Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Profiles in Diversity Journal - Sep/Oct 2007
Profiles in Diversity Journal - Sep/Oct 2007
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Linda Schellentrager
C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
W elcome to our special Women Worth Watching issue. It’s always a treat to Damian Johnson
MARKETING DIRECTOR
shine the light on so many talented women and to have them generously Laurel L. Fumic
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
share their thoughts with the up-and-coming leaders of tomorrow. Their Cheri Morabito
ART DIRECTOR
mentoring essays contain a rich blend of experience, passion and determina- Alina Dunaeva
OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENT
tion that is sure to inspire those just beginning their journey to the top. Jason Bice
WEB MASTER
But the women are only part of the story. I think the real spotlight is on
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
the companies and organizations that have created an atmosphere of success Commentaries or questions should be
addressed to: Profiles in Diversity Journal,
for women on the move. These companies get it. They don’t have to talk P.O. Box 45605, Cleveland, OH 44145-0605.
All correspondence should include author’s
about the business case for diversity—they are living it every day. These firms full name, address, e-mail and phone number.
2 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S IT Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
People. Innovation. Technology.
DuPont
Today’s world is powered by knowlege and scie n ce .
We put science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better,
safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries,
DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets
including agriculture and nutrition, building and construction, communications,
transportation, safety and protection.
Visit us at www.dupont.com/careers
Uma Chowdhry
Senior Vice President and
© 2007. DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo. DuPont™, and The miracles of science™
Chief Science and Technology Officer
are registered trademarks or trademarks of E.I. duPont deNemours and Company or its affiliates.
On the cover
2 Editor’s Notebook
B Y J O H N M U R P H Y, M A N A G I N G E D I T O R
10 Momentum ANNOUNCEMENTS
22
14 Catalyst
R E TA I N I N G P E O P L E O F C O L O R AT
ACCOUNTING FIRMS
16 Perspective
B Y D AV I D L . C A S E Y,
W E L L P O I N T, I N C .
196 MicroTriggers
REAL-LIFE MICROTRIGGERS
26
4 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S IT Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
MTA Metro-North
Railroad
Congratulates
6 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S IT Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
NYLIFE
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Women Worth Watching ®
8 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Allstate Counsel Installed as In the past 12 years at the company,
Mitchell Gordon has worked to create a
President of the National Bar high-performance and inclusive culture
Association for AOL’s employees. Under her leader-
NORTHBROOK, ship, AOL has embraced a list of best
Ill.—Allstate practices to encourage diversity and
Insurance inclusion in the workplace. Original Impressions: From left to right: Jim
Hyatt, Executive Vice President and Chief
Company has As in her previous role, Mitchell Global Operations Officer, BKC; Jay Rodriguez,
Senior Director, Equipment & Facilities
announced that Gordon will continue to manage all Purchasing, RSI; Roland Garcia, CEO and
Vanita Banks, Founder, Original Impressions; George
initiatives designed to foster inclusive Hoffman, President and CEO, RSI; Mike
counsel in its cor- attitudes and opportunities among Mesgleski, Vice President of the BURGER
KING® Account, Original Impressions; John
Banks
porate litigation employees. Newcomb, Chairman of the RSI Board; Steve
Grover, Vice President, Food Safety, Quality
group, was inducted She joined AOL in 1995 as director Assurance and Regulatory Compliance, BKC.
as president of the of human resources.
National Bar Association (NBA) during
the NBA’s annual convention in Atlanta. Burger King Corporation
As president, Banks will lead an organ-
ization that is the oldest and largest
Honors Original Impressions
national association of predominantly and Union Packaging with
African-American lawyers and judges. Supplier-of-the-Year Award
Banks will serve in this position for one
MIAMI—Burger King Corporation Union Packaging: From left to right: Jim
year while she continues her role in
(KC) and Restaurant Services, Inc. Hyatt, Executive Vice President and Chief
Allstate’s department of law and regula- Global Operations Officer, BKC; Anthony
(RSI), the supply chain manager for the Menninger, Vice President, Purchasing, RSI;
tion. Banks is only the second female Michael Pearson, President, Union Packaging;
Burger King system in the United States, George Hoffman, President and CEO, RSI;
attorney from corporate America to be John Newcomb, Chairman of the RSI Board;
honored two of their minority-owned
elected as NBA president since the Steve Grover, Vice President, Food Safety,
suppliers, Original Impressions (OI) and Quality Assurance and Regulatory
organization was founded in 1925. Compliance, BKC.
Union Packaging, with the BKC-RSI
Besides establishing a summer intern-
2007 Supplier-of-the-Year Award. These
ship program at Allstate, Banks has also
companies join an elite group of eight
Burger King Corporation
played an integral role in expanding the Appoints Telisa Roberson
distinguished honorees nationwide, each
legal pipeline to minority high school
students through her work with the
selected for their impressive track record, Yancy Vice President, Media
along with their unwavering commitment and Multicultural Marketing
Street Law program, an initiative that
to teamwork, dedication and excellence.
encourages students to continue their MIAMI—Burger
OI has managed, produced and
education and consider a career in the King Corp. has
shipped a vital operational and
legal profession. appointed Telisa
informational resource, the Restaurant
Roberson Yancy
Daily Planner, to Burger King restau-
AOL Names Tiane Mitchell rants in the United States and Canada
vice president,
media and multi-
Gordon as Senior Vice for the past eight years. Last year, OI
cultural marketing.
President, D&I created a Web-based, record-keeping
In this newly cre-
Ya n c y
DULLES, Va.— solution to organize the documents and
ated position,
AOL has materials included in the Restaurant
Yancy will oversee
announced that Daily Planner.
and direct the media planning and buy-
Tiane Mitchell Union Packaging provided manufac-
ing for all key Burger King brand targeted
Gordon has been turing support for the introduction of
demographics.
named senior vice the Frypod, a French fry container
Previously, Yancy served in a variety of
designed to fit a car’s drink holder.
Gordon
president, diversity marketing and communications roles at
and inclusion, con- “As a global corporation, BKC is com-
Ford Motor Company, most recently as
tinuing to drive mitted to maintaining a diverse portfolio
a director in Ford’s customer service
AOL’s efforts to ensure a more diverse and of suppliers,” said Cirabel Lardizabal
division. In that position, she used a
inclusive workplace. She reports directly to Olson, director, inclusion and external
variety of digital and emerging plat-
Chairman and CEO Randy Falco. affairs at BKC.
forms, such as mobile, video on demand
10 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
BECOME A STATE FARM AGENT.
Visit statefarm.com/careers
GROW. LEAD.
SUCCEED.
Tracey Gray-Walker
Vice President of Business Development
and Opportunities
AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company
AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10104, 212-314-4600)
Retaining People of Color
at Accounting Firms
14 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
“The retention of top talent
is particularly important …
these firms can’t afford
to train employees only to see
many of their best and brightest
• Communicate and demonstrate your leave to pursue other options,”
firm’s commitment to diversity
~ Use training programs, one-on-one said Ilene H. Lang, president
mentoring with senior leaders,
inclusion in high-visibility of Catalyst.
programs, and networking
opportunities.
~ Integrate diversity initiatives into
routine organizational practices
such as recruitment, orientation, The retention of top talent is partic-
training, career-development tools, ularly important to accounting firms.
and succession planning. “To stay competitive, these firms can’t
• Hold managers accountable for the afford to train employees only to see
retention and advancement of many of their best and brightest leave
women and men of color to pursue other options,” said Ilene H.
Lang, president of Catalyst.
~ Create clearly articulated plans for
long-term development of women “Organizations that work to break
and men of color. down the ‘concrete ceiling’ that impedes
the advancement of people of color
~ Hold managers accountable for will benefit by capitalizing on the full
providing critical development talent pool.”
opportunities and high-visibility PDJ
assignments necessary for
About Catalyst
advancement. Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading non-
profit corporate membership research and
~ Review managers’ performance advisory organization working globally with
evaluations of subordinates by businesses and the professions to build inclusive
race/ethnicity and gender of environments and expand opportunities for
subordinates. women and business. To download a free copy
of Retaining People of Color: What
Accounting Firms Need to Know, visit
www.catalyst.org.
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 15
by David L. Casey
No Qualified Minority
Candidates—If We Could
Only Get “Numbers!”
“What is
corporate competitors, women and minorities,
A nd so it goes—the vicious cycle
of intense recruiting activity to
increase minority representation,
but how deep does
corporate America get
missing is the it will be impossible
to make relevant
satisfactory to mediocre results, compla- involved in under- understanding progress.
cency, decline in “numbers,” intense standing and address- The socioeconomic
recruiting activity, and on and on and ing the situations that of strategic issues that affect talent
on. Even after forty years of govern- cause the pipelines to development are not
ment mandated affirmative action, less congest? While talent pipeline customary and com-
than 10 percent of C-level jobs are filled internships and fortable spaces for the
with women and people of color. scholarships are management.” board room. But even
I liken what we expect to happen in requisite components though 85 percent of
the hiring process to turning on a spigot, of diversity strategies, organizations must new entrants into the workforce are
expecting water to come out, only to think differently about how diverse women and minorities, we will be having
find it clogged with maybe a drip or pipelines are built. this same discussion 20 years from now,
two finding their way down the spout. When you are approached to support unless corporate America takes a leading
Our first inclination is to reach for the an internship program, ask if there is a role in shaping early stages of talent
plunger or gallon size jug of Drano to component that engages the family or development for historically disenfran-
get rid of the clog. This we do by home support structure in the student’s chised children. I have spoken to a
attending job fairs or running ads in education. This is especially important number of academics who would love to
publications that target the representa- for those students who may not have have that dialogue with companies, but
tion we are looking for (assuming we people at home to provide support and we have never taken the first step.
have taken the steps to specify the type counsel in their academic careers. I have heard it said that society led
of representation we want and why it Instead of the standard issue “college the civil rights movement, and corporate
matters to the organization). We have relations” programs, how about design- America will lead the diversity manage-
marginal success at getting a flow ing “educational outreach” programs ment movement. Are you up for the
started, but never address what caused that incorporate the support of elemen- challenge? A constant drip of water can
the clog in the first place or what might tary and intermediate education before be so painful, it has been used as a form
prevent it from happening again. students become high school dropouts. of torture. Why settle for a constant
What is missing is the understanding Ask yourself if your organization has drip, at best, when you can help open
of strategic talent pipeline management. the ability to hire for capability versus up the pipeline!
