The "highest-ranking female telecom executive in the USA," according to
USA Today, is a St. Lawrence University alumna whose semester of
study in Kenya helped to prepare her for her post, called "one of the
worst in corporate America."
Betsy Bernard '77, head of AT&T's consumer phone business, was profiled
in USA Today on August 15. The story began with an anecdote about
her semester of study in Kenya while a St. Lawrence student, using it as
an example of how Bernard learned to be "accustomed to being uncomfortable."
The story also noted that she began her telecommunications career with an
internship at AT&T while a University student, and took a job there after
her graduation. Her top job is considered "one of the worst" because of
challenges facing the consumer unit, but Bernard noted, "Am I confident?
Absolutely."