> After graduation, she became a marketing manager with Microsoft, being responsible for the development of multimedia products.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Small|first=Cathleen|title=Melinda Gates : Philanthropist and Education Advocate. |date=2017 |publisher=Cavendish Square Publishing LLC |isbn=978-1-5026-2708-7 |location=New York, NY |oclc=1039680502}}</ref> These included [[Microsoft Cinemania|Cinemania]], [[Encarta]], [[Microsoft Publisher|Publisher]], [[Microsoft Bob]], [[Microsoft Money|Money]], [[Microsoft Works|Works (Macintosh)]] and [[Microsoft Word|Word]].<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |year=2008 |title=Office Romance: How Bill met Melinda |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/office-romance-how-bill-met-melinda-855292.html |access-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929034825/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/office-romance-how-bill-met-melinda-855292.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She worked on [[Expedia]], which became one of the most popular travel booking websites. In the early 1990s, French Gates was appointed as General Manager of Information Products, a position which she held until 1996.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Honders |first=Christine |title=Melinda Gates |date=July 15, 2016 |isbn=978-1-5081-4832-6 |location=New York |publisher=PowerKids Press |page=8 |oclc=921141343 }}</ref><ref name="Melinda Gates Biography">{{Cite web |title=Melinda Gates |url=https://www.gatesfoundation.org/Who-We-Are/General-Information/Leadership/Executive-Leadership-Team/Melinda-Gates |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=gatesfoundation.org |publisher=Gates Foundation |archive-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315035110/https://www.gatesfoundation.org/Who-We-Are/General-Information/Leadership/Executive-Leadership-Team/Melinda-Gates |url-status=live }}</ref> She left Microsoft that year, reportedly, to focus on starting a family.<ref name=":2" />

=== Corporate directorship ===
French Gates served as a member of Duke University's board of trustees from 1996 to 2003.<ref>[http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/admin/extaff/news/publications/winter96/board.htm Gates Joins Trustees] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120802153624/http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/admin/extaff/news/publications/winter96/board.htm|date=August 2, 2012}}, Fuqua.duke.edu; retrieved June 29, 2013.</ref> She attends the annual [[Bilderberg Group]] conference and has held a seat on the board of directors of [[Graham Holdings]] (formerly [[The Washington Post]] Company) since 2004.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melinda French Gates Elected a Director of The Washington Post Company |url=http://www.ghco.com/news-releases/news-release-details/melinda-french-gates-elected-director-washington-post-company |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803212113/http://www.ghco.com/news-releases/news-release-details/melinda-french-gates-elected-director-washington-post-company |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |access-date=March 14, 2019 |website=Graham Holdings Company |language=en}}</ref> She was also on the board of directors at [[Drugstore.com]] but left in August 2006 to focus on philanthropic projects.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2005 |title=Officers and Directors |url=http://investor.shareholder.com/drugstore/management.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060207063601/http://investor.shareholder.com/drugstore/management.cfm |archive-date=February 7, 2006 |access-date=February 14, 2008 |publisher=Drugstore.com}}</ref><ref name="Melinda Gates Biography" />

=== Philanthropy ===
Since 2000, French Gates has been in the public eye, stating "As I thought about strong women of history, I realized that they stepped out in some way."<ref name=":1" /> This has allowed her work shaping and advancing the goals of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to be publicly recognized. By 2022, Bill and Melinda had given US$59.1 billion of their personal wealth to the foundation.<ref name="FactSheet">{{cite web |title=Foundation Fact Sheet |url=https://www.gatesfoundation.org/who-we-are/general-information/foundation-factsheet |website=Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |language=en}}</ref> On May 13, 2024, French Gates resigned as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to be effective June 7.<ref>{{cite web | title=Melinda French Gates says she is resigning from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation | website=KOMO | date=May 13, 2024 | url=https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/melinda-french-gates-says-she-is-resigning-from-bill-and-melinda-gates-foundation-microsoft-billionaires-nonprofit-organization-charity-charitable-support-one-of-the-worlds-most-powerful-women | access-date=May 13, 2024}}</ref><ref name="CNN-resignation">{{cite web |title= Melinda French Gates is resigning from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |first=David |last=Goldman |work=CNN |date=May 13, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |url= https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/13/investing/melinda-gates-resigns-foundation/index.html}}</ref> The foundation was subsequently renamed the [[Gates Foundation]], with Bill Gates as its sole chair.<ref name=":8" />

