Kendra Scott donates millions to University of Texas for women leadership

• Scott's fortune was pegged by Forbes in 2021 at $800 million.
• She famously started making jewelry in a spare room in her Austin home in 2002 after failing to find affordable, colored gemstone jewelry.
• The brand now has more than 115 stores across the U.S.

Details: $10 million of the donation is a personal contribution, and $3.25 million comes from her corporate company.

• Since launching in 2019, the institute has supported more than three dozen women-led startups.

What they're saying: "This gift is about supporting the next generation of women entrepreneurs," said Scott, who is also a professor of practice at UT's College of Fine Arts. "Through this new gift, women will continue to dismantle barriers and forge ahead to redefine entrepreneurship for many years to come."

• "Kendra's investment will transform the lives of thousands of future leaders, and all of society will reap the benefits," Jay Hartzell, president of UT Austin, said.