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Black History Month: Janet Emerson Bashen

In honor of Black History Month, we are going to spotlight on a few African American inventors that have impacted the world of computer technology. Janet Emerson Bashen is the first African American female to hold a patent for a software invention. Her software, LinkLine, is a web-based application for EEO claims intake and tracking, claims management, document management and numerous reports. Ms. Bashen was issued U.S. patent #6,985,922 on January 10 2006, for a "Method, Apparatus and System for Processing Compliance Actions over a Wide Area Network." Janet Emerson Bashen is the founder, President and CEO of Bashen Corporation, a leading human resources consulting firm that pioneered end-to-end EEO compliance administration services. Ms. Bashen and the Bashen Corporation are continually recognized nationally for their business achievements. In May, 2000, Bashen testified before Congress regarding the effect of the FTC opinion letter on third party discrimination investigations. Bashen, along with Texas Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, were key figures in the change in legislation. In October 2002, Bashen Corporation was named one of America's entrepreneurial growth leaders by Inc Magazine in its annual Inc 500 ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies, with an increase in sales of 552%. In October 2003, Bashen was given the Pinnacle Award by the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce. Bashen is also the recipient of the prestigious Crystal Award, presented by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., for achievement in business. "My success and failures make me who I am and who I am is a black woman raised in the south by working class parents who tried to give me a better life by fostering a fervent commitment to succeed." - Janet Emerson Bashen Source: "Janet Emerson Bashen: The first African American female to hold a patent for a software invention.", by Mary Bellis, About.com Guide