Washington, D.C. – November 19, 2003 – Mary MacPherson, Senior Vice President at Blackboard® Inc., has received the prestigious “Heroine of Technology” award from the March of Dimes and Women in Technology.  The award honors exceptional women in the technology sector who contribute significantly to their community.

Among her many accomplishments, Mary was recognized as a “Heroine of Technology” for her considerable work helping students and entrepreneurs throughout the Washington, DC region find success. 

Mary serves on the Advisory Board of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, which assists young people reach their entrepreneurial dreams. She has provided advice and support to the Angels Network, a network of women who help other charities, offer mentorship and internship opportunities, and support each other in their lives and careers.  Additionally she has spent endless hours with budding entrepreneurs providing coaching, guidance and encouragement to help them achieve success.

“We are so proud of Mary and the time she has devoted to young people,” said Blackboard CEO Michael Chasen. “She certainly deserves to be recognized for her contributions to young entrepreneurs and students in the DC-area.”
“It is a great honor to have been recognized by the March of Dimes, Women in Technology, and my colleagues in the business community,” commented MacPherson.  “The young people I come in contact with have such drive and ambition—it’s inspiring.”

Mary, along with several other finalists, was honored at an event November 14, 2003 during a gala dinner hosted by CNN’s Soledad O'Brien.

About Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard Inc. was founded with a vision to transform the Internet into a powerful environment for the education experience.  Blackboard is a leading provider of e-Education solutions serving the global needs of primary and secondary schools, higher education, corporations and government agencies.  Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices and staff across North America, Europe and Asia. Please visit www.blackboard.com for more information.

About WIT
Women in Technology (WIT) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to offering women involved in all levels of the technology industry a wide range of professional development and networking opportunities. The organization serves as an advocate for and a representative of the interests of women in the technology industry, acts as a liaison with other similar organizations on women's issues and plays an advocacy role for technology issues in the Greater Washington region and abroad

About the March of Dimes
The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. The March of Dimes carries out this mission through programs of research, community services, education and advocacy.

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