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 (BFF) in 2000 with his wife, Jackie, and their three children and their spouses. BFF aims to improve life outcomes for children from birth through high school through investments in research, public awareness, and innovative programs. BFF has pioneered several programs, including the Bezos Scholars Program, The Aspen Challenge, and Students Rebuild, to offer young adults a dynamic way to connect, learn about, and act on critical global and local issues.
Mike’s professional career spanned over 32 years with Exxon Mobil in various engineering and managerial positions in the United States and overseas. A native of Cuba, he immigrated to the United States as a teen and worked to pay his way through the University of Albuquerque, where he completed his undergraduate degree.
Mike serves on the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees, the National Constitution Center Board of Trustees, the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Board of Directors, the Bezos Family Foundation Board of Directors, and the Advisory Board of With Honor Action.
Outside of his professional and philanthropic commitments, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, particularly his 11 grandchildren.