Year: 2009

Where: New York City, NY

Who: Ursula Burn

Ursula Burns made history in 2009 as the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company when she became the CEO of Xerox. Born and raised in New York City, Burns rose through the ranks of Xerox, starting as a summer intern in 1980 and eventually becoming the face of transformative leadership in corporate America.

During her tenure as CEO, Burns spearheaded a critical transformation for Xerox, shifting the company's focus from its traditional printing business to becoming a leader in business services. One of her most significant achievements was overseeing the acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services, a strategic move that expanded Xerox’s reach into IT services and outsourcing. Her leadership not only redefined the company’s portfolio but also positioned Xerox as a more diversified and future-ready enterprise.

Burns is a passionate advocate for STEM education, particularly for underrepresented minorities and women. She has been actively involved in initiatives like President Obama’s STEM program, emphasizing the importance of education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through her work, Burns has inspired countless individuals and underscored the value of diversity and inclusion in leadership and innovation.

Sources:

Websites:

• The HistoryMakers. (n.d.). Ursula Burns. The HistoryMakers. https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/ursula-burns.

• Harvard Business Review. (2021, July). I'm here because I'm as good as you. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/07/im-here-because-im-as-good-as-you