I have just learned that a dear friend, mentor, and pioneering professional woman was among the victims (with family) of the Egypt Air 990 Crash:

As I read of a woman appointed president of Hewlett Packard I am reminded of the early days 1970 when I, a fledgling salesperson in computer graphics, was introduced to Tammy Barnes a pioneer – and leading woman – in the industry. I could go on for pages about her attributes and accomplishments as one of the 1st women to succeed in selling in the computer industry. She did this in addition to being the wife of an entrepreneur/inventor, the mother of 5 children and a trusted and respected friend, she was one of the first and fore-most female professional role models of our generation.

Even more tragic and ironic is the fact that the only other female industry leader of her time,(the 1970s) – Jackie Potts, was also killed in an airplane crash on a pleasure trip (Delta Express April 1991, Brunswick GA.).

Tammy and I discussed what it was like to be a professional woman selling computer graphics 25-30 years ago when Tammy was employed as the Major Account Director for SDRC – Structural Dynamics Research Corporation.

More than anything, I would like Tammy to be remembered for the remarkable woman she was, and for all that she gave by paving the road for all the woman who road her coat-tails.

To see her remembered only as a victim would diminish all she contributed to the role of women today.

Submitted by Alyce Branum