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President of the Bill and Melinda Gates was guest speaker at last month's Metro Rotary Luncheon

By Cheril Lee

Omaha, NE – Jeff Raikes, President of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was the guest speaker at last month's Rotary Metro Luncheon.

Raikes retired from Microsoft September 1st, 2008. He then was named CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He says the position offered him the opportunity to use his skills to create positive change and reduce inequities in the world. Raikes says the Gates Foundation has learned that in order to really make a difference, they have to focus on specific areas.

"We're focused in on 25 strategies. One is to eradicate polio, another is to eradicate malaria, and another is to raise US high school education and graduation rates. That's just three of those 25. It shows you how challenging it can be, but it's very important for us to have a focus around those areas where our core competencies can make a difference."

Raikes' complete presentation will air at Noon on Monday, October 31st on KIOS.