Early Life and Education
Born on April 7, 1970, in San Francisco, California, MacKenzie Scott Tuttle was raised in Marin County. She attended the prestigious Hotchkiss School in Connecticut and later graduated from Princeton University in 1992 with a degree in English. At Princeton, she studied under Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison, who praised her as “one of the best students I’ve ever had in my creative writing classes”.
Role in Amazon’s Founding
After college, Scott worked at the hedge fund D.E. Shaw in New York, where she met Jeff Bezos. The couple married in 1993 and moved to Seattle in 1994 to launch Amazon. Scott played a pivotal role in Amazon’s early days, contributing to the company’s name, business plan, and operations, including handling accounts and shipping early orders.
Literary Pursuits
While supporting Amazon’s growth, Scott pursued her passion for writing. Her debut novel, “The Testing of Luther Albright,” was published in 2005 and won the American Book Award in 2006. Her second novel, “Traps,” was released in 2013.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Following her divorce, Scott committed to giving away the majority of her wealth. In 2019, she signed the Giving Pledge, promising to donate at least half of her fortune to charitable causes.
Major Donations
Since 2019, Scott has donated over $19 billion to more than 2,000 organizations worldwide. Her contributions have focused on areas such as racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, public health, and education. Notable donations include $436 million to Habitat for Humanity and $275 million to Planned Parenthood.
Yield Giving
To increase transparency in her philanthropic efforts, Scott launched the website Yield Giving in December 2022. The platform details her donations, which have reached over $17.3 billion to more than 2,300 nonprofits.
Personal Life
Scott remarried in 2021 to Dan Jewett, a high school science teacher. However, the couple divorced in January 2023. She continues to reside in Seattle with her four children.
Real Estate and Investments
In addition to her philanthropic work, Scott has made significant real estate contributions. In 2022, she donated two Beverly Hills homes valued at $55 million to the California Community Foundation, supporting affordable housing initiatives.
In December 2024, Scott announced a shift in her philanthropic strategy, directing her advisors to invest in for-profit companies and funds that seek solutions to societal challenges.
Conclusion
MacKenzie Scott’s journey from novelist to one of the world’s most influential philanthropists underscores her commitment to leveraging wealth for societal good. Her substantial donations and innovative approach to giving continue to set new standards in philanthropy.
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