In 2015, French Gates founded Pivotal Ventures as a separate, independent organization to identify and implement innovative solutions to problems affecting U.S. women and families.<ref>[https://www.pivotalventures.org/#who-we-are Pivotal Ventures-Who we are] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418005744/https://www.pivotalventures.org/#who-we-are|date=April 18, 2020}}, pivotalventures.org; retrieved April 17, 2020.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Todd |date=2015-08-12 |title=Melinda Gates creates 'Pivotal Ventures' to pursue outside projects, focusing on women's issues |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2015/melinda-gates-creates-pivotal-ventures-to-pursue-outside-projects-focusing-on-womens-issues/ |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=GeekWire |language=en-US}}</ref> In partnership with Lever for Change, an affiliate of the [[MacArthur Foundation]] French Gates announced a 2024-25 grant competition called Action for Women's Health, which aims to provide $250 million in grants to fund women's health initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-09 |title=Melinda French Gates will give $250M to women's health groups globally through a new open call |url=https://apnews.com/article/melinda-french-gates-open-call-lever-for-change-global-womens-health-9b76dccb34b3500ebff3d7bfdf07f2b7 |access-date=2025-03-24 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

===Writing===
In 2019, French Gates debuted as an author with the book ''The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World''. Former president [[Barack Obama]] starred in a comedy sketch to promote it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Darrisaw |first=Michelle |date=May 10, 2019 |title=Barack Obama Is the Ultimate Funny Guy in a Video Made for Melinda Gates |url=https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/a27434548/melinda-gates-moment-of-lift-book-tour-barack-obama/ |website=Oprah Magazine |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513051621/https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/a27434548/melinda-gates-moment-of-lift-book-tour-barack-obama/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2019 |title=Melinda Gates draws huge crowd for hometown finale of 'Moment of Lift' tour, with surprise intro |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/melinda-gates-draws-huge-crowd-hometown-finale-moment-lift-tour-surprise-intro/ |website=GeekWire |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510204458/https://www.geekwire.com/2019/melinda-gates-draws-huge-crowd-hometown-finale-moment-lift-tour-surprise-intro/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The book highlights the failure to acknowledge women's unpaid work, drawing on feminist economist [[Marilyn Waring|Dame Marilyn Waring]]'s book ''[[If Women Counted]]''.<ref name="abcnews">{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2019 |title=Book excerpt: Melinda Gates' 'The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/book-excerpt-melinda-gates-moment-lift-empowering-women/story?id=62573695 |access-date=January 29, 2021 |website=ABC News |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420192339/https://abcnews.go.com/US/book-excerpt-melinda-gates-moment-lift-empowering-women/story?id=62573695 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2025, she published the book ''The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward''.

==Women in technology==
French Gates's experience of a male-dominated workplace at Microsoft inspired her to encourage more women in the computing field.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melinda Gates reveals 'aggressive,' male-dominated life at Microsoft as she calls on all of us to redesign the workplace |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/melinda-gates-reveals-aggressive-male-dominated-life-microsoft-she-calls-us-redesign-workplace/1459159 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312023846/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/melinda-gates-reveals-aggressive-male-dominated-life-microsoft-she-calls-us-redesign-workplace/1459159 |archive-date=March 12, 2018 |access-date=March 14, 2019 |website=www.campaignlive.co.uk}}</ref> In September 2016, she announced her desire to increase diversity in the workplace, especially in the technology industry, stating: "Every company needs technology, and yet we're graduating fewer women technologists. That is not good for society. We have to change it."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melinda Gates Wants More Women in Tech Jobs |url=http://money.com/money/4514589/melinda-gates-women-technology-jobs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912183840/https://money.com/melinda-gates-women-technology-jobs/ |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=Money |language=en}}</ref> French Gates also spoke about this topic at the 2017 [[Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing]], an annual series of conferences.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2017 |title=Melinda Gates on women in tech, her first love, and the origins of Comic Sans |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2017/live-melinda-gates-grace-hopper-celebration-women-computing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330084229/https://www.geekwire.com/2017/live-melinda-gates-grace-hopper-celebration-women-computing/ |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |access-date=March 29, 2018 |website=GeekWire}}</ref>