PDJ
We have heard the stats about the dearth experience. If you only seek candidates
of minorities attending college campuses with experience in disciplines that have David L. Casey is VP of Talent Management at
WellPoint, Inc. His column appears in each issue
or occupying the executive suites of our not historically had large numbers of
of Profiles in Diversity Journal.
16 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Instead of glass ceilings,
we believe in windows
of opportunity.
At AT&T we believe that building our company around
a talented, dedicated and diverse workforce is instrumental
to our success. That’s why we foster an ongoing dedication
to working women — to drive innovation, productivity
and engagement. We understand that standing at the
forefront of our industry means standing at the forefront
©2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures.
of workforce inclusion.
18 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
a few new channels of connection— using them strategically to make the most we saw a dramatic improvement in the
networking pods, frequent interaction with of our careers—and to identify and inclusiveness of the environment for all
leadership and social networking. The to be clear about work style options and executives—39 percent since 2003.
WOC numbers and the early WIN results career choices. And with these changes, overall satisfaction
clearly show the importance of authenticity with PepsiCo has increased among women
and its link to performance, talent sustain- Being in a Position to Contribute of color (12 percent) and white women
ability and much more. to the Bottom Line (4.3 percent) since 2004.
It’s clear that women are becoming ever
Amplifying Performance more important to our operations, to our Making Diversity a Global Priority
with Purpose return on equity and to our total return with Women as a Unifying Focus
Performance must be complemented to shareholders. Women increasingly are Much of what I have talked about here is
by purpose. All of us come to work each in positions affecting profit and loss: North American in focus, but as a global
day looking for meaning. We want to con- contributing to a company’s bottom line company, our diversity and inclusion effort
struct a life as well as make a living; pays professional dividends. crosses almost 200 countries and touches
we want to make a difference, as well as It’s certainly true at PepsiCo where, approximately 168,000 associates.
earn a paycheck. since 2001, the number of women in our The cause of women serves as a global
While that’s true of most individuals, I sales, general manager and operations roles unifying focus for us—our only common
think it’s especially true of women. has increased an average of 6 percent. D&I target across vast areas that have
Without a larger purpose to give our lives Second, women executives make up no affirmative action laws and which forbid
meaning, we can never reach our fullest 54 percent of associates in marketing, a many of the practices we regard as standard
potential or achieve deep satisfaction. function which generates about half our in the U.S. We set targets to ensure
Recognizing this, we’re raising senior leaders. Third, women have global representation of women in our
awareness and understanding about increased among the highest paid management ranks. And we’ve had some
“Performance with Purpose.” We’re executives at PepsiCo in North America— dramatic results. The number of women
challenging our employees to find creative growing 31 percent from 2001 to 2005. in management in our international busi-
solutions that leave to our children a nesses has grown from 13 percent in 2003
healthier planet than the one we inhabit Sponsoring Those who are Different: to 19 percent at the end of 2006.
now and provide foods and beverages that Harnessing a Variety of Perspectives
taste great and are healthier. Regardless of gender or background, at Serving Market Diversity with
PepsiCo our top leaders sponsor our Employee Diversity
Using Focus and Flexibility to employee networks, and they sponsor a Global companies like PepsiCo need a lot
Balance the Short and Long Term group that is dissimilar from them. more great people to drive growth. To be
Another significant trend I see is the need We’ve found this relationship—of a senior successful, we must understand and serve
to be focused and flexible. To balance pri- leader who drives crucial business decisions the world’s many markets. We must be able
orities and schedules is key. Setting expec- and the ability to gain funding and raise to tap into a wide, deep and diverse talent
tations for yourself, and others of you, is awareness of priorities—can empower the pool and then retain the people we hire.
absolutely crucial. And it’s important to be network, making things possible that never I congratulate and celebrate the
accountable: to yourself, your family and seemed so before. women recognized in this issue. They have
your professional goals. We hold all leaders and managers recognized that diversity is a business
This year, our WIN has launched a accountable for supporting our company- strategy and that certain key trends can
work-life harmony program to focus on wide diversity and inclusion initiative, propel them to success. I want to thank
career effectiveness, trade-offs, managing whether through training, representation them for their commitment to growing
transitions, timing and career cultivation. and sponsorship, support and mentoring, their careers and at the same time helping
Part education, part common sense or participation in events. Then we others move ahead. I challenge them to
and part mentoring, the program helps measure their impact and progress and make the most of their continued focus on
associates understand what our own recognize success. purpose and to change the workplace for
natural tendencies and needs are, while In our last major organizational survey, the women who come after them. PDJ PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 19
For women who want to go places,
Transportation is the obvious choice.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in collaboration with the Our collective workforce of ten thousand reflects a multitude of ethnic
Executive Office of Transportation, WTS, COMTO, and all of backgrounds, ages, orientations, skills, experience and abilities, all well
Massachusetts’ transportation agencies offer unprecedented opportunity represented and highly valued for the many ways they enrich our
to women from all walks of life. Among our ranks, women are workplace. To learn more about us, visit mbta.com or eot.state.ma.us/.
encouraged to maximize educational benefits and reach for the next
level. We’re building our workforce with the best of the best and women are
leading the way.
Massachusetts Executive Massachusetts Aeronautics Massachusetts Bay Massachusetts Massachusetts Registry Massachusetts Conference of Minority Women’s Transportation
Office of Transportation Commission Transportation Authority Highway Department of Motor Vehicles Turnpike Authority Transportation Officials Seminar
®
ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY Stacey B. Adams PARKER HANNIFIN Cynthia Little
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH LLP /CREW NETWORK Marianne Ajemian MCGUIREWOODS LLP Nancy Little
PRATT & WHITNEY Elizabeth B. Amato FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Ning-Ning Mahlmann
GENERAL ELECTRIC Andrea Assarat PFIZER INC Dee Mahoney
ACCENTURE Marylou Y. Bailey KINDRED HEALTHCARE Kim Martin
AFLAC Janet P. Baker ITT CORPORATION Gretchen McClain
BERNARD HODES GROUP Carol Barber EASTMAN KODAK Antoinette P. McCorvey
COX COMMUNICATIONS Janet Barnard U.S. POSTAL SERVICE Pritha Mehra
NATIONWIDE Candice R. Barnhardt ROYAL DUTCH SHELL Stacy P. Methvin
SALT RIVER PROJECT Kelly J. Barr RELIANT ENERGY Janie Mitcham
STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY Wendy Beckman STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES Christy Moberly
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Carolyn Biggs SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE Hala Moddelmog
LIBERTY GLOBAL, INC. Amy Blair KEYBANK Beth Mooney
CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY Irene Chang Britt WELLPOINT, INC. Lisa Moriyama
HONEYWELL Adriane Brown WESTERN & SOUTHERN FINANCIAL GROUP Nora E. Moushey
NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION Edith Pettway Brown WELLPOINT, INC. Shamla Naidoo
COMCAST CORPORATION Karen Dougherty Buchholz MGM MIRAGE Debra Nelson
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS Elizabeth “Beth” Bull CISCO Tracey Newell
STAPLES, INC. Kerry Anne Carter HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION Linda Norman
SALLIE MAE Denise Chaisson MOTOROLA Kathy Paladino
DUPONT Uma Chowdhry VANGUARD Martha Papariello
HARRIS BANKCORP INC. (BMO) Ellen Costello BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON Susan Penfield
ARVINMERITOR, INC. Lin Cummins CONSTELLATION ENERGY Beth S. Perlman
CARDINAL HEALTH Jody Davids WACHOVIA CORPORATION Sheila Marie Person-Scott
JPMORGAN CHASE FOUNDATION Kimberly B. Davis CIGNA CORPORATION Carol Ann Petren
PITNEY BOWES INC. Lisa DeBois SAFEWAY INC. Melissa Plaisance
CAREERBUILDER.COM Mary Delaney HALLIBURTON Susan Margaret Ponce
HIGHMARK INC. Cindy Dellecker U. S. NAVY Carol M. Pottenger
BANK OF AMERICA Paula Dominick CVS CAREMARK CORPORATION Paula A. Price
HALLMARK CARDS, INC. Teri Ann Drake WAL-MART DeDe Priest
TALENTQUEST Dr. Ann Evangelista THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC. Helen P. Pudlin
WALT DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS Kathy Fawcett SYMANTEC CORPORATION Rebecca Ranninger
METLIFE, INC. Margaret C. “Peggy” Fechtmann GENERAL MOTORS Teckla Rhoads
FORD MOTOR COMPANY Felicia Fields MONSANTO Nicole Ringenberg
VISTEON CORPORATION Julie A. Fream VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA / CANADA Lorie-Ann Roxburgh
ALLTEL WIRELESS Sharilyn Gasaway DELOITTE & TOUCHE USA LLP Aurora M. Rubin
IHG (INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP) Vicki Gordon SODEXHO Deborah Schloss
AT&T Belinda Grant-Anderson MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION Linda V. Schreiner
AXA EQUITABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Tracey Gray-Walker DELL INC. Kayla Shell
CATALYST Eleanor Tabi Haller-Jorden CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK Saumil Shukla
KPMG LLP Kathy Hopinkah Hannan CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL Lisa Shumpert
LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY Doris Heim NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Eileen Slevin
MTA METRO NORTH RAILROAD Sherry Lynn Herrington UNILEVER Amanda Sourry
HEALTHNOW NEW YORK INC. Cheryl A. Howe HP Nor Rae Spohn
VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Marjorie F. Hsu EDS Kimberly S. Stevenson
HUNT ALTERNATIVES FUND Swanee Hunt LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION Sonya V. Stewart
BECKER & POLIAKOFF, P.A. Yolanda Cash Jackson ATF, U.S. Melanie Stinnett
SYNOVUS Elizabeth “Lee Lee” James QWEST COMMUNICATIONS Teresa Taylor
KELLY SERVICES, INC. Carol J. Johnson ELECTRONIC ARTS Gabrielle Toledano
QUALCOMM, INC. Margaret L. “Peggy” Johnson U. S. AIR FORCE Suzanne Vautrinot
ECOLAB INC. Patti A. Johnson ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY Joan H. Walker
DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO LLP Deborah P. Kelly UNITEDHEALTH GROUP Margaret W. Wear
TRAVELPORT LIMITED Jo-Anne Kruse RAYTHEON COMPANY Charleen Antoinette Wheeless
UNUM Martha D. Leiper ERNST & YOUNG Valerie Williams
U. S. ARMY Debra M. Lewis NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Carol J. Zierhoffer
KAISER PERMANENTE Louise Liang, MD
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 21
Yolanda Cash Jackson
Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
Susan Penfield
Booz Allen Hamilton
Saumil Shukla
Consolidated Edison
Company of New York
Melanie Stinnett
ATF, U.S.
