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Melinda French Gates photos: Bill Gates' marriage, daughters and philanthropic efforts

In 2015, Melinda French Gates founded Pivotal Ventures , an investment and incubation company that seeks to advance social progress for women, families and people of color across the United States. Her recent targets: national paid leave, economic empowerment and employment for women, mental health of young people and gender equality. In a 2022 interview with USA TODAY , she said: "I think so often society puts things on women, puts things on people of color, and you don't see those role models in those high positions – a woman or a person of color – so you don't have to have something to look up to. A young man looks up and he sees in any industry, he sees other men. He sees three dozen different archetypes of men. And he says, 'I don't want to be like that guy, but I want to be like that guy.' We don't have that as women." Scroll through to revisit her career and life in photos, from her beginnings to her marriage with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
In 2015, Melinda French Gates founded Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company that seeks to advance social progress for women, families and people of color across the United States. Her recent targets: national paid leave, economic empowerment and employment for women, mental health of young people and gender equality. In a 2022 interview with USA TODAY, she said:"I think so often society puts things on women, puts things on people of color, and you don't see those role models in those high positions – a woman or a person of color – so you don't have to have something to look up to. A young man looks up and he sees in any industry, he sees other men. He sees three dozen different archetypes of men. And he says, 'I don't want to be like that guy, but I want to be like that guy.' We don't have that as women." Scroll through to revisit her career and life in photos, from her beginnings to her marriage with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Harrison Hill, USA TODAY
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, French Gates attended Duke University, from which she received a degree in computer science and economics as well as an MBA. In 1987, she joined Microsoft as a multimedia product developer and shortly after, French Gates began dating the company's co-founder and then-CEO Bill Gates. In this photo, Melinda French Gates shows a copy of "Bob" at a trade show "Demo 95" on Feb. 6, 1995, in Indian Wells, California.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, French Gates attended Duke University, from which she received a degree in computer science and economics as well as an MBA. In 1987, she joined Microsoft as a multimedia product developer and shortly after, French Gates began dating the company's co-founder and then-CEO Bill Gates. In this photo, Melinda French Gates shows a copy of "Bob" at a trade show "Demo 95" on Feb. 6, 1995, in Indian Wells, California.
Paul Harris, Getty Images
Following her divorce from Bill Gates in 2021 following a 27-year marriage, Melinda French Gates resigned from her role as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2024 and has since been dedicating efforts toward her company, Pivotal Ventures .
Following her divorce from Bill Gates in 2021 following a 27-year marriage, Melinda French Gates resigned from her role as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2024 and has since been dedicating efforts toward her company, Pivotal Ventures.
DON EMMERT, AFP Via Getty Images
The businesswoman and philanthropist is opening up about her divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in her new book, " The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward " (out April 15, 2025).
The businesswoman and philanthropist is opening up about her divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates in her new book, "The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward" (out April 15, 2025).
FABRICE COFFRINI, AFP Via Getty Images
Bill Gates and his ex wife Melinda French Gates pose for photographs outside Number 10 Downing Street on Oct. 18, 2010, in London.
Bill Gates and his ex wife Melinda French Gates pose for photographs outside Number 10 Downing Street on Oct. 18, 2010, in London.
Oli Scarff, Getty Images
French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (2R), Melinda Gates spouse of US IT mogul Bill Gates speak with patients during their visit to "Auberge de l'Amour Redempteur" hospital on January 27, 2010 in Dangbo. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is for a two days visit in Benin with the AIDS World Fund.
French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy (2R), Melinda Gates spouse of US IT mogul Bill Gates speak with patients during their visit to "Auberge de l'Amour Redempteur" hospital on January 27, 2010 in Dangbo. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is for a two days visit in Benin with the AIDS World Fund.
Pool Photo By ERIC FEFERBERG, Via AFP Via Getty Images
Jill Biden, wife of Former U.S. President Joe Biden, hugs Melinda Gates, during the first ever White House Summit on Community Colleges, an event highlighting the critical role that community colleges play in developing America's workforce and reaching educational goals on Oct. 5, 2010.
Jill Biden, wife of Former U.S. President Joe Biden, hugs Melinda Gates, during the first ever White House Summit on Community Colleges, an event highlighting the critical role that community colleges play in developing America's workforce and reaching educational goals on Oct. 5, 2010.
TIM SLOAN, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates and Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks with students at TechBoston Academy in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 8, 2011.
