Latest news with #AliceWalton
Business Mayor
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
The Richest Women In The World 2025: Billionaires Redefining Power & Purpose
At Luxe Digital, we chase the extraordinary. Our Striking Superlatives series dives headfirst into the world's rarest, priciest, and most exclusive treasures—spanning art, assets, and empires—and brings you along for the ride. Curiosity, after all, sparks discovery and ignites conversation. This time, we're spotlighting the world's richest women, whose colossal fortunes reshape industries and redefine power. From inherited dynasties to self-forged empires, these women —from philanthropists to innovators—wield wealth as a force for change. Alice Walton has reclaimed her throne as the world's wealthiest woman, propelled by Walmart's skyrocketing stock, overtaking L'Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, whose fortune dipped with the market. Meanwhile, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant commands the seas as the richest self-made female billionaire, steering the world's largest shipping empire. Our rankings are meticulously crafted, cross-referencing Forbes' 2025 Billionaires List (April 2025) with Bloomberg's Billionaires 2025 Index, a daily snapshot of global wealth (as of 14 May 2025). Net worths are presented as ranges, capturing the dynamics of ever-shifting markets. Based in the U.S., Melinda French Gates, born in 1964, is a philanthropist and advocate for women's empowerment and gender equity. Formerly married to Bill Gates (the planet's once-richest man), she co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Following their 2021 divorce, which included a reported $25 billion settlement, she resigned from the foundation in 2024 to focus on Pivotal Ventures, supporting women-led startups. Net Worth: $15.7–$30.4 billion Age: 60 Country: United States Industry: Technology Source of Wealth: Microsoft, Divorce settlement, Investments Impact: Invested $1 billion in 50+ women-led startups since 2024. Interesting Fact: Authored the New York Times bestselling The Moment of Lift . Gina Rinehart, born in 1954, is the executive chairwoman of Hancock Prospecting, Australia's largest private company. Inheriting a struggling mining firm from her father, Lang Hancock, in 1992, she transformed it into a powerhouse through strategic iron ore expansion and rare-earth ventures. Based in Perth, she also oversees a 9.2 million-acre cattle empire. Rinehart's bold leadership has solidified her status as a dominant force in Australia's mining and agricultural sectors. Net Worth: $26.9–29.3 billion Age: 71 Country: Australia Industry: Metals & Mining, Agriculture Source of Wealth: Inherited, Hancock Prospecting Impact: Major shareholder in MP Materials, advancing green tech. Employs 5,000+ across Australia's largest private company. Interesting Fact: Owns the world's largest cattle station, Anna Creek. Marilyn Simons, born in 1951, is a philanthropist and economist with a PhD from Stony Brook University. She co-founded the Simons Foundation with her late husband, Jim Simons, a hedge fund pioneer who passed away in 2024. The foundation funds STEM and autism research, with her grants empowering scientists worldwide, channeling her inherited wealth into scientific breakthroughs. Net Worth: $31 billion Age: 74 Country: United States Industry: Finance & Investments Source of Wealth: Inherited, Renaissance Technologies Impact: Simons Foundation supports 1,000+ researchers annually. Interesting Fact: Co-founded Math for America to train STEM teachers. Miriam Adelson, born in 1945, is a physician and philanthropist who inherited a majority stake in casino company Las Vegas Sands following her husband Sheldon Adelson's death in 2021. Trained in medicine at Tel Aviv University, she has donated over $1 billion to addiction research. A prominent GOP donor based in the U.S., she also co-owns the American professional basketball team Dallas Mavericks. Adelson leverages her wealth to advance scientific research and shape political landscapes, honoring her husband's legacy while forging her own. Net Worth: $32.1–$34.4 billion Age: 79 Country: United States Industry: Casinos Source of Wealth: Inherited, Las Vegas Sands Impact: Clinics treat 10,000+ addiction patients yearly. Interesting Fact: Owns a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks. Savitri Jindal, born in 1940, is the chairwoman of the Jindal Group, a leading Indian conglomerate in steel, power, and cement. After her husband's death in 2005, she transformed personal tragedy into industrial triumph, significantly expanding the family business. Based in India, she also