Alice Louise Walton, born on October 7, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas, is best known as the daughter of Sam Walton, the visionary founder of Walmart. With a net worth of $104.0 billion, Alice Walton is the world’s richest woman according to Forbes, ‘The Real Time Billionaire List’. Her wealth has remained unchanged, showing no percentage increase or decrease, and she currently holds the 17th position on the list of billionaires. At 75 years old, Walton’s fortune primarily stems from her association with Walmart, the company founded by her father, which is based in the United States.
Raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, Alice grew up in the shadow of the company that would revolutionize global retail. After graduating from Bentonville High School in 1966, she pursued her academic interests at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where she earned a B.A. in economics. Though she was immersed in the business world, her path would take a unique turn toward the arts, healthcare, and philanthropy, allowing her to carve out her own remarkable legacy.\
Being the daughter of Sam Walton and Helen Robson Walton, and Alice has three siblings: S. Robson Walton, Jim Walton, and the late John Walton. While her brothers were more directly involved in the daily operations of Walmart, Alice chose a different path, focusing on her own career and passions. Alice was married twice and divorced both times. Although she has no children, her legacy is firmly rooted in her philanthropic efforts, cultural contributions, and business achievements.
Early Career and Business Ventures
Alice Walton’s career began in the finance sector. She worked as an equity analyst and money manager for First Commerce Corporation and Arvest Bank Group. Her abilities quickly gained recognition, and she later became a broker for EF Hutton. In 1988, she founded Llama Company, an investment bank where she served as president, chairwoman, and CEO. Though Llama Company ultimately closed in 1998, Alice’s leadership demonstrated her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
Alice also played a key role in the development of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, an accomplishment that earned her a place in the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 2001. Her varied career showcases her versatility and far-reaching influence beyond the retail industry.
Focus on Art, Healthcare, and Education
While Alice’s early career in business established her as a formidable figure, her most transformative contributions have been in the fields of art and healthcare. In 2011, she founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum, a gift to the public, houses works by some of the most influential American artists, including Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Mark Rothko. Crystal Bridges has not only become a cultural hub for the region but has also cemented Alice’s reputation as a patron of the arts.
Alice’s commitment to improving access to healthcare is equally significant. In 2022, the Whole Health Institute, which she founded, was renamed the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. This marked an important step in her vision to combine healthcare and education, ensuring that communities have greater access to holistic healthcare solutions.
Philanthropy and the Alice Walton Foundation
Alice’s philanthropic efforts are channeled through the Alice Walton Foundation, which focuses on improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The foundation plays a major role in her charitable endeavors, funding initiatives that enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. Through her foundation, Walton has made a lasting impact on both local and global scales, advancing causes that align with her passion for social good.