Melinda French Gates and Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks with students at TechBoston Academy in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 8, 2011.
JIM WATSON, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates makes remarks at the launch of a Global Partnership on Maternal and Child Health on March 9, 2011, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.
Melinda French Gates makes remarks at the launch of a Global Partnership on Maternal and Child Health on March 9, 2011, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.
CHRIS KLEPONIS, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda Gates attends an event of the development advocacy ONE campaign in Berlin, Germany, on June 28, 2013.
Melinda Gates attends an event of the development advocacy ONE campaign in Berlin, Germany, on June 28, 2013.
TIM BRAKEMEIER, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates and Rory Gates arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024, in Washington, DC.
Melinda French Gates and Rory Gates arrive for the State Dinner at the White House on May 23, 2024, in Washington, DC.
Tasos Katopodis, Getty Images
Melinda French Gates and daughter Phoebe Gates arrive for The Albies hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice at the New York Public Library in New York on Sept. 26, 2024.
Melinda French Gates and daughter Phoebe Gates arrive for The Albies hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice at the New York Public Library in New York on Sept. 26, 2024.
JOHN LAMPARSKI, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates and Lena Dunham appear onstage at Glamour's 23rd annual Women of the Year awards on Nov. 11, 2013, in New York City.
Melinda French Gates and Lena Dunham appear onstage at Glamour's 23rd annual Women of the Year awards on Nov. 11, 2013, in New York City.
Larry Busacca, Getty Images For Glamour
Melinda French Gates, Jennifer Gates and Princess Caroline of Hanover pose after the Style & Competition for Amade at the Gucci Paris Masters on Dec. 7, 2013.
Melinda French Gates, Jennifer Gates and Princess Caroline of Hanover pose after the Style & Competition for Amade at the Gucci Paris Masters on Dec. 7, 2013.
Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images
Bill Gates shares the stage with his former wife Melinda French Gates during the 123rd Stanford commencement ceremony June 15, 2014, in Stanford, California.
Bill Gates shares the stage with his former wife Melinda French Gates during the 123rd Stanford commencement ceremony June 15, 2014, in Stanford, California.
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and Hillary Clinton speak during the fourth day of the Clinton Global Initiative's 10th annual Meeting at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on Sept. 24, 2014, in New York City.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and Hillary Clinton speak during the fourth day of the Clinton Global Initiative's 10th annual Meeting at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers on Sept. 24, 2014, in New York City.
Jemal Countess, Getty Images
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates watch their daughter Jennifer perform during The Hollywood Reporter Trophy class at Longines Los Angeles Masters on Sept. 27, 2014, in Los Angeles.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates watch their daughter Jennifer perform during The Hollywood Reporter Trophy class at Longines Los Angeles Masters on Sept. 27, 2014, in Los Angeles.
Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images For MAsters Grand Slam Indoor
Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, right, speaks with Melinda French Gates during a meeting aimed at drumming up support for women and girls in development, on Oct. 14, 2014, in Paris.
Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, right, speaks with Melinda French Gates during a meeting aimed at drumming up support for women and girls in development, on Oct. 14, 2014, in Paris.
FRANCOIS GUILLOT, AFP Via Getty Images
From left, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (at the time) speaks with Kofi Annan, Melinda French Gates and Lord Paddy Ashdown as he visits the Royal United Services Institute to present the Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) Prize 2014 in the Banqueting House on Nov. 21, 2014, in London.
From left, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (at the time) speaks with Kofi Annan, Melinda French Gates and Lord Paddy Ashdown as he visits the Royal United Services Institute to present the Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) Prize 2014 in the Banqueting House on Nov. 21, 2014, in London.
WPA Pool, Pool Photo Via Getty Images
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, far right, joins Melinda French Gates and Chelsea Clinton for the official release of the "No Ceilings Full Participation Report" which coincides with the start of the 59th session of the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women on March 9, 2015, in New York City.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, far right, joins Melinda French Gates and Chelsea Clinton for the official release of the "No Ceilings Full Participation Report" which coincides with the start of the 59th session of the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women on March 9, 2015, in New York City.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates attend the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 11, 2015, in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates attend the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference on July 11, 2015, in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Scott Olson, Getty Images
From left: Lindiwe Sibanda, Kusum Thapa, Melinda French Gates, Chilufya Kasanda, Jane Otai and Sisonke Msimang attend The Moth's "Stories Of Women In The World" special community program showcase at Lincoln Center on Sept. 20, 2016, in New York City.