served as a Haryana minister until 2024. Through her foundation, she supports education and healthcare initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to social impact. Net Worth: $30.9–35.5 billion Age: 85 Country: India Industry: Steel, Infrastructure Source of Wealth: Inherited, Jindal Group Impact: Jindal Group employs 50,000+ and funds schools and hospitals. Interesting Fact: Served as a minister in Haryana's government until 2024. Abigail Johnson, born in 1961, is the CEO of Fidelity Investments, a Boston-based firm founded by her grandfather. Joining in 1988, she became CEO in 2014, driving innovation with crypto trading and Bitcoin ETFs. A low-profile leader, she serves on boards like SIFMA, shaping the financial industry. Johnson's strategic vision blends tradition with innovation, solidifying Fidelity's dominance and establishing her as a pioneer in wealth management and fintech. Net Worth: $32.7–39.2 billion Age: 63 Country: United States Industry: Finance, Investments Source of Wealth: Inherited, Fidelity Investments Impact: Manages $5.9 trillion in assets for 40 million investors. Interesting Fact: First woman to serve on the Financial Services Forum board and lead a major mutual fund firm. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, born in 1945, is a Swiss-Italian entrepreneur who co-founded Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in 1970 with her husband, Gianluigi, using a $200,000 loan. Their meeting on a Capri boat trip sparked a global shipping empire with over 900 vessels. Recognized by Forbes as a Self-Made Woman, she plays a key role in MSC Cruises, overseeing ship designs. Net Worth: $37.7 billion Age: 80 Country: Switzerland Industry: Logistics Source of Wealth: Self-made, MSC Impact: MSC handles 7% of global shipping containers, serving 155+ countries. Interesting Fact: Personally decorates MSC Cruises' luxury liners. Jacqueline Mars, born in 1939, is an heiress to Mars, Inc., the family-owned candy empire behind M&M's and Snickers. The granddaughter of founder Frank Mars, she joined the company in 1982 and inherited a one-third stake. Based in Virginia, she is a passionate advocate for conservation and equestrian causes, dedicating significant resources to protecting vast U.S. landscapes. Net Worth: $42.6–44.6 billion Age: 85 Country: United States Industry: Food & Beverage, Confectionery Source of Wealth: Inherited, Mars, Inc. Impact: Protects 100,000+ acres of U.S. land through grants. Interesting Fact: Her Virginia horse farm trains Olympic medalists' mounts. Julia Koch, born in 1962 in Iowa, is a philanthropist who inherited a 42% stake in Koch, Inc. (formerly Koch Industries), a major private firm in oil, agriculture, and more, following the 2019 death of her husband, industrialist David Koch. Transitioning from a fashion assistant to a prominent steward of the company, she is based in New York and supports cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art while funding medical advancements. Her philanthropy reflects a commitment to cultural and scientific progress. Net Worth: $74.2–78.1 billion Age: 63 Country: United States Industry: Industrial Source of Wealth: Inherited, Koch, Inc. Impact: Donated $75 million to NYU Langone for a Florida medical center. Interesting Fact: Owns 15% stakes in Brooklyn Nets, Liberty, and Barclays Center. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, born in 1953 in France, is the heiress to L'Oréal, holding a 35% stake in the cosmetics giant behind Maybelline and Lancôme. Inheriting her fortune from her mother, Liliane, in 2017, her wealth persists despite a 20% dip in L'Oréal's stock. An author of mythology books, she combines intellectual pursuits with business acumen. Through her foundation, she funds science and arts, while her mother's life inspired the 2025 Cannes-premiered film The Richest Woman in the World by Thierry Klifa. Net Worth: $81.6–90.4 billion Age: 71 Country: France Industry: Cosmetics, Retail Source of Wealth: Inherited, L'Oréal Impact: Funds 150+ science and art projects annually via Fondation Bettencourt Schueller. Interesting Facts: Donated $226 million to rebuild Notre-Dame after its 2019 fire. First woman to reach $100 billion net worth in 2023. Alice Walton, born in 1949 in Arkansas, is the daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton and a prominent philanthropist. Inheriting a significant Walmart stake in 1992, she founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011, showcasing works by artists like Warhol and O'Keeffe. In 2025, she launched the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, advancing equitable healthcare education. Living privately, Walton transforms her retail fortune into cultural enrichment and social impact. Net Worth: $101–115 billion Age: 75 Country: United States Industry: Retail Source of Wealth: Inherited, Walmart Impact: Her museum Crystal Bridges welcomes 600,000 visitors yearly; her medical school promotes equitable healthcare. Interesting Fact: Owns a $25 million art collection, including a $35 million Durand painting. Sold $21 million in Walmart stock in 2024 to fund philanthropy. With over $500 billion in collective wealth, these richest women in the world—nine inheriting wealth, one self-made, and one from a divorce settlement—command retail, logistics, and mining. Their impact—spanning museums, hospitals, and startups—shows wealth's potential to drive change. Read More Star-Studded: 8 Best Valentino Bags To Invest In Self-made successes, though, lag behind inherited empires, highlighting a stark wealth gap. Yet, rising stars like Canva's Melanie Perkins signal a tech-driven future, with slowly more women poised to disrupt the ranks. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey ($3 billion), the first Black female billionaire since 2003 via her media empire, alongside Rihanna ($1.7 billion), Taylor Swift ($1.6 billion), and Beyoncé ($800 million), underscore entertainment's growing influence—though their wealth pales next to inherited fortunes like Alice Walton's $101 billion. This inspired our separate ranking of the world's richest self-made women, with a spotlight on the under-40 trailblazers shaping the future. List of richest women in the world (Descending order by Net Worth):
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Crane to develop Hotel Sundry in downtown Springdale
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Bentonville-based developer Blue Crane has announced plans for a new hotel project in Downtown Springdale. The 124-room Hotel Sundry, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, will be located at 203 E. Emma Avenue and is expected to break ground later this month, with an anticipated opening in 2027, according to a news release. The five-story hotel will include a range of amenities, such as a modern Italian restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza, a coffee shop and café, an oversized fitness center and bike storage facilities catering to the nearby Razorback Greenway and regional mountain biking trails. Previous Blue developments in Springdale include 202 Railside and VIA Emma. Alice Walton placed on Time 100 Health 2025 list Blue Crane is the real estate arm of Walton-owned Runway Group. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alice Walton placed on Time 100 Health 2025 list
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Walmart heiress and richest woman in the world, Alice Walton, was placed on the Time 100 Health 2025 list for her creation of the Alice Walton School of Medicine. According to the list, Walton chose to devote her wealth to health after her own experience in and out of hospitals treating a bone infection following a car accident. She said she saw firsthand how 'broken' the United States health care system is. The list includes other well-known names like Bill Nye, Colin Farrell, Kate Middleton, Seth Rogen and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The full list can be found here. The Alice L. Walton Foundation recently bought 100 acres of land in Bentonville for a proposed healthcare campus that will include a cardiac care facility. The foundation will provide $350 million in funding to develop an outpatient center of care for specialty services in Bentonville and $350 million from Mercy to build a new cardiac care center at its hospital in Rogers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
How Bentonville, Arkansas, transformed into an art lover's paradise
Bentonville, Arkansas, has emerged as a lively artistic and culinary destination, driven by the influence of the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Thanks to this cultural influx, and with plenty to capture the attention of parents and children alike, it's also a perfect getaway for families. This area has long been known as a masterpiece of wild, wooded beauty. Situated on a plateau among the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville's network of nearly 70 miles of trails within the city connect to 400 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails through Arkansas's bluffs and hollers, making it an attractive choice for families wanting to get outdoors. Once a sleepy small town, Bentonville experienced a surge in economic growth thanks to Crystal Bridges, the world-class art museum founded