“Melinda French Gates is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and girls. She founded and co-chaired the Gates Foundation, where, for more than two decades, she set the direction and priorities of the world’s largest philanthropy. Melinda left the Gates Foundation in June 2024.

For over 25 years, Melinda has led efforts to unlock a healthier, more prosperous, more equal future. Today, she heads Pivotal, an organization she formed in 2015 that works to accelerate the pace of progress and advance women’s power and influence in the U.S. and around the world. Pivotal drives impact using high-impact investments, philanthropy, partnerships, and advocacy.

Melinda has seen firsthand how empowered women and girls transform families, communities, and countries. In her bestselling book, The Moment of Lift, she introduces readers to women whose stories have inspired her and writes about her own journey to becoming an advocate. Through her imprint, Moment of Lift Books, she amplifies other voices by publishing original nonfiction from visionaries working to unlock a more equal world for women and girls.” - Gates Foundation