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The Fortune annual ranking of leading businesswomen for 2010 has been released and includes at least 4 women of African-American descent.  The current list was published on the CNN Money website earlier this week.

Individually and collectively, the fabulous 4 are responsible for handling billons in company revenues and have the daunting task of building and sustaining world-famous brands. These women ranked in the overall list at very respectable positions – out of 50 women, they placed at number 6, 9, 33 and 35.

It is not surprising that Oprah Winfrey is on the list.  However, as the most widely recognized African American female listed, it is notable that she is the only entrepreneur.  Her placement on the list at number 6 is a tribute to the personal struggles she has had to overcome in her personal life, and the growth of her HARPO and newly developed Oprah Winfrey Network.  Oprah’s listing contains the greatest amount of personal information, including that she was raised by a single teen mother, was raped in her childhood and gave birth to a son of her own that died in infancy.  No matter how many times we hear Oprah’s story, it remains fresh and relevant in our community.  Ms. Winfrey’s revenues are not disclosed on the list.  Regardless, the dollar amount would pale in comparison to the number of lives she has saved.

The number 9 spot on the Fortune list is occupied by Ursula Burns, Chairwoman and CEO of Xerox.  Ms. Burns elevated herself through the ranks of the Xerox corporation from being an intern, to becoming the Chairwoman and CEO of a now global brand.  In May, Ms. Burns landed a deal with Affiliated Computer Services, making Xerox the world’s largest business process and document management firm.  She became the Chairwoman of the company this past May, and also sits on the board of American Express, another global brand. Ms. Burns is credited with handling $22 billion in renevue.

New to the list is Ms. Lina Gooden, raking at number 33, in her position as EVP, Information Systems and Global Solutions at Lockheed Martin.  The company is the largest information technology provider to the U.S. government.  In 2009, Ms. Gooden produced $12 billion in revenue which accounts for almost 27% of the company’s total revenue.

Another newcomer to the list in the number 35 spot is Ms. Rosalind Brewer, President of Walmart South.  Ms. Brewer was previously a scientist at Kimberly-Clark and had gone from oversight of Wal-Mart’s operations in Georgia to the Southwest region to the entire South. According to Wikipedia, Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer.  The revenue in her territory is $85 billion plus.

It is remarkable that 2 newcomers placed on the list.  Each and every position deserves our respect and a “high 5” or a fist –bump if you want to aim for the stars.

Candi Sparks is the author of the “Can I Have Some Money?” books series.

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