in 2011 by Alice Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune. The museum has attracted over 13 million visitors, sparking a thriving artistic and culinary scene in the city. This has attracted a new generation of chefs, several of whom have been nominated for James Beard Awards in recent years. The town also believes in making art accessible, which has driven the creation of over 100 public works of art, from sculptures to murals to neon displays. Both the visitors and locals delight in creativity—whether it's a sculpture in the park or a dish placed before them at the table. Crystal Bridges' five miles of walking trails blend effortlessly into Bentonville's extensive hiking and biking network. From downtown, the paved half-mile Art Trail—ideal for strollers—offers a direct link to the museum's grounds and a view of some of Bentonville's public art displays. Whether it's walking under a 30-foot-high spider sculpture by artist Louise Bourgeois, admiring a bronze pig named 'Stella' by artist André Harvey, or watching the wind move the stainless steel spheres of Yayoi Kusama's 'Narcissus Garden' across a pond, there's something to delight in around every bend in the road. For those whose children are past the stroller stage, the quarter-mile gravel Crystal Springs trail takes you to the heart of the grounds, where 54°F water bubbles up from the ground at the rate of over 100 gallons a minute. Away from Crystal Bridges, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve's 17 miles of trails are perfect for bikers and hikers — just pay attention around blind corners. Families with small children can follow the paved greenway deep into the preserve to stop for a coffee and scones outdoors at Airship Coffee. Esther's Loop offers an easy 4.5-mile unpaved trail that winds around streams with multiple bridges perfect for biking or walking. Older teens may be up for the moderate challenge of the 3.3-mile Oscar's Loop; it has rougher terrain and some steep inclines. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the natural landscape. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, it features striking glass-and-wood pavilions that span over serene water features. Inside, scattered throughout the spacious galleries, American artists as diverse as Thomas Moran, Georgia O'Keefe, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock mix with the museum's ever-growing collection of influential artists who aren't yet household names. Striking contemporary artwork, such as Nari Ward's 'We The People,' invites the viewer to pause and ponder on those familiar words. Creativity flows freely at Crystal Bridges' studio, where visitors of all ages can dive into hands-on art classes. Each day brings a new craft suggestion inspired by the museum's collection, but there's no pressure to follow the plan—guests are welcome to experiment with the provided supplies and let their imagination take the lead. Before heading outdoors, a stop at Eleven is well worth it. Bathed in natural light and overlooking the museum's lush grounds, the restaurant serves up gourmet sandwiches and salads. The roasted apple salad is a must-try. Outdoors, check out the natural Arkansas crystals in the stone grotto near the upper pond. For architecture lovers, Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House, relocated from the banks of a flooding river in New Jersey, gives visitors a peek into his vision of a perfect "Usonian" home—comfortable, middle class living space with a connection to nature. Visiting the home is free, but timed entry tickets are required. There's thrills for children of all ages at the Scott Family Amazeum. Conduct science experiments with chocolate at the Hershey's Lab, be surrounded by flowing, twisting, and raining water at the Nature Valley Water Amazements, and use a flashlight to follow a dark path to a cave. Then head to Bentonville Square and take in the surrounding boutique shops and art galleries. Bike to the top of the Ledger building, a six-story building with switchbacks harkening back to Bentonville's love of mountain biking, to take in the views of downtown. For a casual lunch, enjoy favorites like a catfish po'boy at the Flying Fish or savor the Mexican street tacos from a James Beard-nominated chef at Yeyo's. For an upscale evening, Junto Sushi offers an elegant dining experience. (Related: 10 iconic dishes to try in the Southern states) Abigail Singrey is a freelance writer based in Oklahoma and the owner of Singrey Communications. She specializes in travel, books, and architecture, with a passion for sharing the stories of the people and places that make the United States one of a kind.
