Melinda French Gates Timeline

1964: born in Dallas

2

1. 1964 · BORNBorn in Dallas, Texas
2. 1987 · EDUCATIONEarns an MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business after a bachelor's degree in computer science and economics
3. 1987 · ROLEJoins Microsoft
4. 1994 · MILESTONEMarries Bill Gates in Lanai, Hawaii
5. 2000 · ROLEBegins co-chairing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
6. 2015 · FOUNDEDFounds Pivotal Ventures
7. 2021 · MILESTONEDivorce from Bill Gates finalised on 2 August
8. 2024 · ROLEAnnounces resignation from the Gates Foundation on 13 May, effective 7 June
9. 2025 · MILESTONECommits a further $1 billion to Pivotal Ventures
10. 2026 · MILESTONERanked 74th with $30.3 billion on Forbes' 2026 World's Billionaires list

1987: Duke MBA and Microsoft

She earns an MBA from Duke and joins Microsoft 2.

1994: marries Bill Gates

In a private ceremony in Lanai, Hawaii 2.

2000: Gates Foundation

She begins co-chairing the foundation 3.

2015: Pivotal Ventures

She founds the organisation 3.

2 August 2021: divorce finalised

After 27 years of marriage 4.

2024: leaves the foundation

She announces her resignation on 13 May, effective 7 June 3.

2026: Forbes ranking

Forbes ranks her 74th with $30.3 billion 1.