Sharilyn Gasaway
Alltel Wireless
Eleanor Tabi
Haller-Jorden
Catalyst
Mary Delaney
CareerBuilder.com
Marianne Ajemian
Nutter McClennen
Janet Barnard & Fish LLP
Cox Communications CREW Network
Lisa Shumpert
Capital One Financial
Beth S. Perlman
Constellation Energy
Karen Dougherty
Buchholz
Comcast
Corporation
Carol Barber
Bernard Hodes Group
Deborah P. Kelly
Dickstein Shapiro LLP
Patti A. Johnson
Ecolab Inc.
Vicki Gordon
Gretchen McClain IHG (InterContinental Ning-Ning Mahlmann
ITT Corporation Hotels Group) Federal Bureau of
Investigation
Adriane Brown
Honeywell (Honeywell
Transportation Systems)
Cheryl A. Howe
HealthNow
New York Inc.
Gabrielle Toledano
Electronic Arts
Swanee Hunt
Hunt Alternatives Fund
Kim Martin
Kindred Healthcare
Susan Margaret Ponce
Halliburton
Linda Norman
Hilton Hotels Corporation
Andrea Assarat
General Electric
Nancy Little
McGuireWoods LLP Nicole Ringenberg
Valerie Williams Monsanto
Ernst & Young
Kimberly S. Stevenson
EDS Doris Heim
Los Alamos
National
Laboratory
Margaret C. "Peggy"
Fechtmann
MetLife, Inc.
Amy Blair
Liberty Global, Inc.
Lisa DeBois
Pitney Bowes Inc.
Carol J. Johnson
Kelly Services, Inc.
Kimberly B. Davis
JPMorgan Chase
Foundation
Hala Moddelmog Margaret L. "Peggy" Johnson
Susan G. Komen for the Cure QUALCOMM, Inc.
Teresa Taylor
Qwest
Communications
Stacey B. Adams
Rohm and Haas Company
Elizabeth "Lee Lee" James
Synovus
Carol M. Pottenger
United States Navy
Wendy Beckman
Starbucks
Nora E. Moushey
Western & Southern
Financial Group
DeDe Priest
Wal-Mart
Rebecca Ranninger
Symantec Corporation
Suzanne Vautrinot
United States Air Force
Helen P. Pudlin
The PNC Financial
Services Group, Inc.
Denise Chaisson
Sallie Mae
Jo-Anne Kruse
Travelport Limited
Martha D. Leiper
Unum
Julie A. Fream
Visteon Corporation
Sheila Marie
Person-Scott
Wachovia
Corporation Kelly J. Barr
Salt River Project
Debra M. Lewis
United States Army
We b e l i e ve yo u ’re n e ve r to o yo u n g to l e a rn t h e i m p o rt a n c e o f b a l a n c e . T h a t b o d i e s
yearn for both cupcakes and kickball. At Kaiser Permanente, we’re committed to
h e l p i n g f i n d t h a t b a l a n c e t h ro u g h e xe rc i s e a n d n u t ri t i o n a l p ro g ra m s . L e a rn m o re a t k p . o rg
®
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 29
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
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TITLE:
EDUCATION:
Global Director of Diversity
Marianne Ajemian
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W e all know that that leadership
leadership matters,
business, professional groups or
matters, whether
whether in
or nonprofits.
nonprofits. During
in government,
government,
During the thecourse
course
TITLE: Partner
Partner,Nutter
NutterMcClennen
McClennen&&Fish,Fish LLP, President of
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
of my
my career,
career, I’ve
I’ve watched
watched manymany different
different leaders
leaders inin my
my firm,
firm, EDUCATION: BA with honors in political science from
of Wellesley College; JD from Boston University School of Law
profession, industry and community
profession, industry and community who have helped mewho have helped me
FIRST JOB: Research assistant
Assistant
grow personally and professionally. By their example, they
grow personally and professionally. By their example, they READING: God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything,
were and remain my teachers, whether I know them personally by Christopher Hitchens; Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders
were and remain my teachers, whether I know them personally
or not. and How They Have Changed America, 1789-1989, by Michael
or not. Beschloss; How Doctors Think, by Dr. Jerome Groopman
I believe that some of the most meaningful examples of
I believe that some of achievement
the most meaningful PHILOSOPHY: Do Do the
the right
right thing.
thing. This
This one
one phrase
phrase the
is the
leadership, success and are thoseexamples of lead-
that surround us standard by which one should expect to be judged and the
ership, success and achievement are those that surround
in our daily lives, but are often easily overlooked or forgotten. us in core value for which I aspire to be known.
our daily lives, but are
For example, oftenbeen
I have easilyblessed
overlooked
to beorloved
forgotten.
and sup- FAMILY: Parents, siblings and 101-year-old grandmother
Grandmother (who(who
is a survivor of the Armenian Genocide)
ported by a wonderful family who always inspire mesupported
For example, I have been blessed to be loved and and who
INTERESTS: Reading,
Reading, movies,
movies, shopping,
shopping, politics,
politics, pop
pop
by a wonderful
taught me, by theirfamily whoand
words always
deeds,inspire me andand
that success whoachieve-
taught culture, yoga, Pilates,
pilates, golf, spa treatments
mentbyaretheir
me, all about
wordscharacter,
and deeds, doing
thatthe right and
success thingachievement
and recog- FAVORITE CHARITIES: John Gerald Ajemian Charitable
nizing
are that kindness
all about character, matters.
doing the right thing and recognizing Foundation, HomeStart, CREW Foundation
that In addition,
kindness I’ve been lucky to benefit from colleagues
matters.
whoIn offered
addition, help
I’vewhen
beenI lucky
needed to itbenefit
most, from
mentors who guided
colleagues who this is more important than the actual outcome of any particular
and motivated me and friends who provided
offered help when I needed it most, mentors who guided and unconditional • decision.
Be honest and straightforward. Recognize that there are times
love and support. These types of individuals and relationships you will need to deliver bad news or say no, and that you must
motivated me and friends who provided unconditional love • Be
strengthen us, encourage us and enable us to accomplish what do honest and straight-forward.
so gracefully and directly. Recognize that that there are
and support. These types of individuals and relationships times you will need to deliver bad news or say no, and that you
we could not achieve by ourselves. • must
Beingdo a great team leader
so gracefully doesn’t mean that you always have
and directly.
strengthen us, encourage us and enable us to accomplish what
By watching and learning from such role models, I have to be the star player.
we could not achieve by ourselves. • Being a great team leader doesn't mean that you always have
developed these principles that guide my professional life: • to
There
be theis star
no player.
substitute for competence, hard work and
By watching and learning from such role models, I have
• Embrace flexibility and the need to manage change. thorough preparation.
developed • There is no substitute for competence, hard work and
Nothingthesestays principles
the same for thatlong.
guide my professional life:
• thorough
Be concise.preparation.
Everyone’s time is at a premium. Make sure that you
• Embrace
Recognizeflexibility and the need
the importance to manage
of building change. Often,
consensus. get to the point and that your comments addMake
value.sure that
• Be concise. Everyone's time is at a premium.
Nothing stays important
this is more the same for long.
than the actual outcome of any • you
Nevergetcompromise
to the pointyour principles.
and that Your reputation
your comments is priceless
add value.
particular decision.
• Recognize the importance of building consensus. Often, and irreplaceable.
• Never compromise your principles. Your reputation is priceless
• and irreplaceable.
Determine what is important, focus on those priorities and let go
COMPANY: Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
of the rest.
• Determine what is important, focus on those priorities and let
HEADQUARTERS: Boston, Massachusetts
WEB SITE: www.nutter.com
• go of the rest.that you don’t have to win every point in a
Understand
BUSINESS: Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP is one of the
negotiation—just
• Understand that you thedon't
points that
have to are
winmost
everyimportant
point in a to your
oldest and most prominent full service law firms in Boston. client or organization.
negotiation—just the points that are most important to your
The celebrated Justice Louis D. Brandeis was a founder of the
firm (then called Warren and Brandeis) in 1879 and practiced • client
Never or organization.
hesitate to ask for help, or forget the people who were
for over 35 years at the firm before his appointment to the willinghesitate
• Never to offer youforguidance.
to ask Likewise,
help or forget neverwho
the people forget
wereyour
U.S. Supreme Court. willing to offertoyou
responsibility guidance.
reach out andLikewise, never forget your
support others.
