MacKenzie Scott, born on April 7, 1970, in San Francisco, California, is a prominent American novelist and philanthropist. Here’s an overview of her life, career, and significant contributions:
Early Life and Education:
MacKenzie Scott Tuttle was born to Holiday Robin and Jason Baker Tuttle. She demonstrated an early interest in writing. After graduating from the Hotchkiss School, she pursued her passion for literature at Princeton University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English. During her time at Princeton, she studied under Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison.
Career Beginnings:
After college, Scott worked as a research assistant for Toni Morrison on the novel “Jazz.” She also took on an administrative role at the hedge fund D. E. Shaw in New York City.
Amazon Involvement:
In 1993, MacKenzie Scott married Jeff Bezos, and together in 1994, they founded Amazon. Scott played a crucial role in Amazon’s early development, contributing to the company’s name, business plan, accounts, and handling early orders. She was one of Amazon’s initial employees and negotiated the company’s first freight contract.
Literary Career:
Scott authored her debut novel, “The Testing of Luther Albright,” a work that earned her the prestigious American Book Award. Her second novel, “Traps,” was published in 2013. Scott’s literary contributions garnered attention, with her books receiving praise for their sophistication and emotional depth.
Philanthropy and Giving Pledge:
Following her separation from Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott became a significant philanthropist. Committed to giving away at least half of her wealth, she became a signatory to the Giving Pledge. In 2020, Scott made headlines by donating $5.8 billion to charitable causes and continued in 2021 with a further donation of $2.7 billion.
Recognition:
Scott’s philanthropic endeavors and influence in the literary world have earned her notable recognition. In 2021, Forbes named her the world’s most powerful woman, and in 2020, she was included in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people.
MacKenzie Scott’s life journey, from her early literary pursuits to her instrumental role in Amazon’s founding and her transformative philanthropy, reflects a commitment to both creativity and making a positive impact on the world.