After more than 25 years at the helm of one of the world’s most influential philanthropic organizations, Melinda French Gates has officially stepped away from the Gates Foundation. The foundation, co-founded with Bill Gates, has donated more than $78 billion since its creation and has been a global reference in health, education, and poverty reduction.
Her departure may seem like a personal move following her divorce from Bill Gates, but Melinda made it clear this is a strategic shift. She now wants to dedicate her time and resources to defending women’s rights, especially in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
A Farewell Marked by Gratitude
When reflecting on her 25 years at the foundation, Melinda chose one word to sum it up: gratitude.
In her farewell note, she shared:
“Before ending my last day at the foundation, I wanted to thank each one of you for the role you played during my time here and for all the work we did together.”
Instead of leaving with frustration or sadness, she highlighted the privilege of working with a brilliant and committed team for more than two decades. It’s a reminder that true leadership is about valuing the journey, even when it’s been challenging.
$12.5 Billion for Women’s Rights
Melinda French Gates did not simply walk away from the foundation—she is starting a bold new chapter. Along with her departure came the announcement that $12.5 billion will be directed to a new foundation dedicated to women’s causes worldwide.
This major investment shows her commitment to gender equality and signals a powerful shift in focus. At a time when women’s rights are being questioned, Melinda’s move ensures that resources will be dedicated to defending and empowering women across the globe.
Why Roe v. Wade Matters
The mention of Roe v. Wade is no coincidence.
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In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized a woman’s right to abortion as part of her constitutional right to privacy.
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For nearly 50 years, it guaranteed nationwide access to abortion.
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In 2022, the ruling was overturned, handing abortion laws back to individual states.
This reversal marked a turning point for women’s rights in America. For Melinda French Gates, it reinforced the need to focus directly on defending women and ensuring their rights are protected.
Gratitude as a Form of Leadership
Melinda’s choice of gratitude as her farewell message is more than symbolic.
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Many leaders focus on power or control.
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She chose to highlight appreciation and kindness.
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Gratitude, in her words and actions, became a tool for resilience and perspective.
It shows that leadership is not about pretending everything was perfect. It’s about recognizing challenges, valuing partnerships, and moving forward with optimism. This attitude doesn’t just inspire—it sets an example for how to handle personal and professional transitions with dignity.
What Comes Next for Melinda French Gates
Now, Melinda begins a more personal and targeted mission: advancing women’s rights on a global scale. This includes:
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Funding projects that directly support women’s health and education.
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Creating opportunities for women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
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Defending rights that are increasingly under threat, even in developed countries.
This new focus doesn’t mark the end of her influence—it marks a new phase of impact, one that could shape the future of women’s empowerment worldwide.
A Lesson in Perspective
Melinda French Gates’ departure is more than just a leadership change. It’s a lesson.
We can’t always control what happens in our lives—divorce, setbacks, or challenges. But we can choose how we respond. Her choice to leave with gratitude instead of bitterness reflects resilience and hope.
It’s also a reminder that even the most powerful people must adapt, evolve, and find new missions. For Melinda, that mission is clear: building a better, fairer world for women everywhere.
Melinda French Gates leaves behind a foundation that has transformed global philanthropy, but her story is far from over. With $12.5 billion dedicated to women’s rights, she begins a new journey focused on empowerment, equality, and justice.
Her farewell message of gratitude is more than just words—it’s a philosophy of leadership and life. As she embarks on this next chapter, the world will be watching how her vision for women reshapes the future.
Good luck, Melinda.
Dead Ms. Melinda Gates,
You are a WONDERFUL woman…and THANK YOU for ALL Your Contributions to Support the Well-Being of Us, ESPECIALLY ME along with the many millions of other Ladies!
YES, GRATITUDE is ONE WORD, with a Very Powerful Meaning for Life-Lime!
GOD BLESS!
Jeanette/Zsanette
U put dead it should be dear
Boss move! Thanks, Melissa FG!
Dear Mrs Melinda I have not received contributions from you myself and 3 young ladies for empowered life changes experiences for improvement in their life changes experiences Gratitude most importantly powerful word . Angela L 316 NW 2nd Ave #1 Hallandale Florida 33009
So refreshing to know there are humans who value life and protect women’s rights. BRAVO to You and your Foundations
Mrs Melinda Gates good luck with new life challenges and changes all experiences God bless you. I am divorced with 4 girls with very low income but I am a live you will be ok Mrs. Melinda Gates don’t give up . Angela Miller 316 NW 2nd Ave #1 Hallandale Florida 33009
Well done Melinda,
And I wish you the very best in your next step forward.
We are a female led start-up that is truly global and inclusive. Where can I get more information about your new fund?
Giorgia Vicari
Thank for your big heart you gave while with the Melinda and Gates Foundation. Thank for upholding the true value of leadership. Yes, even the best dancer must leave the stage.
Oh yes she is so great. Married to Epstein’s best friend Bill world renown child molester!
She is not responsible for his behavior, IF the allegations you make behind anonymity can be believed. She was his partner, not his Mommy.
Melinda,
You are an inspiration for all people who believe in equality, fairness and other people.
SHE is an international role model for LEADERSHIP!
Her focus and message is desperately needed around the world.
One with gratitude shall receive benefit so go far live long and stay grateful Ms Melinda. Go and do great things.
All good and fair. Who will champion baby rights? 🙁
Maybe those who force women to have unhealthy or unwanted babies?
Amen
Melinda, if you made the traditional Christian wedding promise which includes “til death do us part” then you committed a major character sin. Unless Bill Gates beat you physically or in some other way threatened your safety, you both should have worked out your differences with help, would have remained married and likely would have had a better married life together.
Sieg
You do you.
Oh brother.
Melinda,
You are awesome and gratitude is the stuff that makes one whole.
The way humans should be! Please keep us informed of your incredible and very special journey🌹
She can’t expect the earth but male female etiquette can evolve over each decade and it’s good someone like this is trying to help fairness for women during such hopefully decent enough human cultural evolution as the times to come.
I thank God for giving us people like Melinda Gates who care about improving the lives of millions of people .
Sweet, funded murder. The military industrial complex is nothing compared to child sacrifice.
What a fantastic move after two decades with the foundation. There is a great need for help in the area of women’s rights and I’m sure she will more than fill the void. God bless.
Dear Ms. Melinda French Gates,
Just would like to thank you so much for all that you have done for the sake of education, health-care and entrepreneurship, 25 years during, for the whole world.
I wish you the best of lucks for your beautiful and noble next adventure
You are defiantly my new hero. Your an incredible woman with all that you have done but rather then lavishing in your extreme wealth and kissing Trumps butt, like my now x-hero Jeff Bezos or the Facebook founder whats his name, you stand tall and fight back! You are a true American with more courage then all the Republican Trump worshippers put together! God will bless you because you dont worship a false God nor spread discord. What you do is save people! And now your going to help save the most beat down people in the world. Women!!
Melinda,
Your devotion to helping people is remarkable, thank you.
I stand for improving women ‘s rights; would you also do the same for men’s and boys’ rights?
All the best Melinda French Gates. Advancing women’s course is infact supporting the pillar of families health, socio-economic foundation and well-being. We rally behind you.
Wonderful seeing Melinda taking charge and doing something good for the world 🌎.