ursula burns become the first african-american female ceo in the fortune 500. women own almost 40% of all privately held businesses in the united states. this number will grow as unemployment climbs to over 9% and people are forced to dustoff their business plans and ideas. during this economic crisis, many women might become technological entrepreneurs. as i to professionals, we can imagine and build solutions to make our lives more productive and prosperous while using emerging technologies and cutting edge tools. in fact, we're already seeing women establishing an agreement technology firms. others are advising on of the vote -- on optimal use of social networking. women who succeed in information technology have a clear purpose and a strong sense of self- worth. i imagine many viewed in this room sure many of those same qualities. i know are two keenan speakers do. as we begin at this conference, i encourage you to talk to other in -- talk to other attendees and share your personal experiences, how you overcome challenges, and how an inspiring mentor encour

the first of a woman to woman ceo handoff and the fortune 500, and making it more spectacular is ursula burns will be the fortune 501st female african-american ceo in the fortune 500. women own more than 40 percent of the privately held businesses in the united states. this number may grow as unemployment climbs to over 9 percent of people are forced to dust off old business plans and ideas. during this economic crisis, many women may consider becoming entrepreneurs with business plans focus on technology. as a i.t. professionals, we can't imagine and build solutions that make our lives easier, more convenient, more productive, and prosperous while using emerging technologies and cutting edge tools. in fact, we are already seeing women establishing green technology firms. others advise on optimal usage of the social networking and social media, and even more becoming independent consultants. women who succeed ian i.t. have clarity of purpose and a strong sense of self worth. i imagine many of you of his room share the same qualities. i know our two q of speakers do. as we began this conferenc