National Geographic
10-04-2025
- National Geographic
How this sleepy Southern town transformed into an art lover's paradise
Bentonville, Arkansas, has emerged as a lively artistic and culinary destination, driven by the influence of the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Thanks to this cultural influx, and with plenty to capture the attention of parents and children alike, it's also a perfect getaway for families. This area has long been known as a masterpiece of wild, wooded beauty. Situated on a plateau among the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville's network of nearly 70 miles of trails within the city connect to 400 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails through Arkansas's bluffs and hollers, making it an attractive choice for families wanting to get outdoors. Once a sleepy small town, Bentonville experienced a surge in economic growth thanks to Crystal Bridges, the world-class art museum founded in 2011 by Alice Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune. The museum has attracted over 13 million visitors, sparking a thriving artistic and culinary scene in the city. This has attracted a new generation of chefs, several of whom have been nominated for James Beard Awards in recent years. The town also believes in making art accessible, which has driven the creation of over 100 public works of art, from sculptures to murals to neon displays. Both the visitors and locals delight in creativity—whether it's a sculpture in the park or a dish placed before them at the table. Walk the trails Crystal Bridges' five miles of walking trails blend effortlessly into Bentonville's extensive hiking and biking network. From downtown, the paved half-mile Art Trail—ideal for strollers—offers a direct link to the museum's grounds and a view of some of Bentonville's public art displays. Whether it's walking under a 30-foot-high spider sculpture by artist Louise Bourgeois, admiring a bronze pig named 'Stella' by artist André Harvey, or watching the wind move the stainless steel spheres of Yayoi Kusama's 'Narcissus Garden' across a pond, there's something to delight in around every bend in the road. For those whose children are past the stroller stage, the quarter-mile gravel Crystal Springs trail takes you to the heart of the grounds, where 54°F water bubbles up from the ground at the rate of over 100 gallons a minute. Away from Crystal Bridges, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve's 17 miles of trails are perfect for bikers and hikers — just pay attention around blind corners. Families with small children can follow the paved greenway deep into the preserve to stop for a coffee and scones outdoors at Airship Coffee. Esther's Loop offers an easy 4.5-mile unpaved trail that winds around streams with multiple bridges perfect for biking or walking. Older teens may be up for the moderate challenge of the 3.3-mile Oscar's Loop; it has rougher terrain and some steep inclines. Explore the museum Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the natural landscape. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, it features striking glass-and-wood pavilions that span over serene water features. Inside, scattered throughout the spacious galleries, American artists as diverse as Thomas Moran, Georgia O'Keefe, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock mix with the museum's ever-growing collection of influential artists who aren't yet household names. Striking contemporary artwork, such as Nari Ward's 'We The People,' invites the viewer to pause and ponder on those familiar words. General admission to the museum is free; keep in mind that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. Photograph by Jon Arnold Images Ltd, Alamy Stock Photo "Big Red Lens "is a red polyester resin disk sculpture by artist Fred Eversley. Photograph by Danny Johnston, AP Images Inside the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman-Wilson House in Bentonville, Arkansas. Photograph by Kelly P. Kissel. AP Images Creativity flows freely at Crystal Bridges' studio, where visitors of all ages can dive into hands-on art classes. Each day brings a new craft suggestion inspired by the museum's collection, but there's no pressure to follow the plan—guests are welcome to experiment with the provided supplies and let their imagination take the lead. Before heading outdoors, a stop at Eleven is well worth it. Bathed in natural light and overlooking the museum's lush grounds, the restaurant serves up gourmet sandwiches and salads. The roasted apple salad is a must-try. Outdoors, check out the natural Arkansas crystals in the stone grotto near the upper pond. For architecture lovers, Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House, relocated from the banks of a flooding river in New Jersey, gives visitors a peek into his vision of a perfect "Usonian" home—comfortable, middle class living space with a connection to nature. Visiting the home is free, but timed entry tickets are required. Around town There's thrills for children of all ages at the Scott Family Amazeum. Conduct science experiments with chocolate at the Hershey's Lab, be surrounded by flowing, twisting, and raining water at the Nature Valley Water Amazements, and use a flashlight to follow a dark path to a cave. The exterior of Walton's 5&10 store, which is now the Walmart Museum in Bentonville. Photograph by Walter Bibikow, mauritius images GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo Then head to Bentonville Square and take in the surrounding boutique shops and art galleries. Bike to the top of the Ledger building, a six-story building with switchbacks harkening back to Bentonville's love of mountain biking, to take in the views of downtown. For a casual lunch, enjoy favorites like a catfish po'boy at the Flying Fish or savor the Mexican street tacos from a James Beard-nominated chef at Yeyo's. For an upscale evening, Junto Sushi offers an elegant dining experience. (Related: 10 iconic dishes to try in the Southern states) How to do itBentonville's walkable charm makes it easy to explore on foot, especially when you stay in the heart of the arts district—just park your car and forget about it for the rest of your trip. For those seeking a place to stay, Motto By Hilton Bentonville Downtown offers cozy, well-designed rooms. Families with older kids can opt for connecting room configurations. Abigail Singrey is a freelance writer based in Oklahoma and the owner of Singrey Communications. She specializes in travel, books, and architecture, with a passion for sharing the stories of the people and places that make the United States one of a kind.
