On with Kara Swisher Why Melinda French Gates is Betting On Women in Politics, Business and Tech
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Apr 17, 2025 
Melinda French Gates, an accomplished businesswoman and passionate advocate for women and girls, shares her journey of personal transformation and political activism. She discusses her memoir, 'The Next Day,' highlighting her shift from the Gates Foundation to her own philanthropic initiatives. Melinda emphasizes the urgent need for women's voices in A.I. and the impact of U.S. policy changes on global health. The conversation touches on maternal health, navigating public perception, and the importance of community engagement for future generations.
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Melinda's USAID Experience
- Melinda French Gates recounts her extensive travels with the Gates Foundation, visiting low-income countries and witnessing USAID's impact.
- She describes witnessing USAID's work distributing food, setting up HIV clinics, and providing malaria treatments, boosting the US image.
USAID Effectiveness and Reform
- Melinda French Gates believes USAID is largely effective despite needing some reforms, like better maternal health focus and system improvements.
- She suggests bolstering HR systems and ensuring proper healthcare worker placement, acknowledging USAID's slower implementation.
State-Level Political Strategy
- Melinda French Gates prioritizes state-level political engagement, recognizing state legislatures' policy and funding influence.
- She supports candidates aligned with her values, highlighting success in advancing paid family medical leave at the state level after federal-level failure.
