A Bellwether Working Mom Returns to the Office.

Focuses on the symbolism behind Brenda Barnes's re-entry to the workforce as the No. 2 executive at Sara Lee Corp. Number of years since Barnes resigned as head of PepsiCo. Inc., one of the country's top corporate jobs, to spend more time with her children; How Barnes' return to the workforce differs from typical female executives who leave to raise children; Number of corporate boards Barnes sat on during the past six years, suggesting she stayed in touch with the business world and new developments; Discussion of the changes in the American workplace for working mothers. INSET: Family-Friendly Companies.