Early Life
Alice Louise Walton was born on October 7, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas. She grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, with her three brothers. She graduated from Bentonville High School in 1966 and earned a B.A. in economics from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Her father, Sam Walton, founded Walmart, which transformed the retail industry.
Rise to Success
Early in her career, Alice Walton worked as an equity analyst and money manager for First Commerce Corporation. She also headed investment activities at Arvest Bank Group and worked as a broker for EF Hutton. In 1988, she founded Llama Company, an investment bank, where she served as president, chairwoman, and CEO. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport's terminal was named the Alice L. Walton Terminal Building in recognition of her contributions.
Key Business Strategies
While not directly involved in Walmart's operations like her siblings, Alice Walton has strategically managed her wealth through investments and philanthropy. She briefly worked at Walmart as a buyer of children's clothes. Her focus has been on art, healthcare, and education.
Philanthropy
Alice Walton is a committed philanthropist, focusing on art, education, health, and economic opportunity. In 2011, she founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. She also established the Alice L. Walton Foundation in 2017, and the Art Bridges Foundation, and the Heartland Whole Health Institute. In 2021, she founded the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine.