IBM

In the ever-evolving business of technology, there remain a few constants. One of these – the notion that diverse minds bring about great change and advancement – is a value that IBM fully embraces. To ensure that its Latina employees develop professionally and become strong contributors to great change, IBM provides an infrastructure of support through affinity groups, mentoring programs, and leadership development opportunities. IBM offers four distinct Hispanic affinity groups: the Hispanic Diversity Group with over 15 active chapters, the Multicultural Women’s Network, La Red MBA (Hispanic MBA Group), and La Red Familiar (Hispanic women of IBM). These groups aim to provide opportunities for Latinas to network, mentor, coach, share information, and recruit other talented Latinas to join the ranks at IBM. There are also over 10 distinct mentoring, leadership, and professional development programs at IBM, all with a focus on diverse women. Additionally, IBM offers flexible work options, and contributes generously to scholarships for employee’s children.
Patt Cronin, vice president of transformation for global technology services, knows first hand the potential for success through the many programs IBM offers its Latina employees. As an IBM Hispanic executive taskforce member, she leads the way in coaching Hispanic employees to be positioned for executive positions, as well as serving as an executive sponsor of La Red Familiar. Cronin joined IBM over 20 years ago, and continues to serve as a strong reminder of the potential for success fostered by IBM’s commitment to diversity.

www.ibm.com

New York Life Insurance Company

New York Life Insurance Company not only understands the importance of helping its customers protect their assets and financial well-being, but also knows that to provide excellent services to their diverse customers, they must reflect that diversity within their workforce. For that reason, throughout the past year, New York Life has created a number of programs and taskforces to ensure diversity throughout their ranks. The company recently announced the naming of a chief diversity officer and an executive diversity council, both charged with developing and implementing diversity and inclusion programs to further support the recruitment and retention efforts that were already in place. Additionally, New York Life created the Women’s Markets Division to expand the opportunities for women within the company. These programs support the already existent Hispanic Marketing Unit and strong presence at Hispanic career fairs, aimed at recruiting talented Latinas. Once hired, New York Life offers its Latinas flexible work schedules and competitive benefits, including on-site childcare at some of its locations.
For over five years, Rafaela Herrera has served New York Life Insurance Company as its corporate vice president of compliance. In this capacity, she is responsible for ensuring that all marketing and advertising that New York Life produces is in compliance with strict industry and company standards. Herrera’s extensive experience in corporate compliance reinforces her expertise in the field, and she serves as a powerful role model for all Latinas.

www.newyorklife.com

PepsiCo, Inc.

PepsiCo, Inc., a leading food and beverage company, knows that to stay poised on the forefront of their competitive market, they must constantly draw in consumers with fresh and new products. PepsiCo also recognizes the creativity and talent Latinas bring to the company and views them as a valuable asset in helping achieve its goal of maintaining its position as an industry leader. To ensure that talented Latinas join PepsiCo, the company engages in aggressive recruiting through its presence at national Hispanic conferences, and through partnerships with organizations such as the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). Once employed, PepsiCo aims to promote the professional and personal growth of its Latinas through a variety of programs and support systems. One such program, entitled Power Pairs, is a leadership training program designed to help diverse women build more authentic relationships with their supervisors. Adelante, PepsiCo’s Hispanic affinity group, and the Women of Color Multicultural Alliance are also integral in helping to create a support system and promote personal growth among PepsiCo’s Latina employees.
Marie Quintana, vice president, Ethnic Sales Development, is one of PepsiCo’s talented Latinas dedicated to the company’s success. In this capacity, Quintana is responsible for promoting the ethnic sales agenda. Quintana has also held other positions within the company including Vice President of the following divisions: IT Capability, IT Strategy, and Techonology.

www.pepsico.com

Prudential Financial

Prudential Financial is a diversified financial services company that truly values its Latina employees. To ensure that Latinas join the company, Prudential partners with national Hispanic organizations such as the Association of Professional Hispanic Accountants, Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). Prudential also has an established relationships with programs such as INROADS, to ensure Latinas learn about the possibilities for growth at Prudential. Prudential’s Hispanic Heritage Network is a key component of the support system offered by the company to its Latina employees. Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Hispanic Heritage Network is well respected within the company and the communities it serves. Prudential has also championed the work-life balance, and understands the many roles Latinas play in their homes and communities. They offer a competitive benefits package, including childcare subsidies, alternative work policies, and excellent health benefits.
For over a decade, Prudential’s vice president of Mutual Fund Investments, Grace Torres, has been a leading example to all Latinas within the company. She is responsible for the management of all mutual funds administered by Prudential. She began her career in the financial services industry over 20 years ago, and continues to be a role model for all Latinas.

www.prudential.com

Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison’s commitment to its Latina employees is matched by few, particularly in the male-dominated industry of utilities. With Latinas constituting nearly one third of their entire female workforce, Southern California Edison truly values the contributions talented Latinas bring to the company. Southern California Edison actively recruits Hispanic women through Hispanic print media, diversity websites, and consumer advertisements. To ensure Latinas are reaching their potential within the company, Southern California Edison offers a variety of mentoring and leadership training programs such as the Cross Training Leadership Program, and the Frontline Leadership Program. Southern California Edison also offers a unique fast track program called the Executive Leadership Potential program, aimed at building and maintaining a diverse pool of leaders. The program also offers valuable feedback, executive coaching, and group learning sessions.
Veronica Gutierrez is proof of Southern California Edison’s commitment to its Latina talent. She began her tenure with the company nearly a decade ago as a public affairs manager, and was appointed to her current position, director of Regulatory Compliance, over two years ago. She serves as an excellent reminder of the potential for success for all Latinas throughout Southern California Edison.

www.sce.com

Verizon Communications

As a leading telecommunications provider, Verizon Communications values the diversity throughout its workforce. In order to better fulfill the needs of its diverse consumer base, Verizon works to reflect that diversity throughout its ranks. Verizon is an active recruiter in the Hispanic community and partners with organizations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), INROADS, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Once employed, Verizon offers its Latinas a number of opportunities for professional and personal growth, while understanding the importance of the work-life balance. The Hispanic Professional Development Workshop and the Women’s Professional Development Workshop both offer Latinas leadership training and career development opportunities. Latina employees also enjoy many benefits including flexible work options, generous continuous education reimbursements, highly competitive health benefits, and childcare subsidies.
With over three decades of experience in telecommunications, Puerto Rico Telephone’s CEO Cristina Lambert is responsible for all aspects of service of this subsidiary of Verizon. Lambert is a shining example of the commitment Verizon makes to all of its nearly 5,000 Latina employees.

www.verizon.com

Teresa Ridge
Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Greater San Diego