Basetsana Kumalo
December 21, 2017Sarah Friar
August 6, 2017
Patty Stonesifer – Businesswoman and Philanthropist
Patty Stonesifer
Businesswoman
COUNTRY OF BIRTH
United States
INDUSTRY
Technology
TOP ACHIEVEMENTS
After a 20-year career in technology, working with powerhouse companies such as DreamWorks and Microsoft, Patty Stonesifer left the field to become the head of Bill and Melinda Gates’ philanthropic Gates Foundation. Since then, she has become the president and CEO of Martha’s Table, a non-profit initiative that fights hunger in Washington, D.C. and across America.
Early Life
One of nine children, Patty Stonesifer was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1956. She earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Indiana University at Bloomington. Since then, she has earned honorary degrees from Indiana University, Rensselaer Tech, Trinity University, Tufts University, and American University.
Technology and Leadership
Stonesifer’s first leadership position was as the head of Microsoft Canada; afterwards, she rose in the ranks at Microsoft, becoming vice president of the company, revamping many of the company’s fundamental operations, and overseeing the company’s $800 million interactive media and online content division. During this time, Stonesifer created and managed products including Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, the Magic School Bus games, and MSN. She also consulted for DreamWorks, and negotiated a joint venture between the companies in 1996.
After her successful tenure at Microsoft, Bill and Melinda Gates appointed her to lead their philanthropic foundation. The Gates Foundation uses its $38.7 billion endowment to improve public health and educational opportunities around the world. Stonesifer was the CEO of the foundation until her decision to step down in 2008.
Feeding Families with Martha’s Table
In 2013 Stonesifer was named president and CEO of Martha’s Table, a D.C.-based grassroots charity that provides food, education, enrichment programs, and financial help to families in need. The charity runs preschool and after-school programs for children, some of them homeless, and helps their parents put food on the table. Martha’s Table is mainly staffed by volunteers, including Stonesifer, who will not accept a salary for her work.
ADDITIONAL FACTS
- Stonesifer is married to Michael Kinsley, the founder of Slate Magazine, and has two children.
- Her parents took in several foster children when she was a young girl.
- She writes an advice column for Slate.
