Carly Fiorina

Carly Fiorina is an American businesswoman, politician, and philanthropist. She is best known for her tenure as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard (HP) from 1999 to 2005, making her the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company. She is also the first female to lead a major American technology company.

Early Life and Education

Carly Fiorina was born Cara Carleton Sneed on September 6, 1954 in Austin, Texas. Her father, Joseph Tyree Sneed III, was a law professor at the University of Texas and later a federal judge. Her mother, Madelon Montross, was an artist. Fiorina attended Channing School in London and later attended five different high schools, eventually graduating from Charles E. Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina.

Fiorina attended Stanford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in medieval history and philosophy in 1976. She then attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a Master of Science degree in business in 1980.

Business Career

Fiorina began her business career at AT&T in 1980, where she held a variety of positions in sales, marketing, and operations. In 1996, she was named president of Lucent Technologies' consumer products division. In 1998, she was named CEO of Lucent, making her the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company.

In 1999, Fiorina was named CEO of Hewlett-Packard, making her the first female to lead a major American technology company. During her tenure, she oversaw the acquisition of Compaq Computer Corporation and the spin-off of Agilent Technologies. She was also credited with increasing HP's revenue from $42 billion to $88 billion.

Political Career

In 2008, Fiorina ran for the U.S. Senate in California, but lost to incumbent Barbara Boxer. In 2016, she ran for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, but dropped out after the New Hampshire primary.

Philanthropy

Fiorina is a strong advocate for women's rights and education. She is the founder of the Fiorina Foundation, which provides scholarships to women in the sciences and engineering. She is also a board member of the American Conservative Union and the American Enterprise Institute.

Conclusion

Carly Fiorina is a trailblazer in the business world. She is the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company and the first female to lead a major American technology company. She is also a strong advocate for women's rights and education, and is the founder of the Fiorina Foundation. Her career is a testament to her ambition and drive, and she is an inspiration to many.