Toni Morrison’s mentorship shaped MacKenzie Scott’s empathy and vision for giving.
Inspired by Morrison, Scott has donated over $26 billion to help communities in need.
When MacKenzie Scott attended Princeton University, she studied creative writing under Toni Morrison, the Nobel Prize-winning author. Morrison recognized MacKenzie’s talent early, calling her “one of the best students” she ever had. But beyond writing, Morrison taught her students something far more enduring: to listen to people, understand their stories, and see the struggles and dreams behind every voice. These lessons would shape MacKenzie’s worldview and her approach to life and philanthropy.
MacKenzie’s own journey was marked by resilience. Her family faced financial struggles after her father’s investment company collapsed, leaving them in bankruptcy. Despite these challenges, MacKenzie persevered, supported by small acts of kindness from those around her—like a college roommate loaning her money to stay in school and a local dentist providing free dental care. Morrison’s mentorship and encouragement helped MacKenzie find her voice as a writer, and their correspondence is now preserved in the Toni Morrison Papers at Princeton.
After graduating in 1992, MacKenzie worked in New York City while pursuing writing and later joined the hedge fund D. E. Shaw, thanks in part to a recommendation from Morrison. This role led to her marriage to Jeff Bezos and involvement in Amazon’s early operations. Years later, following her divorce in 2019, MacKenzie signed the Giving Pledge, committing to use her wealth to benefit others. As of 2025, she has donated over $26 billion to causes such as schools, food banks, healthcare programs, housing initiatives, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Toni Morrison’s influence on MacKenzie illustrates the transformative power of mentorship. Through Morrison’s lessons in empathy, humanity, and listening, MacKenzie Scott has carried forward a legacy of compassion on an unprecedented scale. Their story reminds us that one teacher’s guidance can inspire a lifetime of impact, showing that understanding and generosity can ripple across communities and change countless lives.
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