The Aspen Institute

Mike Bezos often says, “your education is always yours – once you have it, it cannot be taken away.” Guided by this notion and a deeply held belief that all children deserve an opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society, Mike co-founded the Bezos Family Foundation in 2000 with his wife Jackie, their three children and spouses, all of whom serve as directors. Through investments in research, public awareness, advocacy and programs, the Foundation works to elevate the field of education and improve life outcomes for all children along the continuum from birth through high school. Never shy to fill an unmet need, the Foundation has pioneered three in-house programs, the Bezos Scholars Program at the Aspen Institute, The Aspen Challenge, and Students Rebuild, to offer young adults a dynamic way to connect, learn about, and take action on critical local and global issues. Mike’s professional career spanned over 32 years with Exxon Mobil in various engineering and managerial positions in the U.S. and overseas. A native of Cuba, Mike immigrated to the U.S. as a teen and worked his way through the University of Albuquerque where he completed his undergraduate degree.  Mike serves on The National Constitution Center Board of Trustees and on the Advisory Board of With Honor Action. Outside of his role at the Foundation, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, particularly his 11 grandchildren.