EMPLOYEES: 352 responsibility to reach out and support others.
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 31
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Elizabeth B. Amato
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P P/ RCAT
R ETW& NW
EHTW
I TO
NREY
K
D
W e uring
all know
my that
career
have hadprofessional
business,
leadership
with United
exceptionalgroups
matters,
relationships
Technologies
whether inCorporation,
as bothDuring
or nonprofits.
government,I
a mentor and a
the course
TITLE: Partner
Vice President,
Nutter McClennen
Human Resources
& Fish, LLP, President of
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
EDUCATION: BA
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts,
with honors in political
political science, Davidson
science from
mentee.
of Whether
my career, formal ormany
I’ve watched informal, theseleaders
different relationships have
in my firm, Wellesley College; JD from Boston University School of Law
given me valuable
profession, industryexperiences and insights
and community who thathavehave allowed
helped me University; JD from the University of Connecticut
FIRST JOB: Research Assistant
me to personally
grow grow and advance in a companyBythat
and professionally. offers
their tremendous
example, they READING:
FIRST JOB:God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything,
Waitress
opportunities
were and remain andmywonderful
teachers, challenges.
whether I know them personally by Christopher Hitchens; Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders
and How They Have Changed America, 1789-1989, by Michael
READING: A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini
or not.
From these experiences, I have gleaned several key lessons Beschloss; How Doctors Think, by Dr. Jerome Groopman
I believe PHILOSOPHY: Do the right thing. This one phrase the
that have that some me
prepared of the most
well formeaningful
the business examples
world.ofI lead-
have PHILOSOPHY: Make Each Day Count.
standard by which one should expect to be judged and the
ership, success and achievement
included some of the lessons below: are those that surround us in core value for which I aspire to be known.
FAMILY: Husband, Michael; a son,17; and a daughter,14
our daily lives, but are often easily overlooked or forgotten. FAMILY: Parents, siblings and 101-year-old Grandmother (who
1. Fully understand your customers’ requirements. We have is a survivor of the Armenian Genocide)
For example, I have been blessed to be loved and supported INTERESTS: Reading, sports and cooking
jobs only because we have customers, and everyone has a INTERESTS: Reading, movies, shopping, politics, pop
by a wonderful family who always inspire me and who taught
customer. Ask them what they want, deliver your product or culture, yoga, pilates, golf, spa treatments
FAVORITE CHARITY: Swim Across The Sound, St. Vincent’s
me, by their words and deeds, that success and achievement FAVORITE CHARITIES: John Gerald Ajemian Charitable
service on time, and make sure it meets or exceeds their
are all about character, doing the right thing and recognizing Medical Center,
Foundation, Bridgeport,
HomeStart, CREWConn.
Foundation
expectations.
that kindness matters.
2. Continually improve your processes and performance.
In addition, I’ve been lucky to benefit from colleagues who 5. this
Seekisout
moreandimportant than the actual
accept challenging roles outcome of any
and develop particular
a portfolio of
Distinguish yourself and your group by striving for excel-
offered help when I needed it most, mentors who guided and decision.
accomplishments. Achieving results is valued and will position
lence. You’ll satisfy your customers, and you’ll find tremen-
motivated me and friends who provided unconditional love • Be
youhonest and straight-forward.
for greater responsibility. Don’tRecognize that that there
ever underestimate whatareyou
dous personal satisfaction along the way.
and support. These types of individuals and relationships times you will need
can accomplish and to deliver
have bad news
confidence in or sayability
your no, andto that
moveyou
to
3. Know your
strengthen business. Understand
us, encourage us and enable yourus product, your what
to accomplish mar- must do so gracefully and directly.
new and exciting opportunities.
weket, your
could notcompetition and how your organization supports
achieve by ourselves. • Being a great team leader doesn't mean that you always have
and advances business imperatives. Thenrolework together with 6. to
Enjoy what
be the staryou do. In business, we spend the majority of our
player.
By watching and learning from such models, I have
others inthese
the organization andguide
drivemyforprofessional
success. day at iswork.
• There Be sure to
no substitute fordo somethinghard
competence, you work
absolutely
and love, be
developed principles that life:
committedpreparation.
thorough to continual growth and learning, and foster a
•4. Embrace
Hire people better than
flexibility yourself.
and the need toIt manage
makes your job much,
change. culture that Everyone's
encouragestime a positive
much easier and allows you to focus on strategic initiatives. • Be concise. is at aworking
premium. environment.
Make sure that
Nothing stays the same for long.
you get to the point and that your
7. Remember that life exists well beyond work,comments addandvalue.
prioritize
Having topthe
• Recognize talent allows organizations
importance to thrive. Often,
of building consensus.
• Never compromise
accordingly. There isyour principles.
no one Your reputation
single formula is priceless
for achieving work-
and irreplaceable.
life balance. You must be prepared, create a strong support
COMPANY: Pratt & Whitney • Determine what is important, focus on those
network, prioritize, communicate openly, and priorities and let
be flexible.
HEADQUARTERS: Hartford, Connecticut go of the rest.
The foundation for these seven valuable lessons was built
www.pw.utc.com
• Understand that you don't have to win every point in a
WEB SITE: through my mentoring relationships, and has formed the basis of
negotiation—just the points that are most important to your
BUSINESS: Aerospace how I approach
client work each and every day.
or organization.
2006 REVENUES: $11.1 billion • Never hesitate to ask for help or forget the people who were
willing to offer you guidance. Likewise, never forget your
EMPLOYEES: 38,400 responsibility to reach out and support others.
PDJ
32 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Strengthening Our
Communities Through
Connections
Comcast is proud to be recognized for our commitment to diversity. We have been recognized by
Diversity Inc. has named Comcast as one of the Top 50 Corporations for Diversity, and several leading
diverse publications have heralded Comcast as a "best place to work." We are the nation’s leading
provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, and we know that creating
opportunities for the communities we serve goes hand in hand with the success of our business.
Comcast congratulates its own Karen Dougherty Buchholz for being featured in the
6th Annual Women to Watch issue of the Profiles in Diversity Journal.
Andrea Assarat
NUTTER McCLEN
GNEN
ENE R&
A LF IESLHE,CLTLRPI C/
W
G erowing
all know
business,
up in
that
Thailand,
leadership
professional
porate executive.
I never
Yet, Igroups
matters,
imagined
whether
or nonprofits.
have spent
myself
most of my
in government,
During
a future cor-
adult the
life course
work-
NAME:
TITLE: General Manager—Global
ANDREA ASSARAT Business Development
TITLE: SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR-EQUITY, GE
EDUCATION: BA in English from Yale; MBA from Harvard
COMMERCIAL FINANCE
of
ing in business. It has been an enriching experience, andfirm,
my career, I’ve watched many different leaders in my if I JOB: During
EDUCATION:
FIRST BA college, worked
IN ENGLISH for the
FROM U.S. MBA
YALE, Embassy
FROMin
profession, industry and community who have helped me HARVARD
had to give advice to young women, I would say the follow- Thailand interviewing and processing applications for refugees
grow personally and professionally. By their example, they FIRST JOB: DURING COLLEGE, WORKED FOR THE
ing: work hard and build expertise, seek challenging opportu- from Southeast
U.S. EMBASSY AsiaINseeking asylum
THAILAND in the United States
INTERVIEWING AND PRO-
were and remain my teachers, whether I know them personally CESSING APPLICATIONS FOR REFUGEES FROM
nities,
or not.hire and motivate the best, and work for a company READING: Interpreter
SOUTHEAST of Maladies,
ASIA SEEKING by Jhumpa
ASYLUM Lahiri
IN THE UNITED
STATES
that values that
I believe you.some of the most meaningful examples of lead- PHILOSOPHY: Excel at whatever you do.
READING: INTERPRETER OF MALADIES BY JHUMPA
ership, success and achievement are those that surround us in LAHIRI Married with two daughters (2 and 4)
FAMILY:
I was an English major in college who landed my first job
our daily lives, but are often easily overlooked or forgotten. PHILOSOPHY: EXCEL AT WHATEVER YOU DO
on Wall Street. Unlike most of my peers, I had no formal INTERESTS: Reading, travel, swimming
For example, I have been blessed to be loved and supported FAMILY: MARRIED WITH TWO DAUGHTERS (2 AND 4)
training in finance
by a wonderful or accounting.
family who always Iinspire
studied
mehardandtowhocatch up,
taught FAVORITE CHARITIES:
INTERESTS: Multiple
READING, Sclerosis
TRAVEL, Society, educational
SWIMMING
sought
me, by atheir
variety of jobs
words and to enhance
deeds, that my skills,and
success andachievement
focused on and youth organizations
FAVORITE CHARITIES: MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY,
EDUCATIONAL AND YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
building
are expertise
all about around
character, investing.
doing the rightThis
thingexpertise gave me
and recognizing
that kindness matters.
confidence, especially when we had to make difficult judgment
In and
calls addition,
duringI’ve beeneconomic
tough lucky to periods.
benefit from colleagues who this is more important than the actual outcome of any particular
offered help when I needed it most, mentors who guided and decision.
