Meet the lesser-known richest woman in the world who built a 116 Billion Dollar empire!

While names like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos dominate the public conversation, there are other names that sometimes do not make it to the headlines, including stories of individuals who have built immense wealth through quieter and enduring paths.One such figure, who is often overlooked in mainstream discussions, represents an extraordinary combination of inherited wealth and philanthropic dedication. Her story is an example of how quiet influence can powerfully shape culture and community beyond just financial achievements.

How the world’s richest woman made millions of dollars in her empire

Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is often overshadowed in public by her billionaire brothers and other famous entrepreneurs.

Yet, with a personal net worth exceeding $116 billion, she is officially the richest woman in the world, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. Her wealth has risen sharply over the past year, increasing by over $30 billion thanks to Walmart’s stock climbing roughly 40%, reaching record highs.

Family behind Walmart

The humble beginnings of the Walton family trace back to 1962 in Bentonville, Arkansas, where brothers Sam and Bud Walton opened a discount store focused on low prices and accessibility.

That initial idea blossomed into Walmart, which is now a global retail giant operating more than 10,000 stores and employing over two million people worldwide. The family's combined net worth approaches half a trillion dollars.

Alice Walton is into philanthrophy

Despite her vast financial success, Alice Walton has charted a markedly different course from her brothers Jim and Robson, who actively serve on Walmart’s board. She has chosen to focus on the arts and philanthropy rather than corporate business.

In 2011, she founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, which has become a significant cultural hub featuring works by popular artists like Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Norman Rockwell.Alice Walton described her passion for art to The New Yorker: "Collecting has been such a joy, and such an important part of my life in terms of seeing art, and loving it."

Her commitment extends beyond art

In 2025, Bentonville will open a medical school bearing her name, aiming to support education, healthcare, and regional development, where she also focuses on impactful projects rather than luxury or publicity.Earlier in her life, Walton also engaged briefly in horse breeding but scaled back after selling her ranches in 2017. She explained to Business Insider that she had been "stretched in too many directions and I want to get focused," adding, "I've got a house in Fort Worth, so I'm going to move to town."While Alice Walton may not command the same media attention as some billionaires, her influence is profound. The Walton name continues to represent immense wealth and business power, but she remains its most quietly influential figure, dedicated to enriching communities and preserving art for future generations.