Early Life, Family Background, and Education
Betsy DeVos was born Elisabeth Prince in Holland, Michigan, and grew up in a wealthy family tied to the Prince and Van Andel business dynasties. She attended Calvin University, then known as Calvin College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics Forbes.
The DeVos family built significant wealth through Amway, the multi-level marketing company co-founded by her father-in-law Richard DeVos, and through investments in real estate and private equity. Betsy DeVos married Dick DeVos, a former CEO of Amway and a Republican donor, and together they became major figures in conservative philanthropy and politics.
Career in Business, Philanthropy, and Politics
Betsy DeVos served as chair of the Michigan Republican Party and later as chair of the Republican National Committee. She was a key figure in promoting school choice policies, including charter schools, voucher programs, and education savings accounts across multiple states Betsy DeVos official biography.
Role as U.S. Secretary of Education
In 2017, Betsy DeVos was confirmed as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Education, becoming the first person to hold the position with a background in private education advocacy rather than public school administration. During her tenure, she promoted federal policies favoring charter schools, private school vouchers, and deregulation of student loan and for-profit college oversight U.S. Department of Education.
Wealth, Investments, and Philanthropic Activities
The DeVos family's net worth has been estimated in the billions, driven by Amway profits, real estate holdings, and diversified investments. Betsy DeVos and her family have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to education-focused nonprofits, think tanks, and political causes, including the Alliance for School Choice and the Philanthropy Roundtable Forbes.
Key Organizations and Foundations
The Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation has funded initiatives in education reform, arts, and community development. Betsy DeVos has also been involved with the Windquest Group, a private investment firm focused on technology, clean energy, and real estate SEC filings.