September 20

Ursula Burns is a pioneering figure in American business and technology, best known for being the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company as CEO.

Born on September 20, 1958 and raised in a housing project on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Burns was brought up by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to support her children. Her early experiences taught her the value of education, resilience, and hard work — principles that would guide her throughout her life and career. She earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Polytechnic Institute of NYU and a master’s degree from Columbia University, entering the workforce at a time when very few women — let alone Black women — were seen in technical or executive roles.

Burns began her professional journey at Xerox in 1980 as a summer intern, quickly distinguishing herself through her technical expertise and leadership abilities. Over the years, she rose through the ranks in various engineering and product development roles. Her understanding of complex systems and her clear communication skills set her apart in a male-dominated industry.

In 2000, she was named senior vice president of corporate strategic services, and by 2007 she had become president. Two years later, in 2009, she made history by becoming CEO of Xerox, shattering multiple glass ceilings in one of the most significant milestones in American corporate leadership.

As CEO, Burns faced the immense challenge of transforming Xerox from a document technology company into a diversified services and business solutions enterprise. Recognizing the decline of the traditional printing industry, she led Xerox’s $6.4 billion acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services in 2010. This bold move signaled a pivot toward business services, allowing Xerox to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. Her leadership during this time not only preserved the company’s legacy but also positioned it for the evolving demands of the global marketplace. She proved that innovation was not just about products — it was about vision, courage, and strategic reinvention.

Beyond her achievements at Xerox, Burns has had a wide-reaching influence on American industry and policy. She served as chair of the President’s Export Council under President Barack Obama, advising on international trade and competitiveness. Her insight into the intersection of industry, innovation, and government policy has made her a respected voice in national economic discourse. Burns also serves on the boards of major corporations including Uber, ExxonMobil, and Nestlé, where she continues to influence decisions that shape the future of global business.

Burns’s contributions are not limited to boardrooms and corporate strategy; she has also been a passionate advocate for STEM education, especially for women and underrepresented minorities. She speaks frequently about the need for inclusivity in science, technology, and leadership, using her own story as a powerful example of what’s possible. Her advocacy has inspired countless young people to pursue careers in engineering and technology, helping to diversify the talent pipeline in fields critical to the U.S. economy and innovation landscape.

Burns’s life and career reflect the transformative power of perseverance, intellect, and leadership. She broke barriers not simply for the sake of representation, but to redefine what leadership could look like in the 21st century. Her legacy is firmly rooted in both American business history and the broader cultural story of equity and progress.

From the corporate tower to public service and mentorship, Ursula Burns has helped build a future where talent and potential — not background — determine success.