From left: Lindiwe Sibanda, Kusum Thapa, Melinda French Gates, Chilufya Kasanda, Jane Otai and Sisonke Msimang attend The Moth's "Stories Of Women In The World" special community program showcase at Lincoln Center on Sept. 20, 2016, in New York City.
Craig Barritt, Getty Images For The Moth
Melinda French Gates and Model Karlie Kloss attend the Fast Company Innovation Festival on Nov. 3, 2016, in New York City.
Melinda French Gates and Model Karlie Kloss attend the Fast Company Innovation Festival on Nov. 3, 2016, in New York City.
Brad Barket, Getty Images For Fast Company
Former U.S. President Barack Obama awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his ex wife Melinda French Gates, who have donated billions of dollars globally to promote health and fight poverty, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Nov. 22, 2016 in Washington, DC.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his ex wife Melinda French Gates, who have donated billions of dollars globally to promote health and fight poverty, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Nov. 22, 2016 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
French President François Hollande poses with with Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates after awarding them the Commander of the Legion of Honour title at the Palais de l'Élysée in Paris on April 21, 2017.
French President François Hollande poses with with Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates after awarding them the Commander of the Legion of Honour title at the Palais de l'Élysée in Paris on April 21, 2017.
Pool Photo AFP Via Getty Images
Former U.S. President Barack Obama, Melinda Gates and Bill Gates speak at Goalkeepers 2017 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Sept. 20, 2017.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama, Melinda Gates and Bill Gates speak at Goalkeepers 2017 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Sept. 20, 2017.
Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images For Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Melinda French Gates speak onstage during a panel at Hunter College on Feb. 13, 2018, in New York City.
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Melinda French Gates speak onstage during a panel at Hunter College on Feb. 13, 2018, in New York City.
John Lamparski, Getty Images
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates introduce the Goalkeepers event at Lincoln Center on Sept. 26, 2018, in New York.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates introduce the Goalkeepers event at Lincoln Center on Sept. 26, 2018, in New York.
LUDOVIC MARIN, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates attend Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations at PlayStation Theater on Feb. 5, 2019, in New York City.
Melinda French Gates attend Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations at PlayStation Theater on Feb. 5, 2019, in New York City.
Bryan Bedder, Getty Images For THR
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates watch Rafael Nadal of Spain play Karen Khachanov of Russia during the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2019.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates watch Rafael Nadal of Spain play Karen Khachanov of Russia during the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2019.
Matthew Stockman, Getty Images
In this screengrab, Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates speak during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020. The global broadcast and digital special was held to support frontline healthcare workers and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN Foundation.
In this screengrab, Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates speak during "One World: Together At Home" presented by Global Citizen on April, 18, 2020. The global broadcast and digital special was held to support frontline healthcare workers and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, powered by the UN Foundation.
Getty Images, Getty Images For Global Citizen
Melinda French Gates speaks during the Generation Equality Forum, a global gathering for gender equality convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France in partnership with youth and civil society, at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris on June 30, 2021.
Melinda French Gates speaks during the Generation Equality Forum, a global gathering for gender equality convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France in partnership with youth and civil society, at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris on June 30, 2021.
LUDOVIC MARIN, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates arrives at the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner on April 30, 2022.
Melinda French Gates arrives at the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner on April 30, 2022.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
Melinda French Gates and Phoebe Gates attend the Michael Kors runway show during New York Fashion week on Sept. 14, 2022.
Melinda French Gates and Phoebe Gates attend the Michael Kors runway show during New York Fashion week on Sept. 14, 2022.
ANGELA WEISS, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates and Agnes Binagwaho speak at the Clinton Global Initiative September 2022 Meeting at New York Hilton Midtown on Sept. 19, 2022, in New York City.
Melinda French Gates and Agnes Binagwaho speak at the Clinton Global Initiative September 2022 Meeting at New York Hilton Midtown on Sept. 19, 2022, in New York City.
Noam Galai, Getty Images For Clinton Global Initiative
Melinda Gates, formerly of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, speaks during a seminar at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Nusa Dua on Indonesias resort island of Bali on Oct. 11, 2018.
Melinda Gates, formerly of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, speaks during a seminar at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Nusa Dua on Indonesias resort island of Bali on Oct. 11, 2018.
SONNY TUMBELAKA, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates speaks during a panel titled "Digital Infrastructure: Stacking Up the Benefits" at the International Monetary Fund headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 14, 2023.
