Melinda French Gates on Turning 60, Being 'Sole Decision-Maker' in Her Philanthropy: 'It's Different Than Before'

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Lisa Lake/Getty Images

Lisa Lake/Getty Images

Melinda French Gatesjust celebrated a milestone birthday — and is reflecting on the “exciting” opportunities ahead of her when it comes to giving back and making a difference.

“I feel extraordinarily energized about the work ahead,” French Gates, 60,toldVanity Fairin a new interview, published on Wednesday, Sept. 11. “It feels like now is the right time. I never realized that going into my sixth decade, turning 60, could be so exciting.”

“Now I’m the sole decision-maker about these resources," thePivotal Venturesfounder added of her philanthropic efforts. “So that’s just — it’s different than before. Quite honestly, it feels quite good.”

French Gates, whosedivorcefrom Microsoft co-founderBill Gateswasfinalized in August 2021, said that with such wealth, which still feels “surreal,” comes a “great responsibility.”

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The mother of three — who recently announced a$1 billion pledge to help support women’s rights— has been candid before about the causes she’s most passionate about supporting.

Afterstepping downfrom theGates Foundationin June, she opened up about her commitment to protecting and strengthening women’s rights

“What I am doing now in full force ismaking sure that women’s rights are not only on the agenda, but that women are setting the agenda,” French Gates said during an appearanceThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

She added, “Women’s rights globally and in the United States have been rolled back. The fact that my granddaughter will have fewer rights right now because of the Supreme Court than I had makes zero sense to me.”

“One of the things I’m doing is making sure that we have far more women running for office, being able to raise funds for their positions and that they are really well trained on the legislative agenda they want to help get passed,” French Gates continued. “There’s 7,000 seats at the state house level and getting women into those positions, they create great policy and it’s a great training ground then to go onto the hill in DC.”

In theVanity Fairarticle, French Gates also spoke out about endorsing Vice PresidentKamala Harris— who happens to be turning 60 next month — in the 2024 presidential race.

“We are like-minded on many issues,” French Gates said. “She sees the issues society faces today. She’s not an old-school ‘Let’s have all males at the table.' "

At another point in the profile, the philanthropist said that in turning 60, you can’t help but be “reflective.”

source: people.com