As Black History Month comes to a close, we honor the remarkable legacy of Ursula Burns, a visionary leader who made history as the first Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
Her story is one of perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others—both in business and beyond.
From Humble Beginnings to Corporate Leadership
Born and raised in a low-income housing project on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Burns’ journey to the top was anything but easy.
Raised by a single mother who took on ironing and cleaning jobs to provide for her children, she defied the odds and pursued a career in mechanical engineering. After earning degrees from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University and Columbia University, she began her career at Xerox as a summer intern in 1980.
Through hard work and strategic leadership, Burns climbed the ranks, taking on roles in product development, global research, and corporate strategy. In 2009, she made history when she was named CEO of Xerox, becoming not only the first Black woman but also the first woman to succeed another female CEO in a Fortune 500 company.
Leading with Collaboration and Strength
Burns transformed Xerox’s business model, shifting its focus from products to services through the acquisition of Affiliated Computer Services. Her leadership style emphasized the power of teamwork and leveraging the expertise of others.
“Leadership is about bringing many people along,” Burns told WSJ Magazine. “For every great success we had, certain people knew more about certain pieces of it than I did. I had to follow them as much as they had to follow me.”
By recognizing her own strengths and limitations, she built diverse teams, sought out expert advice, and pioneered a leadership approach rooted in inclusion and shared success.
Championing STEM and the Next Generation
Beyond the boardroom, Burns has been a powerful advocate for STEM education and diversity in leadership. She was appointed by President Barack Obama to lead the STEM Education Coalition, helping to expand opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
She also served on the President’s Export Council, advising on policies to promote American business growth. Today, she continues to shape industries as a board member for companies such as Exxon Mobil, Uber, and VEON.
A Lasting Legacy
Ursula Burns’ impact goes beyond her personal achievements—she has opened doors for future generations of Black women in corporate leadership.
Her memoir, Where You Are Is Not Who You Are, offers insight into her journey, reinforcing that success is not determined by one’s beginnings but by resilience and determination.
As Black History Month ends, Burns’ story serves as a powerful reminder: leadership is about lifting others, embracing challenges, and breaking barriers for those who follow.