Looking
meback, I learned theprovided
most when I was the most
motivated and friends who unconditional love • BeAs my responsibilities
honest grew, I came
and straight-forward. to realize
Recognize that that I could
that there arenot
challenged.
and support.I inherited
These typesa portfolio of distressed
of individuals investments,
and relationships know or do everything myself. My success became less aboutyou
times you will need to deliver bad news or say no, and that me
strengthen us, encourage must do so gracefully and directly.
primarily companies that us
hadand enable
been us toduring
funded accomplish what
the peak of and more about my team. I had to provide the mission and the
we could not achieve by ourselves. • Being a great team leader doesn't mean that you always have
the market. My mandate was to stop the losses. What seemed oversight
By watching and learning from such role models, I have to be theand starcreate
player.the environment where they could excel. I
to be an impossible task turned out to be one of the best learn-
developed these principles that guide my professional life: •gave the team
There is no asubstitute
lot of independence to dohard
for competence, theirwork
job and
andgave them
ing experiences. We had to reinvigorate management, build thethorough
limelightpreparation.
in front of management. I was fortunate to have a
•consensus
Embraceamongst
flexibilityinvestors,
and the need to manage
and fix businesschange.
models. With •good
Be concise.
team thatEveryone's
did not lettime
me isdown.
at a premium. Make sure that
Nothing stays the same for long.
hard work and luck, we ended up making money. you get to the point and that your comments add value.
• Recognize the importance of building consensus. Often, Finally, I work for a company
• Never compromise your principles.that
Yourvalues diversity.
reputation GE has
is priceless
and irreplaceable.
reached out to me on numerous occasions as a woman and as a
COMPANY: Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
HEADQUARTERS: Boston, Massachusetts •minority
Determine what that
to ensure is important,
I have thefocus on thoseexposure
appropriate prioritiesand
andcareer
let
go of the rest.
COMPANY: General Electric opportunities. I would encourage others to seek corporations that
• Understand that you don't have to win every point in a
HEADQUARTERS: Fairfield, Connecticut similarly value a diverse workforce as a competitive advantage.
negotiation—just the points that are most important to your
WEB SITE: www.ge.com client or organization.
Marylou Y. Bailey
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N &AFCI C
SEHN
, T
LULP
R E/
WB eeing
all know
business,
a good thatleader
there are professional
leadership
a handful of
is an ongoing
groups
matters, quest.
staple
whether
or ingredients
However,
nonprofits. During
in government,
in the the
I think
recipe
course
for
TITLE: Global
TITLE: Partner
Commercial
Life
Industry
NutterManaging
McClennen
Director,
& Fish,Health
LLP, President
Science Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
& of
EDUCATION:
EDUCATION: BA with of
University honors
NotreinDame,
political
BBAscience
and from
of
success,
my career,
whichI’ve I’ve
watched
shared many
over the
different
years leaders
with professionals
in my firm, Wellesley College;
Concentration in MISJD from Boston University School of Law
profession,
that I’ve mentored.
industry and community who have helped me FIRST JOB: Research Assistant
FIRST JOB: Nursing home, food coordinator
grow personally and professionally. By their example, they READING: God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons
Figure out your passion—and use it to inspire yourself READING: The Memoirs of Paula Deen, famous Southern
Everything, by Christopher Hitchens; Presidential Courage:
were and remain my teachers, whether I know them personally cook, andLeaders
Brave the latest
andCarl
How Hiassen novelChanged America, 1789-
They Have
and others. This requires being open to various experiences
or not. 1989, by Michael Beschloss;
PHILOSOPHY: Find out what “floats How Doctors Think,
your boat” andbytake
Dr.
and intuiting what you really care about. This “passion” Jerome Groopman
I believe that some of the most meaningful examples of lead- charge of your life so that you spend time on those things at
gives you the extra energy to excel and provides an authentic work, home and play.
PHILOSOPHY: Do the right thing. This one phrase the
ership, success and achievement are those that surround us in standard by which one should expect to be judged and the
basis from which to motivate others. Once you find it, let oth- FAMILY: My husband Jim, our two Rat Terriers, and a large
our daily lives, but are often easily overlooked or forgotten. core value for which I aspire to be known.
ers know. Good leaders get it—and know they get the best extended family, that includes 18 nieces and nephews
For example, I have been blessed to be loved and supported FAMILY: Parents, siblings and 101-year-old Grandmother
results from people by helping them apply their passion to INTERESTS: I enjoy
(who is a survivor fly Armenian
of the fishing, sailing, canoeing, white water
Genocide)
by a wonderful family who always inspire me and who taught rafting, renovating and decorating my historic bungalow and
INTERESTS: Reading, movies, shopping, politics, pop
the business. cooking. I’m also verygolf,
interested in developing the next gener-
me, by their words and deeds, that success and achievement culture, yoga, pilates, spa treatments
ation of women leaders and entrepreneurs and am active in a
Think
are all aboutofcharacter,
your roledoing
model theasright
a mosaic
thing andand recognizing
a work in FAVORITE
number CHARITIES:
of Accenture Johnand
training Gerald Ajemian
mentoring Charitable
venues for this.
progress.
that My role
kindness model is a mosaic of attributes, rather than
matters. FAVORITE CHARITY: Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, particularly its
a copy of one person.
In addition, I’ve been Growing
lucky up, I admired
to benefit from thecolleagues
drive andwho dis- Florida manatee hospital and conservation programs
this is more important than the actual outcome of any particular
ciplinedhelp
offered risk-taking
when Iof my father,
needed while
it most, concurrently
mentors marveling
who guided and decision.
at the grace and organizational skills of my
motivated me and friends who provided unconditional lovemother, who kept
• Be honest and straight-forward. Recognize that that there are
our household
and of nine types
support. These running
of smoothly.
individualsI continue to update
and relationships business and will
times you whatneed
motivated them.
to deliver badThis
newshelped
or say me
no, formulate
and that youmy
my model and seek to adopt certain behaviors
strengthen us, encourage us and enable us to accomplish that fit my over-
what must term
longer do so charter.
gracefullyHaving
and directly.
a charter can help you navigate
all style.
we could not achieve by ourselves. •through
Being this quarter’s
a great challenges
team leader andmean
doesn't daily that
demands; it also have
you always enables
ByEnvision
watching andcareer
learning from such youtoto
beask
thefor
starand
player.
receive constructive help along the way.
your as a journey androle
havemodels,
in mindI more
have
developed these principles that guide my professional life: • There is no substitute for competence, hard work and
than the next weigh station. I have always had a vision for my Be in preparation.
thorough the moment—and set some boundaries. I try to
•career that looked
Embrace welland
flexibility beyond the next
the need move. change.
to manage I’ve made good immerse myself in what is in front of me, even though I need
• Be concise. Everyone's time is at a premium. Make sure that
useNothing stays interactions
of informal the same for with
long.senior leaders several steps to you
switch
get gears
to theoften.
pointAtand work,
thatbeing in the moment
your comments means focus-
add value.
•ahead of me to
Recognize theunderstand
importancewhat was on their
of building minds Often,
consensus. about our ing on individual employee interactions, having time to reflect
• Never compromise your principles. Your reputation is priceless
quietly on a client’s problem from their point of view,
and irreplaceable.
COMPANY: Accenture
HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York •digging into the
Determine whatdetails and askingfocus
is important, questions when
on those a lot is and
priorities at stake,
let
and generally
go of the rest.giving things my full attention (rather than multi-
WEB SITE: www.Accenture.com
BUSINESS: Accenture is a global management consulting, •tasking with cell
Understand and
that youemail
don'toverload).
have to win In every
my personal
point inlife,
a I take
technology services and outsourcing company. Committed negotiation—just
fabulous “adventurethe points that
vacations” withare my
mosthusband
important andto your
dogs—
to delivering innovation, Accenture collaborates with its clients client or organization.
to help them become high-performance businesses and the farther off the beaten path the better! And I really do turn off
governments. •work
Never hesitate to ask for help or forget the people who were
then.
REVENUES (AS OF AUGUST 31, 2006): $16.65 billion willing to offer you guidance. Likewise, never forget your
EMPLOYEES: More than 152,000 in 49 countries
responsibility to reach out and support others.
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 35
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Janet P. Baker
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C R E W ANFE
LTAW
COIN
RCK
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C elimbing
all knowthe
business,
thatcorporate
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leadershipladder
it with a nice,groups
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new pair
is hard
whether
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enough—let
in government,
of heels. Well,
During
thatthe
alone
is course
exactly
Partner
Senior Vice
TITLE: Nutter
President
McClennen
and Director,
& Fish, LLP,
Client
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
President
EDUCATION: BS in management and Master’s in human
Servicesof
l i v e y o u r pa s s i o n . l o v e y o u r w o r k .
Carol Barber
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH
B,E L
RLNPA/R C
D RHEO
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NSE T
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W ehen
all know
I was asked
that leadership
to write thismatters,
essay, whether
I began in to wonder
business, professional groups or nonprofits. During the courseI
characteristics these trusted advisors had in
government,
common.
what
So,
TITLE: Partner
Executive Nutter
Vice McClennen
President & Fish, LLP, President of
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
EDUCATION: College drop-out after two years
conducted a little research, contacting colleagues, many of EDUCATION: BA with honors in political science from
of my career, I’ve watched many different leaders in my firm, Wellesley
FIRST Part-time
College;
JOB: JD from auditor
Bostonof long-distance
University Schooltruck
ofdriver
Law
whom are great mentors themselves, and posing this question:
profession, trip records
JOB:(Ryder)
What makesindustry
someoneand community
an effective mentor?who have helped me FIRST Research Assistant
grow personally and professionally. By their example, they READING: Collapse,
God is NotbyGreat:
JaredHow Diamond; Slaves
Religion in the
Poisons Family,
Everything,
My colleagues described effective mentors as: Christopher
by Edward Ball Hitchens; Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders
were and remain my teachers, whether I know them personally and How They Have Changed America, 1789-1989, by Michael
KNOWLEDGE BEARERS/SHARERS. Many mentioned that
or not. PHILOSOPHY:
Beschloss; How Comfort the afflicted;
Doctors Think, afflict the
by Dr. Jerome comfortable
Groopman
mentors’ knowledge is indisputable and encompasses profes- (Translation: question everything/challenge
PHILOSOPHY: Do the right thing. This one phrase the
the status quo).
