This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Valdosta chapter.
Sometimes we do not acknowledge all the great things women do everyday. So in honor of it being Women’s History Month I would like to acknowledge a woman who some may or may not know. Keep reading to get to know Mrs. Ursula Burns.
Ursula Burns was born on September 20, 1958 in New York City, New York to a single mother. She was raised in the Baruch Houses which are a New York City housing projects. She attended an all girls Catholic school and then went on to New York City Polytechnic School of Engineering where she received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. She also received her masters in mechanical engineering from Columbia University.
After college Ursula went on to interning with Xerox where she then gained a permanent position with the company. She worked her butt off in several roles in product placement and planning throughout her early years. By the age of 32 a senior executive for Xerox; Wayland Hicks offered Ms. Burns the position of his executive assistant. She worked approximately nine months before she went back home to marry Lloyd Bean. She continued to work her way upfront executive assistant, to Vice President of global manufacturing, to senior Vice President where she was able to work closely with CEO Anne Mulcahy.
By 51 Ursula Burns was officially named CEO, and Anne Mulcahy served as her chairman. She is also on the board of directors for Exxon Mobil Corporation and Datto Incorporation. Mrs. Burns is a leader in her community through educational and non profit organizations. She and her husband reside in Manhattan, New York with their daughter Melissa and her stepson Malcolm.
HCXO!