Melinda Gates Biography: Age, Husband, Children, Divorce, Net Worth & Inspiring Life Story
Melinda Gates is a renowned American philanthropist, former technology executive, and global advocate for women’s empowerment. Best known as the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, she has made a transformative impact on global health, education, and gender equality. Her leadership and dedication have established her as one of the most influential women in the world, shaping humanitarian efforts from Seattle to communities worldwide.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Melinda Ann French Gates |
| Nickname | Melinda Gates |
| Profession | Philanthropist, Businesswoman, Author |
| Birth Date | August 15, 1964 |
| Age | 61 years (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Co-founding the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
| Known For | Philanthropy, Technology Leadership, Women’s Empowerment |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Height & Weight | 5’8″ (173 cm), approx. 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Education | Duke University (BA, MBA) |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Marital Status/Spouse | Divorced (formerly married to bill gates) |
| Children | 3 (Jennifer, Rory, Phoebe) |
| Relatives | Raymond Joseph French Jr. (father), Elaine Agnes Amerland (mother) |
| Hobbies | Reading, Traveling, Advocacy |
| Employer/Organization | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Pivotal Ventures |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $10.5 billion (as of 2025) |
Early Life & Education
Melinda Ann French Gates was born on August 15, 1964, in Dallas, Texas. Raised in a middle-class Catholic family, Melinda was the second of four children. Her father was an aerospace engineer, and her mother was a homemaker who encouraged academic excellence. Melinda attended St. Monica Catholic School and later graduated as valedictorian from Ursuline Academy of Dallas in 1982. Driven by a passion for mathematics and computer science, she pursued higher education at Duke University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Economics in 1986. She continued at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, obtaining her MBA in 1987.
Career Journey
Early Beginnings at Microsoft
After completing her MBA, Melinda joined Microsoft in 1987 as a marketing manager. She played a pivotal role in developing multimedia products, including Microsoft Bob, Encarta, and Expedia.
Rising Through the Ranks
- Led the development of Microsoft Publisher and Expedia, shaping the company’s consumer software strategy.
- Promoted to General Manager of Information Products, overseeing major product launches.
- Recognized for her innovative approach and leadership in a predominantly male industry.
Philanthropy and Co-Founding the Gates Foundation
In 2000, Melinda co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, now the world’s largest private charitable foundation. The organization focuses on global health, poverty alleviation, and expanding educational opportunities.
- Directed billions in grants for vaccines, maternal health, and education reform worldwide.
- Launched initiatives for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
- Served as co-chair and shaped the foundation’s vision and strategy for over two decades.
Recent Activity & Pivotal Ventures
In 2015, Melinda founded Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company focused on advancing social progress in the United States, particularly for women and families. She continues to speak globally on philanthropy, innovation, and gender equity.
Personal Life
Melinda met Bill Gates at Microsoft in the late 1980s, and the couple married on January 1, 1994, in Lanai, Hawaii. They have three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. The Gates family has maintained a relatively private life, emphasizing education, humility, and service.
After 27 years of marriage, Melinda and Bill Gates announced their divorce in May 2021, finalizing it in August 2021. Despite their separation, they continue to collaborate on the Gates Foundation’s mission.
Melinda is passionate about reading, travel, and global advocacy. She is actively involved in the Catholic community and supports numerous initiatives for women’s rights and social justice.
Awards & Achievements
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016)
- Time 100 Most Influential People (multiple years)
- Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women (regularly featured)
- U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal
- Honorary Doctorates from Duke University and other institutions
- Global Leadership Awards for philanthropy and women’s empowerment
Physical Statistics
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 132 lbs (60 kg)
- Body Measurements: Not publicly disclosed
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Hazel
- Shoe Size: 8 (US) (approximate)
- Dress Size: Not publicly disclosed
- Sexuality: Straight
Quotes
“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.”
“If you are successful, it is because somewhere, sometime, someone gave you a life or an idea that started you in the right direction.”
“We need to lift women up—literally and figuratively.”
Controversies
Melinda Gates has largely maintained a positive public image, though her divorce from Bill Gates in 2021 brought intense media attention. She has also faced scrutiny regarding the Foundation’s influence on global health policies and philanthropic transparency. However, Melinda has consistently advocated for openness and ethical giving.
Favorites
- Favorite Book: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
- Favorite Food: Mexican cuisine
- Favorite Destination: Paris, France
- Favorite Cause: Women’s empowerment and education
Salary & Net Worth
As of 2025, Melinda Gates has an estimated net worth of $10.5 billion, primarily from her divorce settlement and investments. While her personal salary is not publicly disclosed, her wealth is managed through philanthropic ventures and investments. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation continues to manage assets exceeding $50 billion, with Melinda actively overseeing grantmaking and strategy.
Interesting Facts
- Melinda was the first female to serve as General Manager at Microsoft’s Information Products division.
- She launched Pivotal Ventures to address systemic social issues in the U.S.
- Melinda’s memoir, “The Moment of Lift,” became a New York Times bestseller.
- She is an advocate for family planning and reproductive health worldwide.
- Melinda enjoys hiking, yoga, and exploring new cultures.
Social Media Links
- Twitter/X: @melindagates
- Instagram: @melindafrenchgates
- Facebook: Melinda French Gates
- LinkedIn: Melinda French Gates
- YouTube: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Melinda Gates in 2025?
Melinda Gates is 61 years old as of 2025. - What is Melinda Gates best known for?
She is best known for co-founding the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and her global work in philanthropy and women’s rights. - Who are Melinda Gates’ children?
She has three children: Jennifer Katharine Gates, Rory John Gates, and phoebe adele Gates. - What is Melinda Gates’ net worth?
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $10.5 billion. - Is Melinda Gates married?
She is divorced; she was married to Bill Gates from 1994 to 2021. - What are Melinda Gates’ main philanthropic focuses?
Her primary focus areas are global health, education, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
Conclusion
Melinda Gates’ journey from a tech leader at Microsoft to a globally respected philanthropist is nothing short of inspiring. Her unwavering commitment to improving lives, especially for women and children, has left a lasting mark on the world. As she continues her advocacy and leadership, Melinda’s story encourages others to drive change and make a difference. Feel free to share this biography to inspire others!
Sources: Forbes, The New York Times, BBC, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Duke University, Time Magazine.
