MacKenzie Scott Is The World’s No. 1 Most Powerful Woman of 2021

Forbes released the 18th edition of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, the ultimate ranking of the best female business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, heads of state, and policymakers. Mackenzie Scott leads this year’s ranking taking the place of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel, who ranked first for 15 out of the 17 previous editions of the prestigious list, is retiring from public office. 

Who is MacKenzie Scott?

MacKenzie Scott tops the 2021 ranking of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. She donated a massive amount of her wealth in charitable giving, including $2.7 billion this year alone. 

Three years ago, MacKenzie Scott was a low-profile author, wife, and mother of four who had formed an anti-bullying group. Back in the ‘90s, she helped her husband launch Amazon. But then, she divorced Jeff Bezos and got a quarter of his Amazon share and almost started thinking how to give it all away. 

Scott said that she has a disproportionate amount of money to share. In May 2019, she signed the Giving Pledge, promising to donate at least half of her fortune to humanitarian causes. She added that she would continue doing it until the safe was empty. 

In little more than two years, MacKenzie Scott, whose net worth is $57 billion, has donated $8.6 billion to 780 organizations supporting various issues, including public health, gender equality, racial justice, and beyond. 

She achieved this without an office or a mailing address, with limited evidence of a full-time staff. Instead, she works with the help of her husband Dan Jewett, researchers, and advisers from the non-profit consulting firm Bridgespan.

ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath said that MacKenzie Scott is using her massive wealth to support non-profit organizations to do good work and challenge the way fortune and power are accumulated in this country. No person has more money or autonomy to make a long-term impact on society. McGrath also wrote that Scott’s principle is an approach to revolutionizing philanthropy. 

Forbes World’s No. 1 Most Powerful Women of 2021

Forbes Executive Vice President Moira Forbes said that this year’s list represents a group of innovators and instigators leading the World. These women are willing to redefine the traditional power structures and promote a lasting impact in the philanthropic sector. 

Now let’s go back to the ranking. US Vice President Kamala Harris, the highest female leader in the country’s history, takes the No. 2 spot, followed by European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde. Since its first edition, Lagarde has been one of the only five women consistently appearing on the list. 

The wisest and most formidable women of 2021 influence over $3.3 trillion in revenues and manage 6.7 million employees. This year’s list includes 14 billionaires, with a total combined worth of $167 billion. 

The list is divided into six categories: Business, Finance, Media and Entertainment, Politics and Policy, Philanthropy, and Technology.

Aside from the 100 Most Powerful Women of 2021, Forbes is also hosting the 2021 Forbes Power Women’s Summit. The Summit was conducted virtually on Thursday, December 9. The event showcased how today’s most dynamic women are leading a new way forward as we embark on a journey towards the post-COVID-19 era. This year’s summit speakers include Sara Blakely, Naomi Campbell, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Jennifer Hyman, Indra Nooyi, and more. 

For the complete list of the 2021 100 Most Powerful Women, visit The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. Plus, for other stories, check out more here at Owner’s Mag.