I believe that some of the most meaningful examples of lead-
sional know-how and an understanding of their company’s standard by
FAMILY: which one
Husband, Bill;should expectdaughters,
two married to be judged andand
twothe
grand-
ership, success
landscape, and and
culture, achievement are those thatThey
political eccentricities. surround us in
are openly core value for
daughters. I’mwhich I aspire
fortunate to be
to still known.
have my parents, plus many
generous
our with but
daily lives, advice
are to helpeasily
often others achieve their
overlooked professional
or forgotten. FAMILY: Parents,
aunts, uncles siblings and
and cousins, and my101-year-old
dear sisterGrandmother (who
and her family.
goals
Forand avoid pesky
example, I havelandmines
been blessedalongtothebe way!
loved and supported is a survivor of the Armenian Genocide)
INTERESTS: Spending time with my family, interior decorat-
INTERESTS: Reading, movies, shopping, politics, pop
by a wonderful family
CHEERLEADERS. Mentors whoarealways inspire me
optimistic and who
realists; they taught
know ing, cooking,
culture, yoga,tennis,
pilates,bridge,
golf, spawriting and Scrabble
treatments
nothing
me, is perfect
by their wordsbutand exude thethat
deeds, sensesuccess
that itand
can achievement
be. With an FAVORITE CHARITIES: Smile Train and Habitat for Humanity
John Gerald Ajemian Charitable
exceptional
are all aboutability to spot
character, potential
doing in others,
the right thingan andeffective men-
recognizing Foundation, HomeStart, CREW Foundation
tor always addresses mentee struggles with honesty, respect and
that kindness
a positive matters.
outlook.
In addition, I’ve been lucky to benefit from colleagues who this is more important than the
WINNERS IN WORK AND LIFE . Many
actualofoutcome
my colleagues felt that
of any particular
EXPERIENCED EXPLORERS. Mentors have “been there, done
offered help when I needed it most, mentors who guided and effective mentors are never too busy to spend time helping others.
decision.
that, and have the t-shirt.” They can provide road maps with
motivated No question their success on the job is probably part of company
clear routesme and friends
between points who
A and provided
B. Everyunconditional
encounter with lovea • Be honest and straight-forward. Recognize that that there are
lore, butyou
times they’re also torespected
will need deliver badfornews
having achieved
or say no, andathathealthy
you
mentee
and is an opportunity
support. These typesto of listen, empathize,
individuals andachieve mutual
relationships
balance, and might be the first
must do so gracefully and directly. to suggest, “Why don’t you take a
understanding
strengthen and create us
us, encourage newandpossibilities.
enable us to accomplish what few days off?”
we could not achieve by ourselves.
TRUSTWORTHY CONFIDANTS. Perhaps the most important • Being a great team leader doesn't mean that you always have
aspect of a mentoring
By watching relationship
and learning from issuchtrust. Effective
role models,mentors
I have
BIGto PICTURE
be the star player. . Most saw managers as focused on the
THINKERS
day-to-day, while mentors focused on the larger landscape and
shun taking credit for mentees’ achievements. Theylife:
refrain •theThere is no substitute for see
competence,
developed these principles that guide my professional greater good. Mentors the futurehard work and
in talented people and
from passing judgment, taking sides and spreading gossip. thorough preparation.
nimbly cross reporting lines to help improve performance in any
•They are respected
Embrace for the
flexibility and maintaining
need to manage strict change.
confidentiality
•functional
Be concise.area.
Everyone's time is at a premium. Make sure that
regarding
Nothingsensitive
stays thecompany
same formatters.
long.
you get to the point and that your comments add value.
IN CONCLUSION … This exercise helped me understand that striving
• Recognize the importance of building consensus. Often,
•to Never
be an compromise
effective mentoryour brings
principles.
valueYour reputation
to my company’sis priceless
greatest
andour
asset, irreplaceable.
people. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than seeing
COMPANY: Bernard Hodes Group •coworkers
Determine I’vewhat
mentored build impressive
is important, careers.
focus on those I hopeand
priorities they’ll
let
HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York share their experiences
go of the rest. with others, and find out for themselves just
how rewarding mentoring can be!
WEB SITE: www.hodes.com • Understand that you don't have to win every point in a
negotiation—just the points that are most important to your
BUSINESS: Recruitment advertising and communications client or organization.
2006 REVENUES: N/A (Hodes is a member of Omnicom
• Never hesitate to ask for help or forget the people who were
Group, which reported $11.4 billion in revenue for 2006) willing to offer you guidance. Likewise, never forget your
EMPLOYEES: 800 globally responsibility to reach out and support others.
PDJ
38 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
I N T E G R AT E D T A L E N T S O L U T I O N S
Talent Matters.
Carol Barber
Executive Vice President
Bernard Hodes Group
Janet Barnard
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S HC
, O
LLXPC/OC
M RM
EWU NN
ICEAT
T WI O N
RKS
A
W elthough
all know
business,
homogenous
I grew
that leadership
professional
up in an matters,
as any, my groups
area of the
parents
whether
or nonprofits.
country
instilled some
in government,
During
that was as
of my
the deepest
course
TITLE: Partner
TITLE: Vice
Commercial
Northern
Nutter McClennen
President
Real Division
Virginia
& Fish, LLP, President of
& Region Manager,
Estate Women (CREW) Network
EDUCATION: BA with honors in political science from
of
motivations
my career,about
I’ve watched
diversitymanyand different
inclusion.leaders
Theyin instilled
my firm,a EDUCATION: University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Wellesley College; JD from Boston University School of Law
profession,
tremendous industry
work ethic andand community
the expectation
who havethat helped
I couldme do FIRST Beatrice Construction
JOB: Research
FIRST JOB: Assistant Company
grow
anything personally
I set myand mind professionally.
to. By their example, they READING: God
READING: The is
Question Behind
Not Great: Howthe Question,
Religion by Everything,
Poisons
were All andthree
remainofmy by Christopher
John G. Miller Hitchens; Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders
myteachers, whethernone
older sisters, I know of them
whom personally
initially and How They Have Changed America, 1789-1989, by Michael
or not.
attended college, settled in the DC area, taking jobs with the PHILOSOPHY:
Beschloss; Maximize
How Doctors use by
Think, of my talents and
Dr. Jerome the talents of
Groopman
those who I influence to leave the world in
PHILOSOPHY: Do the right thing. This one phrase the
a better place than
I believe
federal that some ofComing
government. the mostfrom meaningful examples
a country highofschool
lead-
Istandard
found it.by which one should expect to be judged and the
ership, success and achievement are those
where 20 students comprised a large graduating class, they that surround us in core value for which I aspire to be known.
FAMILY: My husband, Bryan, and I have two grown
our daily much
traveled lives, but are often
further thaneasily
the overlooked
physical 1300or forgotten.
miles from daughters Parents, siblings and 101-year-old Grandmother (who
FAMILY:
For example, I have been blessed to be loved and supported is a survivor of the Armenian Genocide)
Nebraska for this journey. What does all of this have to do with INTERESTS: Mentoring, reading, golf, interior decorating,
INTERESTS: Reading, movies, shopping, politics, pop
by a wonderful
diversity family who
and inclusion? Noalways
matterinspire me and
your race, who or
gender taught
eth- traveling, live spectator
culture, yoga, sports
pilates, golf, spa of any kind
treatments
me, by their words and deeds, that success
nic background, to succeed, you have to first believe to and achievement FAVORITE CHARITIES: John
FAVORITE CHARITIES: DillerGerald
Community
AjemianFoundation
Charitableand
are
youall about character, doing the right thing and recognizing
can. Foundation,
Lutheran HomeStart,
Family Service CREW Foundation
that In kindness matters.
the early 80s, my husband and I bought a farm and
In addition,
began a joint farmingI’ve beenoperation
lucky to benefit
with my from colleagues who
father-in-law. An this is moreUtilizing
maximized. importantthem than properly
the actualallows
outcomeus oftoany
be particular
effective,
offered help when I needed it most,
economic slump and high interest rates forced us to mentors who guided and
abandon decision.
because we’re engaging in things that are energizing to us. We’re
motivated
that dream.me Weand movedfriends who provided
to Macon, Georgia,unconditional
to begin my new love •enjoying
Be honestthe and straight-forward.
proper alignment of talentRecognize that that there are
with activity.
and support. These types of individuals
career in cable television. There we experienced for the firstand relationships times you will need to deliver bad news or say no, and that you
Mentoring
must is an excellent
do so gracefully tool to help our children and young
and directly.
strengthen
time some us, encourage
of the remnants us of
andintolerance,
enable us to accomplish
centuries old, what
with professionals find that inner talent and passion. Mentoring minor-
we could not achieve by ourselves. • Being a great team leader doesn't mean that you always have
two young children in tow. itytoand
be female
the starprofessionals—some
player. of whom are hesitant to pursue
By watching and learning from such role models, I have
As we moved about the country, I learned that to succeed, their talents because they may not readily see people like them-
developed these principles that guide my professional life: • There is no substitute for competence, hard work and
we must make our own way. I have long believed that one selves in successful
thorough leadership positions—is incredibly powerful. As
preparation.
•mustEmbrace
earn flexibility and the need to manage change. a• female leader in Cox, I’vetime
beenis fortunate to receive
respect, responsibility, recognition, and reward, Be concise. Everyone's at a premium. Makesuchsureguidance
that
Nothing stays the same for long. from
whatever your definition of success is. Closely related, I believe youother
get tosuccessful
the pointrole
andmodels,
that your including
commentsmyaddcurrent manager,
value.
•thatRecognize
we’re all the importance of building
talents consensus. Often,
blessed with certain that are meant to be •JillNever
Campbell.
compromise your principles. Your reputation is priceless
and irreplaceable.