==Awards and recognition==
In 1998, Melinda and Bill Gates were each honored with an [[American Library Association Honorary Membership]]. In 2002, Melinda and Bill Gates received the Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, an award given out, annually, by [[Jefferson Awards for Public Service|Jefferson Awards]].<ref>[http://www.jeffersonawards.org/pastwinners/national Jefferson Awards website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124043935/http://jeffersonawards.org/pastwinners/national |date=November 24, 2010 }}, jeffersonawards.org; accessed April 23, 2016.</ref> In December 2005, Melinda and Bill were named, by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]],'' as [[Time Magazine Person of the Year|Persons of the Year]], alongside [[Bono (U2)|Bono]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Persons of the Year 2005 – TIME |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,2016788,00.html?xid=fblike |access-date=April 21, 2020 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |language=en-us }}</ref><ref name="TIME Persons of the Year 2005">{{cite magazine | title=Persons of the Year: The Good Samaritans | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date=December 26, 2005 | url=https://time.com/vault/issue/2005-12-26/page/1/ | access-date=December 24, 2022}}</ref> Melinda and Bill Gates received the Spanish [[Prince of Asturias Award|Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation]] on May 4, 2006, in recognition of their world impact through charitable giving.<ref>[http://www.fpa.es/en/prince-of-asturias-awards/international-cooperation "2012 Laureates&nbsp;– Prince of Asturias Awards"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623043219/http://www.fpa.es/en/prince-of-asturias-awards/international-cooperation |date=June 23, 2013 }}, fpa.es; retrieved June 2, 2013.</ref> In November 2006, French Gates was awarded the [[Order of the Aztec Eagle|Insignia of the Order of the Aztec Eagle]], together, with Bill, who was awarded the Placard of the same order, both for their philanthropic work around the world in the areas of health and education, particularly in [[Mexico]], and specifically in the program "Un país de lectores".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Talk about us: Melinda Gates |url=https://www.coachabilityfoundation.org/single-post/Melinda-Gates |access-date=March 14, 2019 |website=Empowering Entrepreneurs Women {{!}} Coachability Foundation |language=es }}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

[[File:Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation front.JPG|thumb|Front building of the [[Gates Foundation|Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation]] in [[Seattle]]]]

In May 2006, in honor of her work to improve the lives of children locally and around the world, Seattle Children's Hospital dedicated the Melinda French Gates Ambulatory Care building<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seattle Children's History |url=https://www.seattlechildrens.org/about/history/ |access-date=April 21, 2020 |website=Seattle Children's Hospital |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715230933/https://www.seattlechildrens.org/about/history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> at [[Seattle Children's]] (formerly Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100616134718/http://seattlechildrens.org/about/history/name-history/ How Our Name Evolved], Seattlechildrens.org; retrieved June 29, 2013.</ref> She chaired a campaign for the hospital to fundraise $300 million to expand facilities, fund under-compensated and uncompensated care, and grow the hospital's research program to find cures and treatments.<ref>[http://www.seattlechildrens.org/media/press-release/2006/02/000199 Seattle Children's Hospital Unveils $300 Million Capital Campaign&nbsp;– $200 Million Already Raised] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603093525/http://www.seattlechildrens.org/media/press-release/2006/02/000199/ |date=June 3, 2013 }}, seattlechildrens.org; retrieved June 29, 2013.</ref>

