Girls Write Now with Melinda French Gates as She Launches her New Book

Girls Write Now was invited to hear Melinda French Gates speak at the New York City Center about her new book, The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward. She was in conversation with CNN’s Abby Phillip, and the two probed into the writing process, the universality of change, and how a key part of a major transition is the action we take the day after it occurs. The two held a frank dialogue illuminating transitions that largely impact women, such as motherhood, postpartum health, and menopause, as well as some of Melinda’s mantras that guide her through challenging times (i.e., one from her mother: Set your own agenda, or someone else will), plus her takeaways from turning 60 and reflecting on life’s unexpected twists and turns.

At the end of the discussion, Melinda answered audience inquiries. Her final question came from Girls Write Now Coordinator and Mentee Alum, Julia Andresakis: How did you balance being open and honest about pivotal transitions in your life with consideration for your privacy? Melinda responded candidly about wanting to tell her story to help others out there who may feel alone in their similar situations, yet taking care to respect the boundaries of those also involved, such as her immediate family.

The writers of Girls Write Now certainly understand this delicate balancing act. We are thrilled to support Melinda’s new book, and grateful for her partnership to elevate Girls Write Now’s platform for the next generation of writers and leaders.

Melinda French Gates is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and girls. For over 25 years, Melinda has led efforts to unlock a healthier, more prosperous, more equal future. Today, she heads Pivotal, an organization she formed in 2015 that works to accelerate the pace of progress and advance women’s power and influence in the U.S. and around the world. Previously, she founded and co-chaired the Gates Foundation, where, for more than two decades, she set the direction and priorities of the world’s largest philanthropy. Melinda is also the author of the bestselling book The Moment of Lift and the creator of Moment of Lift Books, an imprint publishing original nonfiction by visionaries working to unlock a more equal world.

The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward was published through Moment of Lift and Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers. Girls Write Now has a longstanding partnership with Macmillan, leading the way for the next generation of women and gender expansive writers to own their stories and share them with the world. Girls Write Now is also a three-time grantee of Melinda Gates’ Upswing Fund for Adolescent Mental Health.