Melinda French Gates speaks during a panel titled "Digital Infrastructure: Stacking Up the Benefits" at the International Monetary Fund headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 14, 2023.
STEFANI REYNOLDS, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates arrives for an official dinner at the Palais de l'Élysée on the sidelines of the New Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris on June 22, 2023.
Melinda French Gates arrives for an official dinner at the Palais de l'Élysée on the sidelines of the New Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris on June 22, 2023.
LUDOVIC MARIN, AFP Via Getty Images
Melinda French Gates and former first lady of South Africa and Mozambique Graça Machel attend the Discussion on Ending Child Marriage and Empowering Adolescent Girls at the Centre for the Book in Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 16, 2023.
Melinda French Gates and former first lady of South Africa and Mozambique Graça Machel attend the Discussion on Ending Child Marriage and Empowering Adolescent Girls at the Centre for the Book in Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 16, 2023.
NIC BOTHMA, REUTERS
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates during a Sept. 16, 1999 press conference in Seattle where they announced the Millennium Scholars Program.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates during a Sept. 16, 1999 press conference in Seattle where they announced the Millennium Scholars Program.
JEFF CHRISTENSEN, AFP Via Getty Images
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates listen as Charlene Russell, right, talks about her future during a Gates Millennium Scholars press conference on June 8, 2000, in Seattle.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates listen as Charlene Russell, right, talks about her future during a Gates Millennium Scholars press conference on June 8, 2000, in Seattle.
Jeff Christensen, Reuters
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates share a laugh during the Schick XTreme III Tennis Challenge at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington, on Oct. 7, 2001.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates share a laugh during the Schick XTreme III Tennis Challenge at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington, on Oct. 7, 2001.
Jeff Vinnick, Getty Images
Bill Gates arrives with Melinda French Gates at U.S. Federal Court in Washington to testify in the government's anti-trust suit against his software company on April 22, 2002.
Bill Gates arrives with Melinda French Gates at U.S. Federal Court in Washington to testify in the government's anti-trust suit against his software company on April 22, 2002.
H. DARR BEISER, USA TODAY
Melinda French Gates delivers a keynote address at the 2003 National Conference of State Legislatures July 25, 2003, in San Francisco.
Melinda French Gates delivers a keynote address at the 2003 National Conference of State Legislatures July 25, 2003, in San Francisco.
Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates Sr. applaud as Bill Gates gives the commencement speech at Harvard University June 7, 2007 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates Sr. applaud as Bill Gates gives the commencement speech at Harvard University June 7, 2007 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Darren McCollester, Getty Images
An unidentified Indian sex worker greets Melinda French Gates as she arrives to visit an HIV-AIDS prevention project in Calcutta on Jan. 25, 2004.
An unidentified Indian sex worker greets Melinda French Gates as she arrives to visit an HIV-AIDS prevention project in Calcutta on Jan. 25, 2004.
DESHAKALYAN CHOWDHURY, AFP Via Getty Images
The late Queen Elizabeth II presents Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates with his honorary knighthood watched by his then-wife Melinda Gates on March 2, 2005, at Buckingham Palace in London, England.
The late Queen Elizabeth II presents Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates with his honorary knighthood watched by his then-wife Melinda Gates on March 2, 2005, at Buckingham Palace in London, England.
Pool Photo Via Getty Images
Microsoft Bill Gates shows off his honorary knighthood with Melinda outside Buckingham Palace in London on March 2, 2005.
Microsoft Bill Gates shows off his honorary knighthood with Melinda outside Buckingham Palace in London on March 2, 2005.
ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP Via Getty Images
From left, Bob Daly, former U.S. President George Bush Sr., Melinda French Gates and President and CEO of Save the Children Charles MacCormack attend the 75th anniversary of Save the Children on Sept. 6, 2007, in New York City.
From left, Bob Daly, former U.S. President George Bush Sr., Melinda French Gates and President and CEO of Save the Children Charles MacCormack attend the 75th anniversary of Save the Children on Sept. 6, 2007, in New York City.
Andrew H. Walker, Getty Images
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates watch and cheer Michael Phelps after the gold medal ceremony for the men's 400 meter individual medley finals in Beijing on Aug. 10, 2008.
Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates watch and cheer Michael Phelps after the gold medal ceremony for the men's 400 meter individual medley finals in Beijing on Aug. 10, 2008.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY