Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns is a prominent businesswoman known for her remarkable achievements and breakthroughs in the corporate world. Born on September 20, 1958, in a low-income neighborhood in New York City, Burns faced a challenging upbringing. She grew up in a single-parent household and had limited resources.

Viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and innovation, rather than as roadblocks

Despite these obstacles, Burns displayed exceptional intellect and determination from a young age. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York University and later pursued a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University.

Her career began at Xerox Corporation in 1980 as an intern, and she steadily progressed through the ranks, demonstrating her exceptional leadership abilities. Burns faced significant challenges as an African-American woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry, but she refused to let biases and stereotypes hinder her ambitions.

The passion to unlock potential

In 2009, Burns made history by becoming the CEO of Xerox, becoming the first African-American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Her tenure as CEO was marked by innovative strategies and a focus on diversification, transforming Xerox from a traditional copier manufacturer to a technology and services company.

During her leadership, Burns successfully navigated Xerox through a tumultuous period, guiding the company through the digital age and adapting to changing market dynamics. Her strategic decisions, including the acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services, expanded Xerox’s offerings and positioned the company for growth.

Ursula Burns’ life is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. Despite a challenging upbringing and the hurdles she faced throughout her career, she emerged as a trailblazing businesswoman, leaving an indelible mark on the corporate landscape and inspiring generations to come.