Melinda French Gates Has a ‘Strict’ Standing Date with Her Friends: ‘If You’re in Town, You’re There’

Melinda French Gates has a ‘Strict’ Standing Date with Her Friends

Melinda French Gates, the philanthropist and co-founder of the Gates Foundation, has revealed a heartwarming tradition she has maintained with her closest friends for over three decades. In a recent interview with Marie Claire as part of their 2025 Changemakers Issue, the 61-year-old shared insights into her weekly routine that has been a consistent pillar of support and companionship in her life.

For the past 30 years, Melinda French Gates has upheld a standing Monday morning date with three of her best friends. Describing the commitment to this tradition, she expressed, “We’re strict about it. If you’re in town, you’re there.” This dedicated time for connection and conversation has earned the nickname “truth council” from French Gates, highlighting the importance of honest and open discussions among the group.

The significance of these weekly walks extends beyond just socializing for French Gates. She emphasized that their gatherings serve as a platform for consulting each other on major life decisions, shaping a collective approach to navigating challenges and opportunities. The foundation of trust and transparency within the group allows for candid conversations, even when faced with difficult truths that may be hard to hear.

French Gates reflected on the pivotal role her friends played during a significant transition in her life, which involved stepping back from her responsibilities at the Gates Foundation to pursue independent philanthropic endeavors through Pivotal Ventures. She disclosed, “I knew I could have more impact by stepping away to focus on other issues, many of which were outside the foundation’s scope.”

As she embarked on this new chapter, Melinda French Gates was driven by a deep sense of purpose to advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. Expressing her unwavering commitment to this cause, she articulated, “My intention is to help even the playing field. I am going to spend the rest of my life trying to get more power in women’s and girls’ hands.” This dedication led her to pledge $1 billion towards supporting women in the United States, aligning her actions with her core belief in giving back to the community.

In her pursuit of creating a more equitable society, French Gates remains resolute in her determination to utilise her resources for meaningful impact. Embracing the ethos of accountability and social responsibility, she stated, “One of my core values has always been to whom much is given, much is expected.” This guiding principle underscores her ongoing efforts to effect positive change and uplift marginalized voices.

The story of Melinda French Gates and her longstanding bond with her friends serves as a reminder of the power of genuine connections and collaborative support systems. As she continues her journey of advocating for social justice and gender equality, her friendship circle stands as a testament to the enduring strength found in shared experiences and shared values.