Melinda Gates
Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Along with Bill, she shapes and approves the foundation's strategies, reviews results, and sets the overall direction of the organization. Together, they meet with grantees and partners to further the foundation's goal of improving equity in the United States and around the world.
Through her work at the foundation over the last fifteen years, Melinda has seen first-hand that empowering women and girls can bring transformational improvements in the health and prosperity of families, communities and societies. Her efforts have significantly contributed to expanding educational opportunities and access to information technology around the world.