In 2007, French Gates received an honorary doctorate in medicine from the [[Karolinska Institute]] in Stockholm, Sweden.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Melinda Gates honorary doctor at Karolinska Institutet {{!}} Karolinska Institutet Nyheter |url=https://news.ki.se/melinda-gates-honorary-doctor-at-karolinska-institutet |access-date=April 21, 2020 |website=news.ki.se |language=en |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803194242/https://news.ki.se/melinda-gates-honorary-doctor-at-karolinska-institutet |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, she and her then-husband received honorary degrees from the [[University of Cambridge]]. Their benefaction of $210 million in 2000 set up the [[Gates Cambridge Scholarships|Gates Cambridge Trust]], which funds postgraduate scholars from outside the UK to study at the university.<ref name="nyu1">{{Cite web |title=Gates Cambridge Trust |url=https://www.nyu.edu/academics/awards-and-highlights/global-awards/scholarships/gates-cambridge-trust.html |access-date=November 30, 2016 |publisher=New York University |archive-date=December 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201082539/https://www.nyu.edu/academics/awards-and-highlights/global-awards/scholarships/gates-cambridge-trust.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="cam1">{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2013 |title=Gates Cambridge Trust announces new Provost |url=https://www.cam.ac.uk/news/gates-cambridge-trust-announces-new-provost |website=University of Cambridge |access-date=November 30, 2016 |archive-date=December 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201082122/https://www.cam.ac.uk/news/gates-cambridge-trust-announces-new-provost |url-status=live }}</ref> Lastly, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Duke University, in 2013, in honor of her philanthropic commitment.

She has been repeatedly recognized, by [[Forbes]] in its annual list of the [[Forbes Magazine's List of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women|100 Most Powerful Women]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=The World's 100 Most Powerful Women 2013 |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/power-women |access-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422093923/http://www.forbes.com/power-women/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ranking #3 in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017, #4 in 2012 and 2016, #5 in 2020 and 2021, and #6 in 2011, 2018, 2019 and 2022, #10 in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=The World's Most Powerful Women 2023 |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/power-women/ |access-date= |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> She was awarded the [[UCSF]] medal in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UCSF Medal |url=https://chancellor.ucsf.edu/chancellor-awards/ucsf-medal |access-date=July 1, 2020 |website=Office of the Chancellor |language=en |archive-date=July 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704012510/https://chancellor.ucsf.edu/chancellor-awards/ucsf-medal |url-status=live }}</ref> French Gates was appointed an honorary [[Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire]] (DBE) in 2013, for services to philanthropy and international development.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Angela Ahrendts and Melinda Gates made (honorary) Dames of the British Empire |work=theguardian.com |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jan/28/angela-ahrendts-melinda-gates-made-dames |access-date=May 21, 2014 |archive-date=April 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403052711/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/jan/28/angela-ahrendts-melinda-gates-made-dames |url-status=live }}</ref> In recognition of the foundation's philanthropic activities in India, Bill and Melinda, jointly, received India's third-highest civilian honor, [[Padma Bhushan]], in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |title=Advani, Bachchan, Dilip Kumar get Padma Vibhushan |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/advani-bachchan-dilip-kumar-get-padma-vibhushan/article6821421.ece |access-date=April 23, 2016 |website=The Hindu |date=January 25, 2015 |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120063253/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/advani-bachchan-dilip-kumar-get-padma-vibhushan/article6821421.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]] awarded French Gates and her husband with the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]], for their philanthropic efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2016 |title=President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/11/16/president-obama-names-recipients-presidential-medal-freedom |via=[[NARA|National Archives]] |work=[[whitehouse.gov]] |access-date=November 16, 2016 |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118210055/https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/11/16/president-obama-names-recipients-presidential-medal-freedom |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2017, [[President of France|President]] [[François Hollande]] awarded France's highest national honor to French Gates and her husband, for their charitable efforts, i.e. as [[Legion of Honour|Commander of the Legion of Honour]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bill et Melinda Gates: une médaille pour le cœur |url=https://www.parismatch.com/Actu/International/Bill-et-Melinda-Gates-une-medaille-pour-le-coeur-1242938 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |website=Paris Match |date=April 29, 2017 |language=fr |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629080306/https://www.parismatch.com/Actu/International/Bill-et-Melinda-Gates-une-medaille-pour-le-coeur-1242938 |url-status=live }}</ref> That year, she was awarded the [[Otto Hahn Peace Medal|Otto Hahn Peace Medal 2016]] of the United Nations Association of Germany (DGVN), Berlin-Brandenburg, "for outstanding services to peace and international understanding" in the historic [[Berlin Town Hall]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2017 |title=Otto-Hahn-Friedensmedaille an Melinda Gates |url=https://dgvn.berlin/2017/05/26/310 |access-date=September 30, 2017 |website=Deutsche Gesellschaft für die Vereinten Nationen, Berlin-Brandenburg |publisher=United Nations Association of Germany, LV Berlin-Brandenburg (DGVN) |language=DE |archive-date=October 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001042802/https://dgvn.berlin/2017/05/26/310/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 25, 2017 |title=Melinda Gates mit Friedensmedaille geehrt |language=DE |work=[[Focus (German magazine)|Focus]] |publisher=Helmut Markwort |agency=Deutsche Presse-Agentur |url=http://www.focus.de/regional/berlin/auszeichnungen-melinda-gates-mit-friedensmedaille-geehrt_id_7178467.html |access-date=September 30, 2017 |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930202018/http://www.focus.de/regional/berlin/auszeichnungen-melinda-gates-mit-friedensmedaille-geehrt_id_7178467.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That year, French Gates was listed by UK-based company Richtopia at number 12 in the list of 200 Most Influential Philanthropists and Social Entrepreneurs Worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philanthropists & Social Entrepreneurs Top 200: From Elon Musk to Melinda Gates, These Are the Most Influential Do-Gooders in the World |url=https://richtopia.com/inspirational-people/top-200-philanthropists-social-entrepreneurs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330083458/https://richtopia.com/inspirational-people/top-200-philanthropists-social-entrepreneurs |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |website=Richtopia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 200 Global Philanthropists, Social Entrepreneurs |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/03/31/elumelu-ranked-among-top-200-global-philanthropists-social-entrepreneurs/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401060441/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/03/31/elumelu-ranked-among-top-200-global-philanthropists-social-entrepreneurs/ |archive-date=April 1, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |website=ThisDayLive}}</ref> In June 2024, she delivered the Commencement address at [[Stanford University]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Peacock |first1=Chris |title=Melinda French Gates will be 2024 Commencement speaker at Stanford |url=https://news.stanford.edu/report/2024/04/02/melinda-french-gates-will-2024-commencement-speaker-stanford/ |website=Stanford Report |access-date=11 April 2024}}</ref>

== Political activity ==
After the divorce, French Gates became [[independently wealthy]] and is now a prominent [[megadonor]] to the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], with a focus on [[Abortion in the United States|abortion rights]]. In the lead-up to the [[2024 United States presidential election|2024 US presidential election]], she donated over $10 million to Democratic causes.<ref name=":5" /> In that election, she endorsed [[Joe Biden]] and then, after he stepped aside, [[Kamala Harris]], her first presidential endorsements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Abby |date=2020-08-12 |title=Melinda Gates 'still discussing' if she and Bill Gates will endorse a presidential candidate |url=https://19thnews.org/2020/08/melinda-gates-still-discussing-if-she-and-bill-gates-will-endorse-a-presidential-candidate/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=The 19th |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-23 |title=Melinda French Gates endorses Kamala Harris for president |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/melinda-french-gates-endorses-kamala-harris-for-president/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Bill og Melinda Gates 2009-06-03 (bilde 01).JPG|thumb|Melinda and her then-husband, [[Bill Gates|Bill]], in 2009]]
Melinda began dating [[Microsoft]] chief executive Bill Gates in 1987, after meeting him at a trade fair in New York.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 26, 2004 |title=Profile: Bill Gates |work=BBC News |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3428721.stm |access-date=April 27, 2007 |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3428721.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1994, she married Gates in a private ceremony held in [[Lāna{{okina}}i]], Hawaii. They have three children.<ref name="Jennifer">{{cite web | last1=Nguyen | first1=Britney | last2=Akhtar | first2=Allana | title=Meet Bill Gates' daughter Jennifer, an elite equestrian who stands to inherit 'a minuscule portion' of her father's $109 billion fortune | website=Business Insider | date=9 April 2023 | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-founder-bill-gates-daughter-jennifer-gates-life | access-date=23 January 2025}}</ref> [[Bill Gates's house|The family maintained a home]] in an [[earth sheltering|earth-sheltered mansion]] overlooking [[Lake Washington]] in [[Medina, Washington]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2016 |title=Peek inside Bill Gates' $124 million mansion Xanadu 2.0 – Take a look at Bill Gates' new house |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nation-world/peek-inside-bill-gates-124-million-mansion-xanadu-2-0/pool-with-underwater-music-system/slideshow/56019673.cms |access-date=August 15, 2020 |website=The Economic Times |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007214016/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nation-world/peek-inside-bill-gates-124-million-mansion-xanadu-2-0/pool-with-underwater-music-system/slideshow/56019673.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> The family also owned an oceanfront residence in [[Del Mar, California]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vasishta |first=Jeff |date=April 24, 2020 |title=Bill and Melinda Gates Pick Up Del Mar Oceanfront Mansion |url=https://variety.com/2020/dirt/moguls/bill-and-melinda-gates-pick-up-del-mar-oceanfront-mansion-1234590980/ |access-date=August 15, 2020 |website=Variety |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813202419/https://variety.com/2020/dirt/moguls/bill-and-melinda-gates-pick-up-del-mar-oceanfront-mansion-1234590980/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Molnar |first=Phillip |date=April 24, 2020 |title=Report: Bill and Melinda Gates buy a $43-million Del Mar home |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2020-04-24/report-bill-and-melinda-gates-buy-43million-del-mar-home |access-date=August 15, 2020 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007214045/https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2020-04-24/report-bill-and-melinda-gates-buy-43million-del-mar-home |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2021, after 27 years of marriage, Bill and Melinda Gates announced their decision to divorce.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/ncna1266179|title=Bill and Melinda Gates are getting divorced, future of foundation in question|work=NBC News|date=May 3, 2021|publisher=NBC Universal|last=Stelloh|first=Tim|access-date=May 3, 2021|archive-date=May 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503210027/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/ncna1266179|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', Melinda had been meeting with divorce lawyers since at least October 2019, after Bill's business dealings with convicted sex offender [[Jeffrey Epstein]] became public.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cartwright |first1=Lachlan |last2=Briquelet |first2=Kate |title=Melinda Gates Warned Bill About Jeffrey Epstein |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/melinda-gates-warned-bill-gates-about-jeffrey-epstein |access-date=May 11, 2021 |work=The Daily Beast |date=May 7, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511000824/https://www.thedailybeast.com/melinda-gates-warned-bill-gates-about-jeffrey-epstein |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=WSJ>{{cite news |last1=Glazer |first1=Emily |last2=Safdar |first2=Khadeeja |title=Melinda Gates Was Meeting With Divorce Lawyers Since 2019 to End Marriage With Bill Gates |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/melinda-gates-was-meeting-with-divorce-lawyers-since-2019-to-end-marriage-with-bill-gates-11620579924 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=May 9, 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511000852/https://www.wsj.com/articles/melinda-gates-was-meeting-with-divorce-lawyers-since-2019-to-end-marriage-with-bill-gates-11620579924 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=TheGuardian>{{cite news |last1=Pengelly |first1=Martin |last2=Neate |first2=Rupert |title=Melinda Gates began divorce moves at time Bill's meetings with Jeffrey Epstein revealed |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/10/melinda-bill-gates-divorce-jeffrey-epstein-meetings |access-date=May 11, 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=May 10, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511000431/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/10/melinda-bill-gates-divorce-jeffrey-epstein-meetings |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the couple did not have a [[prenuptial agreement]],<ref name=TheGuardian/> Melinda (who filed) did not request spousal support.<ref name=WSJ/> She was allocated over $2 billion worth of shares and stocks from the divorce,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2021/05/07/melinda-gates-billionaire-after-stock-transfer-bill-gates/4986298001/|title=After a stock transfer from Bill Gates, Melinda Gates is a billionaire|work=USA Today|date=May 7, 2021|last=Miranda|first=Gabriela|publisher=Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC|access-date=June 8, 2021|archive-date=May 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530171821/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2021/05/07/melinda-gates-billionaire-after-stock-transfer-bill-gates/4986298001/|url-status=live}}</ref> although the full details of the financial settlement have not been disclosed.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Kulish |first=Nicholas |date=2 August 2021 |title=Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates finalize their divorce |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/business/bill-gates-divorce-melinda-french.html |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The divorce was finalized on August 2, 2021.<ref name="CNBC20210802"/> She has publicly used the name Melinda French Gates, since the couple separated.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Kulish |first=Nicholas |date=2 August 2021 |title=Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates finalize their divorce |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/02/business/bill-gates-divorce-melinda-french.html |access-date=4 September 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

In October 2021, Melinda and Bill both attended the wedding of their eldest daughter Jennifer to the Olympic equestrian [[Nayel Nassar]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ritschel |first=Chelsea |date=2021-10-17 |title=Jennifer Gates marries Nayel Nassar in ceremony attended by parents |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/jennifer-gates-nayel-nassar-wedding-b1939863.html |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> In March 2022, Melinda said that she and Bill were "friendly" but not "friends".<ref>{{cite web|title=Melinda French Gates says she is 'friendly' but not friends with Bill Gates|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/03/melinda-french-gates-friendly-bill-gates|access-date=March 3, 2022|last1=Yang|first1=Maya|work=The Guardian|date=March 3, 2022|language=en}}</ref> In November 2022, she was reported to be dating former Fox News correspondent Jon Du Pre. In April 2024, a spokesperson quashed rumors that French Gates and Du Pre had become engaged, confirming that the two were no longer dating.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hatcher |first1=Kirsty |last2=Pasquini |first2=Maria |date=22 April 2024 |title=Melinda French Gates Is Not Engaged to Jon Du Pre Despite Ring as Rep Confirms They're 'No Longer Dating' |url=https://people.com/melinda-french-gates-not-engaged-jon-du-pre-no-longer-dating-rep-8636757 |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=People |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Colon |first=Beatriz |date=2024-04-22 |title=Bill Gates' ex Melinda French Gates breaks silence on engagement after sighting with huge diamond ring |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/518095/bill-gates-ex-melinda-french-breaks-silence-engagement-diamond-ring/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=HELLO! |language=en}}</ref> French Gates became a grandmother for the first time in March 2023, when Jennifer gave birth to a daughter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calvario |first=Liz |date=2023-04-08 |title=Bill Gates and ex-wife Melinda French Gates reveal sweet photos of their first grandchild |url=https://www.today.com/parents/celebrity/bill-gates-melinda-french-gates-grandchild-rcna78780 |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}</ref>

French Gates is a practicing [[Catholic Church in the United States|Catholic]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Schleifer |first=Theodore |date=2024-10-06 |title=Melinda French Gates's New Life: Abortion Politics and Kamala Harris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/06/us/politics/melinda-french-gates-abortion-politics-kamala-harris.html |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

In 2025, Gates went public with a new relationship with Philip Vaughn, claiming she was very happy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Melinda French Gates Makes Red Carpet Debut with Philip Vaughn After Gushing She’s 'Happy' in New Relationship |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/melinda-french-gates-makes-red-225206969.html |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=People via Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}</ref> 

==Published works==

*''The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World'' (2019) {{ISBN|978-1-250-31357-7}}
*''The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward'' (2025) {{ISBN|978-1-250-37865-1}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote|Melinda Gates}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Who-We-Are/General-Information/Leadership/Executive-Leadership-Team/Melinda-Gates Profile at the Gates Foundation]
* [https://www.pivotalventures.org/founder Profile at Pivotal Ventures]
* {{C-SPAN|1006892}}
* {{Charlie Rose view|426}}
* {{TED speaker}}
* {{IMDb name|2320473}}
* {{NYT topic|people/g/melinda_gates}}
* [https://money.cnn.com/2008/01/04/news/newsmakers/gates.fortune/index.htm Melinda Gates Goes Public], ''Fortune'' magazine, January 4, 2008
* [http://www.givesmart.org/Stories/Donors/Melinda-Gates Melinda Gates Philanthropic Profile] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219055056/http://www.givesmart.org/Stories/Donors/Melinda-Gates |date=February 19, 2014 }}), GiveSmart.org, November 2012
* [http://www.makers.com/melinda-gates Melinda Gates] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131414/https://www.makers.com/melinda-gates |date=December 1, 2017 }})—Video produced by ''[[Makers: Women Who Make America]]''

{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2010–19}}
{{Time Persons of the Year 2001-2025}}
{{Bill Gates}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:French Gates, Melinda}}
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century American businesspeople]]
[[Category:21st-century American businesswomen]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholics]]
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[[Category:Duke University alumni]]
[[Category:Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences]]
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[[Category:Gates family|Melinda French]]
[[Category:Honorary Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire]]
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[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in social work]]
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