Leadership requires us to break old paradigms that have
COMPANY: Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
COMPANY: Cox Communications (Northern Virginia Division) •historically
Determine gotten
whatinis our way. In focus
important, our work place priorities
on those today, each oflet
and our
go ofmembers
team the rest. seeks out the voices needed at the table. This
HEADQUARTERS: Atlanta, Georgia
WEB SITE: ww.cox.com/fairfax •requires
Understand
growing thatoryou don't have
searching out to win every
leaders with point in a we’ve
perspectives
BUSINESS: Communications and Entertainment notnegotiation—just
had in the past;thenot points that are
a simple most
task. It important to your
is our responsibility
client or organization.
2006 REVENUES: Private company
to create an environment for all the voices to be heard, to be ful-
• Never hesitate to ask for help or forget the people who were
filled, and,to yes,
willing offertoyou
have a desireLikewise,
guidance. to stay and
nevergrow inyour
forget their own
EMPLOYEES: 1,000 employees in Northern Virginia, the
operation Ms. Barnard oversees. leadership journeys.
responsibility to reach out and support others.
PDJ
40 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Candice R. Barnhardt
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C R EN
WAT
NIE
OTN
W WOI R
DKE
WT eapping
all know
business,
provide you
intothattheleadership
professional
expertise ofmatters,
successful
whether
groups or nonprofits.
with guidance,
female
motivationDuring
in government,
mentors can
the course
and fellowship.
TITLE: Partner
Chief Diversity
Nutter McClennen
Officer
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
& Fish, LLP, President of
FIRST JOB: My first paying job was as a car-hop, but I didn’t
EDUCATION:
have BA with
roller-skates. honors
My first in political
professional jobscience
was asfroma finance
of my career, I’ve watched many different
Throughout my career I have been fortunate to have had leaders in my firm,
men- Wellesley with
College;
manager a carJDdealership.
from Boston University School of Law
profession,
tors who helped build something within me. It helped me
industry and community who have helped me FIRST JOB: Research Assistant
READING: The Millionth Circle, by Jean Shinoda Bolen;
grow
focus personally
on what I neededand professionally.
to do and do By their example,
it successfully. they
Through The God is Not
Gift of Change,
READING: Great: How
by Marianne Religion Poisons Everything,
Williamson.
were by Christopher Hitchens; Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders
these and remain my teachers, whether I know my themownpersonally and How They Have Changed America,mother’s
PHILOSOPHY: My philosophy is my legacy. She
important relationships and through experi- 1789-1989, by Michael
or not. instilled in me
Beschloss; Howa fundamental
Doctors Think, belief that
by Dr. every Groopman
Jerome human being
ences, I have learned many valuable lessons. has a right to be treated with dignity and respect and have
I believe that some of the most meaningful examples of lead- PHILOSOPHY: Do the right thing. This one phrase the
who theyby
standard arewhich
uniquely
one honored. This belief
should expect to be has guided
judged andmythe
ership,
RECOGNIZE successAND and achievement
HONOR are those that
YOUR ABILITIES. Corporations
surround uswerein career
core choices
value and how
for which I do to
I aspire mybe work.
known.
designed
our for men,
daily lives, but arebyoften
men.easily
I don’t believe orit forgotten.
overlooked was done to FAMILY: Husband,
FAMILY: Steve; 13-year-old
Parents, siblings son and
and 101-year-old a
Grandmother (who
For example, I have been blessed to be loved and supported 15-year-old
is a survivordaughter.
of the Armenian Genocide)
exclude women, but because the workforce was predominantly
INTERESTS: Gardening
INTERESTS: and reading.
Reading, movies, I am also
shopping, a workout
politics, pop fanatic.
by a wonderful
male, it created family
a needwho always inspire
for women me and change
to sometimes who taught
how culture, yoga, pilates, golf, spa treatments
FAVORITE CHARITIES: One of my primary charities is my
me, by their words and deeds,
they operated in the corporate environment. that success and achievement FAVORITE CHARITIES: John Gerald Ajemian Charitable
church. I also support Compassion International. I am inclined
are all Foundation, HomeStart, CREW Foundation
Weabout
needcharacter,
to createdoing the right that
organizations thingare andinclusive
recognizing
and toward charities that work for children.
that kindness matters.
work for everyone. We must come to the place where we honor
In addition, I’ve been lucky to benefit from colleagues who this is more important than the actual outcome of any particular
those natural gifts and what individuals can bring to the table.
offered help when I needed it most, mentors who guided and decision.
When we pay attention to that, we give way to the power to BREAK DOWN YOUR OWN BARRIERS. There are moments when I
motivated me and friends who provided unconditional love •find
Bemyself
honestthinking
and straight-forward. Recognize
make the right changes and truly create opportunities. that I am not big enoughthat that there
for what I am are
being
and support. These types of individuals and relationships times you will need to deliver bad news or say no, and that you
called to do. By not trusting my
must do so gracefully and directly. mind and my heart, I get in my
strengthen
DON’T BELIEVE us, encourage
ANY PERSON us and
WHO enable
SAYS us
YOU to HAVE
accomplish
TO GIVE what
UP
Kelly Barr
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & FSI S
AHLT
, LRLIP
VE/ RC R
PREW
O JN
ECETW
( SORRPK)
This past year, a group of eight women at SRP and I PHILOSOPHY: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
decided to take SRP’s existing mentoring program in a new FAMILY: Husband, Scott; two sons, 11 and 13
and exciting direction. After a series of meetings and informal INTERESTS: Outdoor activities, hiking, exercising and
discussions with other women at SRP, we launched the anything to do with my family.
Women’s Interest Network (WIN), an employee interest group
FAVORITE CHARITIES: Teach for America, Arizona
with the mission of “developing women leaders at SRP,
Association of Food Banks, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation
providing networking opportunities, offering a setting for risk-
free exchanges on career development, supporting SRP’s
business objectives, and contributing to the improvement of
the community.”
Find something that you are passionate about. I believe in
WIN participants gather quarterly for presentations from SRP’s mission to provide low-cost and reliable power and water to
women leaders. Our group is made up of women (and men) at customers, which makes my work interesting and fulfilling.
all stages in their lives and careers. I’m proud to be a part of
Find people you enjoy working with. At work, step up.
this program and believe that it will have a positive effect on
Volunteer for projects that interest you, and even for those that
many individuals and support SRP’s business objectives.
don’t. If you do good work, you’ll become known as someone
When a coworker asks me for advice, I like to share these who can be counted on to get things done.
thoughts with them:
Ask questions and seek the counsel of others. You’ll be amazed
by what you learn.
Get involved in your community. Find causes that complement
COMPANY: Salt River Project (SRP) your work activities. For example, I practice energy law. As such, I
HEADQUARTERS: Phoenix, Arizona don’t often get the chance to work on education, food security or
WEB SITE: www.srpnet.com healthcare issues. Thus, I serve on the boards of Teach for America,
BUSINESS: SRP is the largest provider of electricity and
the Arizona Association of Food Banks and the St. Joseph’s
water to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Hospital Foundation. This community involvement provides new
opportunities for learning.
2006 REVENUES: $2.21 billion
EMPLOYEES: 4,500
PDJ
42 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Innovation has many faces.
At Lockheed Martin, that includes everyone.
Whether it’s breakthrough technology for fighter jets, spacecraft that explore the cosmos, or information
systems that keep government running smoothly, Lockheed Martin has important work to do. We need
the sharpest minds available. And when we find them, we welcome them.
www.lockheedmartin.com
© 2007 Lockheed Martin Corporation
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Wendy Beckman
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N S&TA
FRI SBHU, CLKLS
P C
/ O
CFRFEEW
E C
NOEM
TWPA
ONRY
K
W eelive
all in
knowa world
that saturated
leadershipinmatters,
technology.
whether
It can
inseem
government,
business, professional groups or nonprofits. During the course
impossi- TITLE: Partner
RegionalNutter
Mid-Atlantic
Commercial Region
Vice President,
McClennen Starbucks
& Fish, LLP,
Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
Coffee
President
Company,
of
ble to keep up, and true communication and human connec- EDUCATION: BA Bachelor’s
with honors
degree,
in political
Michigan science
State from
University,
of my career, I’ve watched many different leaders in my firm, but
Wellesley
my realCollege;
education JD from
continues
Bostonfrom
University
what ISchool
learn from
of Lawmy
tion appear industry
profession, to have suffered. Technological
and community who tools
have have rapidly
helped me family, my Starbucks partners and my travels.
FIRST JOB: Research Assistant
grow personally and professionally. By their example, they FIRST JOB: Apple picking in an orchard when I was
connected the globe, making it seem ever smaller. However, READING: God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything,
10 years old Hitchens; Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders
by Christopher
were and remain my teachers, whether I know them personally and How They
READING: I’veHave
readChanged
the first page of a 1789-1989,
America, lot of really by
great
Michael
ournot.
or virtual connections can create different dynamics in books lately!
Beschloss; How Doctors Think, by Dr. Jerome Groopman
I believe that some of the most meaningful examples of lead-
relationships. PHILOSOPHY: Do Among
the right
otherthing.
things,
This
I believe
one phrase
in living
theyour
standard
best life, by
working
whichhard,one should
being fair
expect
and taking
to be judged
care ofandeachthe
other.
ership, success and achievement are those that surround us in core value for which I aspire to be known.
