Together they control over $300 billion. That’s more than the GDP of 75% of the world’s countries. It’s certain you’ve used products their companies manufacture, probably every day. And they’re pouring billions of dollars into organizations that can improve your life. They’re five of the smartest, most powerful, and generous women in the world. Read on to be inspired by these women who are fascinating for more than just their bank accounts.
24/7 Wall St. Insights
- The five wealthiest women in the world helped develop and run family businesses that are among the largest in the world.
- Two of them are authors. All of them are involved with charitable and educational organizations in leadership roles and as substantial donors.
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Why Would You Care?
Historically, women have faced tremendous obstacles equaling the level of wealth and power of men. The world’s richest women have defied the odds. In some cases, they’ve inherited wealth and in others have been integral to building a financial empire from scratch. In all cases, they’ve proven their intellectual giftedness, business acumen, and leadership abilities. Their stories are inspirational for people of any gender. Not only do they inspire us to pursue our own dreams, but they serve as a reminder not to underestimate anyone, regardless of gender, age, or other characteristics. And the causes they support are worth considering for our personal philanthropy as well.
5. MacKenzie Scott
- Net Worth: $35.6 billion
- Nationality: American
- Age: 54
- Family Status: Single. Divorced 2 times, has 4 children.
- Business: She was heavily involved in founding and running
- Amazon, including negotiating the company’s first freight contract. In her divorce settlement from Jeff Bezos in 2019, she received 4% of the company’s stock.
- Philanthropy: She founded Bystander Revolution, an anti-bullying organization. As part of the Giving Pledge promoted by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates, she has pledged to give away at least half her wealth to charity. To date, she has donated over $14 billion to 1600+ organizations.
- Interesting Fact: She first began writing at 6 years old and has now published two novels.
4. Jacqueline Mars
- Net Worth: $38.5 billion
- Citizenship: American
- Age: 74
- Family Status: Single. Divorced 2 times and has 3 children from her first marriage.
- Business: Grandaughter of the founder of Mars Incorporated, which manufactures famous candy brands like M&Ms, Snickers, Milky Way and Twix.
- Philanthropy: She sits on the boards of cultural organizations and historic preservation societies in the Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia area. She has made significant donations to the League of Conservation Voters, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Catholic University of America.
- Interesting Fact: She has a degree in anthropology and owns an organic farm that is protected by the Land Trust of Virginia in perpetuity.
3. Julia Koch
- Net Worth: $64.3 billion
- Citizenship: American
- Age: 62
- Family Status: Single. Widowed and has three children.
- Business: Inherited 42% of Koch Industries, a conglomerate with significant interests in manufacturing, energy production, cattle ranching, timber, and electronics.
- Philanthropy: Serves as president of the David H. Koch Foundation. This organization particularly focuses on supporting medical research, the arts, and education.
- Interesting Fact: She once worked for the fashion designer Adolfo and did fittings for first lady Nancy Reagan.
2. Alice Walton
- Net Worth: $72.3 billion
- Citizenship: American
- Age: 74
- Family Status: Single, divorced twice.
- Business: Daughter of Sam Walton, founder of Walmart.
- Philanthropy: Founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, both in Bentonville, Arkansas.
- Interesting Fact: She owns a ranch and raises competitive show horses.
1. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
- Net Worth: $99.5 billion
- Citizenship: French
- Age: 71
- Family Status: Married, with two children.
- Business: Grandaughter of the founder of L’Oréal, Vice Chairman of the company, holds 33% of the company’s stock.
- Philanthropy: Founder and president of the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller, an organization that promotes arts, sciences, and inclusivity in France. The Bettencourt Meyers family and L’Oréal donated $226 million to help rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral after it burned in 2019.
- Interesting Fact: She is known as a scholar of the Bible and of Greek mythology and has published books on these subjects.
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