Two women sit on stage in armchairs during a public talk; one listens with a microphone in hand while the other, in a blue suit, speaks into a microphone. A small table between them holds water bottles and a vase of flowers, with an audience visible in the foreground.

Alumni

An Evening with Executive Powerhouse Ursula Burns MS’82

The Columbia Engineering alumna returned to Morningside campus to share leadership lessons and reflections from her own path to success.

May 26, 2026

Columbia Engineering alumni, students, and friends gathered this spring in Low Rotunda for the 2026 Columbia College Women Signature Event featuring alumna and executive leader, Ursula Burns MS’82. In conversation Apr. 13 with University Trustee Emerita Lisa Carnoy ’89CC for “The Art of Disruption: Women at the Frontlines of Change,” Burns reflected on her 38-year journey at Xerox, where she rose from intern to CEO (1980-2009) and built a successful career leading the Fortune 500 company. 

During the fireside chat, Burns spoke candidly about leadership, resilience, and finding ways to reinvent oneself through their professional journeys. She underscored the importance of remaining grounded in the face of uncertainty, drawing on both her professional and personal experiences. The evening also included a reception, offering opportunities for alumni and students to connect.

After retiring from Xerox, Burns was appointed chairwoman of VEON, Ltd. in 2017. She later served as both chairwoman and CEO from December 2018 to June 2020, guiding the company through critical compliance and restructuring initiatives. A member of Columbia Engineering’s Board of Visitors, Burns is a founding partner of Integrum Holdings LP, a private equity firm, and serves as non-executive chairwoman at Teneo Holdings LLC, a global consulting and advisory firm.

Highlights from “Women at the Frontlines of Change”

Photos by Brandon Vallejo/Columbia College

Two speakers sit onstage in armchairs during a talk; one woman speaks into a handheld microphone while the other smiles and listens.
Two attendees talk during a reception; one holds a drink while the other smiles, with other guests mingling in the background.
Three attendees sit at a round table during a reception, smiling toward the camera with small plates of food on the table.
Close-up of a speaker holding a microphone and gesturing while another seated moderator listens in the background.
Group photo of four attendees standing close together and smiling in an indoor reception area.
Wide shot of a large hall with a stage, audience seating, and “Columbia College Women” projected on the walls.
A woman stands in the aisle speaking into a microphone as seated attendees listen.
A woman speaks at a podium labeled “Columbia University” while another speaker sits onstage behind her.
An audience member stands and asks a question into a microphone in a crowded auditorium.
Group portrait of six event attendees standing in a row indoors, smiling for the camera.
Attendees mingle and talk in a crowded reception hall during a networking event.
Five attendees pose smiling around a high-top table with candles at an indoor networking reception.
Six attendees stand arm-in-arm and smile for a group photo at an indoor event venue.
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