Melinda French Gates has revealed that one of the “best parts” of no longer working with her ex-husband Bill Gates is the professional recognition she now receives in her own right. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, the philanthropist discussed her new chapter of independence following their high-profile divorce in 2021.
“When I get a meeting now, I know it’s because of me,” French Gates told Vanity Fair.”Quite honestly, it feels quite good.” This statement underscores the shift in her professional life since stepping down from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in May 2024.
French Gates, 60, described experiencing sexism during her time working alongside Bill Gates. “If I went into a president or prime minister’s office and I was with my ex-husband, they would turn to him first,” she recounted. “Unless I interrupted the conversation, they could have just kept going for the whole meeting.”
She expressed frustration at the “false assumption” often made about her expertise. “That, really, was sexism,” she said, noting that despite her decades of experience in philanthropy, many still deferred to her ex-husband in professional settings.
Since leaving the foundation with $12.5 billion for her philanthropic efforts, French Gates has been focusing on her own charitable company, Pivotal Ventures. She is now tackling women’s health issues and has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris‘ presidential campaign.
French Gates emphasised her excitement about this new chapter in her career. “I feel extraordinarily energised about the work ahead. It feels like now is the right time,” she stated.