MacKenzie Scott, one of the most generous philanthropists in recent years, has a fascinating story behind her altruistic acts. During her college days at Princeton University, she borrowed $1,000 from her roommate Jeannie Ringo Tarkenton to avoid dropping out. This small act of kindness had a profound impact on Scott’s life and later inspired her roommate to start a company offering low-interest loans to low-income students.
Today, Scott is still worth over $35 billion despite donating $19.25 billion through her philanthropic platform Yield Giving. Since 2020, she has reduced her stake in Amazon by 42% and continues to donate millions of dollars to organizations focused on issues like education, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In a recent essay, Scott wrote about the ripple effects of kindness and generosity, drawing inspiration from her own experiences. Her philanthropic efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of people, and her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/11/16/mackenzie-scott-college-roommate-gave-her-1000-inspired-her-philanthropy