Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, has overtaken French heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers as the world’s wealthiest woman. With an estimated fortune of $89.1 billion, she is now ranked as the 18th richest person in the world according to Forbes. Despite selling billions of dollars worth of Walmart stock and giving away billions more, Walton and her siblings still own a significant stake in the company, with most of the family’s shares split between Alice, Jim, and Rob Walton.
Rob Walton recently retired from Walmart’s board after more than four decades as a director, while Jim Walton now chairs the family’s Arvest Bank. Alice Walton, on the other hand, briefly worked at Walmart as a buyer before focusing on art curation. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, which opened in 2011 with funding from family trusts. Alice has also increased her philanthropic efforts over the years, with significant contributions to various charitable foundations, including her Art Bridges Foundation and the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, set to open in 2025.
Alice Walton’s art foundation has spent over $377 million on acquiring and loaning out American art to museums across the country. Her philanthropic efforts have focused on the arts, health, and well-being, with a particular emphasis on education and access to healthcare. In 2021, Walton announced her retirement as chair of Crystal Bridges to focus on her board chair roles at various organizations.
Despite her immense wealth, Walton has remained invested in her community and causes she believes in. Her contributions to the arts have been recognized, with her efforts to make art more accessible to the public through museums and educational programs. With her new medical school set to open in Bentonville, Arkansas, Walton continues to demonstrate her commitment to improving healthcare access and education in underserved communities.
As the world’s wealthiest woman, Alice Walton’s influence extends beyond the business world. Her dedication to philanthropy and the arts has made a significant impact, with her contributions reaching communities across the country. With her focus on education and healthcare, Walton’s legacy as a successful businesswoman and philanthropist continues to grow, reinforcing her position as a leading figure in both the business and charitable sectors.
