Ursula Burns

Ursula Burns is an American businesswoman and the first African American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, serving as the CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. Born in New York City in 1958, Burns grew up in a working-class neighborhood and earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Polytechnic Institute of New York University. She began her career at Xerox in 1980 as a summer intern, quickly rising through the ranks due to her strong leadership and innovation. Under her leadership, Xerox underwent significant restructuring, focusing on expanding its offerings beyond copiers to include digital services and solutions.

Throughout her career, Ursula Burns has been a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, often speaking out about the need for greater representation of women and minorities in leadership roles. After stepping down from Xerox, Burns continued her work in advocating for social justice, education, and entrepreneurship. She has served on the boards of major companies like Uber, Disney, and American Express, using her platform to influence business practices and encourage positive change across industries.

A notable quote from Ursula Burns is: "You can't be what you can't see." This reflects her belief in the power of representation and the importance of role models in breaking down barriers for future generations. Burns’s groundbreaking career and continued advocacy for diversity and empowerment have inspired many, particularly young women and people of color, to pursue leadership positions in business and beyond.