FAMILY: Yes! Husband, two sons (13 and 10), a dog named
Our lives,
our daily job asbut
leaders is to easily
are often ensureoverlooked
we are using technology as
or forgotten. Mike, sisters,
FAMILY: Parents, siblings
brothers, and 101-year-old
mother, and my extendedGrandmother
family (who
For example, I have been blessed to be loved and supported is
of afriends
survivor of the Armenian Genocide)
a tool—not as a replacement for our humanity, but as a lever- INTERESTS: Reading, I enjoy being
movies,
outside,
shopping,
traveling,
politics,
cooking,
pop and
by a wonderful family who always inspire me and who taught spending
culture, yoga,
timepilates,
with family
golf, and
spa friends.
treatments
agingbypoint
me, theirfor the many
words positivethat
and deeds, impacts weand
success can achievement
make in the
FAVORITE CHARITIES: IJohn believe
Gerald
in anything
AjemianthatCharitable
are Foundation,
inspires people
HomeStart,
to dig deeper
CREW than
Foundation
themselves and drive
localalland
about character,
global doing where
communities the right thingand
we serve andoperate.
recognizing
The positive change.
that kindness matters.
impact we can I’ve
In addition, make is no
been longer
lucky restricted
to benefit to colleagues
from our four walls.
who this is more important than the actual outcome of any particular
offered
Indeed, the reach of our influence can be far greater thanand
help when I needed it most, mentors who guided we decision.
motivated me and friends who provided unconditional love • Be honest and straight-forward. Recognize that that there are
will ever know. Many women have a great talent for commu- Jobsyou
canwill
be fixed, roles can change, butorhuman
and support. These types of individuals and relationships times need to deliver bad news say no,impact is ever-
and that you
nication and
strengthen us,personal
encourageinteraction.
us and enable Combining that withwhat
us to accomplish the must do so gracefully and directly.
lasting. As women in business, we are faced with different chal-
we could not achieve by ourselves. • Being a great team leader doesn't mean that you always have
education gained from school or life experience and the tech- lenges
to bethan our player.
the star mothers faced before us. We have a responsibility
By watching and learning from such role models, I have
nological tools
developed theseavailable to that
principles us can be very
guide powerful. life:
my professional •as There
leadersisand
no substitute
as women for competence,
to continue hard positive
to drive work and change and
thorough preparation.
• Embrace flexibility and the need to manage change. to be thankful for the many sacrifices of those before us. Whether
• Be concise. Everyone's time is at a premium. Make sure that
Nothing stays the same for long.
theyou get to the
struggle waspoint
aboutand thatequality,
race, your comments add and/or
economics value. social
• Recognize the importance of building consensus. Often,
• Never compromise your principles. Your reputation is priceless
injustice, we must continue their legacy of paving the way for those
and irreplaceable.
COMPANY: Starbucks Coffee Company
HEADQUARTERS: Seattle, Washington •to Determine what make
come. We must is important, focus
the world on those priorities and let
better.
WEB SITE: www.starbucks.com
go of the rest.
BUSINESS: Starbucks Coffee Company provides an uplifting • Understand that you don't have to win every point in a
experience that enriches people’s lives one moment, one negotiation—just the points that are most important to your
human being, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time. client or organization.
2006 REVENUES: $6.2 billion
• Never hesitate to ask for help or forget the people who were
EMPLOYEES: 139,601 willing to offer you guidance. Likewise, never forget your
responsibility to reach out and support others.
PDJ
44 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Carolyn Biggs
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP
S A/ KC
SRFEIW
FTH
N EAV
TW EO
NRUK
E
W
A se Iallreflect
business,
knowonthat
my leadership
an impactprofessional
career, many
on my successgroups
matters,
key moments
whether surface
or nonprofits.
as well
in government,
as having
Duringstyle.
as my leadership the course
TITLE: Executive Vice President/Director of Stores, Visual,
Store Planning and Construction
of my career, I’ve watched many different leaders in my firm, EDUCATION: Pre-med major University of Memphis
I took my
profession, first job,
industry andwhich was in retailing,
community who have while goingme
helped to FIRST JOB: Selling in a department store in Memphis,
grow Tennessee
school.personally
My Dad, and professionally.
the first By their
of many mentors, toldexample, they
me if I accept-
were READING: The Power of Nice, by Linda Kaplan Thaler
ed theand remainImy
position wasteachers,
making whether I know them
a commitment to thepersonally
company and Robin Koval
or not.
and the people. With that commitment came the responsibil- PHILOSOPHY: I believe that one person can make a
I believe that some of the most meaningful examples of lead-
ity to deliver difference, but teamwork is how you build a great organization.
ership, successonandtheachievement
position I was beingthat
are those given, and to us
surround doinit
Success to me is when my team wins.
to the
our daily best of my
lives, but ability.
are oftenToeasily
this day, I feel Iorhave
overlooked an incred-
forgotten. FAMILY: Husband and son
Foramount
ible example,
of Iresponsibility
have been blessed to be
to those loved with
I work and supported
to not let INTERESTS: Family, reading, golf, and travel
by a wonderful
them down. family who always inspire me and who taught
FAVORITE CHARITIES: American Cancer Foundation, Hospice
me, by their words and deeds, that success and achievement
Mentors
are all have played
about character, a key
doing therole
rightinthing
my own
and growth and
recognizing
that kindness matters.
development. They were always challenging me beyond my
In addition, I’ve been lucky to benefit from colleagues who
own personal comfort zone. More importantly, however, they I have been fortunate to work in every aspect of the retail busi-
offered help when I needed it most, mentors who guided and
helped me to see what was possible. My open-to-learn attitude ness, from selling to buying to management. In the years it has
motivated me and friends who provided unconditional love
allowed
and me toThese
support. step into
typestheof unfamiliar
individualsandandsucceed. I was
relationships taken me to get to my current position in which I oversee many
strengthen
taught two us, encourage
lessons us and
very early enable
in my us tobeaccomplish
career: what
open to change stores, I have garnered an appreciation for every position because I
we could not achieve by ourselves.
as every day will be different, and in management, “time is of once held them. It takes every member of the team playing his or
By watching and learning from such role models, I have
no importance.” Lucky for me, I have always had a strong her position for winning to happen. One of my biggest challenges
developed these principles that guide my professional life:
work ethic, remaining focused on getting the job done, and as a leader has been overcoming the belief that I have to know
• Embrace flexibility and the need to manage change.
notNothing
on howstays
longthe
it takes.
same for long. everything.
• Recognize the importance of building consensus. Often, To be successful, I believe you must be passionate about
COMPANY: Saks Fifth Avenue what you do. You must be open to trying new things and to the
HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York unexpected because the unexpected is what makes business
WEB SITES: www.saks.com, www.saksincorporated.com exciting. You must be willing to make mistakes; mistakes are les-
BUSINESS: Retail
sons learned. I believe that one person can make a difference, but
REVENUES: $2.9 billion
teamwork is how you build a great organization. Success to me is
EMPLOYEES: 16,000
when my team wins.
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 45
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Amy Blair
LIBERTY GLOBAL INC
leader myself today, I take the responsibility to provide this READING: The Emperor’s Children, by Claire Messud
same foundation to those I lead, with great commitment. PHILOSOPHY: “I not only use all the brains I have, but all I
can borrow.” —Woodrow Wilson
I have always appreciated the value of hard work, to which
I may expressly credit my father, the very first of my mentors. FAMILY: Married
From my earliest job at age 16, I experienced personally INTERESTS: Running, animals, and lots of laughter
how much more one can accomplish with hard work when FAVORITE CHARITY: People for the Ethical Treatment
supported by the guidance and confidence of someone who is
rooting for you to succeed.
Upon joining the company which is now Liberty Global, my most fulfilling, whether accepting an international role in the
I have had the great fortune of working with solid, dynamic Netherlands where I remained for seven years, or later, returning to
leaders, who often lent their experiences and knowledge to the United States to lead global Human Resources. Throughout
help me shape my career. While each contributed their own these milestones, I have relied immeasurably upon the wisdom
strengths, offering directional, practical or inspirational and example of my mentors to guide me personally as well as
motivation, all instilled a sense of empowerment enabling me professionally.
to seek continued growth.
Today, it is this key platform of both opportunity and empow-
With that focus on growth, alongside the support of trust- erment that I aim to provide to the upcoming leaders I encounter.
ed leaders, I have been able to forge a path I have immensely With a company that extends across 17 countries, my job presents
enjoyed. Ultimately, my most challenging decisions have been an expansive and exciting forum to reach and impact new leaders.
Liberty Global also highly values the recognition of its employees
and encourages opportunity for long-term growth. After almost 15
COMPANY: Liberty Global, Inc. years with the company, I am a proud example.
HEADQUARTERS: Englewood, Colorado I strongly believe that influential leaders are those that have
WEB SITE: www.lgi.com experienced more through trying more. It is therefore our task to
BUSINESS: Broadband cable operator ensure that new and upcoming leaders have goals to pursue, chal-
2006 REVENUES: $6.5 billion
lenges to welcome and the confidence to do so with vigour.
EMPLOYEES: 20,500
PDJ
PDJ
46 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
D E D I C AT I O N At Pfizer, our goal is to become the world’s most valued
company to patients, customers, colleagues, investors, business
partners and the communities where we work and live.
I’m often asked for advice on career development, and the first
thing I tell people is that developing yourself is hard work.
TITLE: Vice President and General Manager, Sauces &
Beverages, Campbell USA
EDUCATION: University of Toronto, undergraduate;
What I’ve found helpful is to have some basic principles MBA, University of Western Ontario
to live by: Work hard; have a positive, can-do attitude; take FIRST JOB: Kimberly-Clark Corporation, assistant
brand manager
personal responsibility for your actions; and know your
READING: True North, by Bill George
personal values.
PHILOSOPHY: Work hard. Be happy. Do good. Be passionate.
But beyond that, I have found it beneficial also to be open Be grateful. Spread joy. Reach down and lift up.
FAMILY: Husband, 2 children
to all possibilities. I truly believe that, to a large extent, you
INTERESTS: Cooking, walking, charitable work
make your own luck. Good things happen when you are pre-
FAVORITE CHARITIES: Refugees International; any organiza-
pared and of open mind and spirit when opportunities come tion that helps fight homelessness
knocking. This means being willing to take risks, push past
your comfort zone and take on the ugly challenges, because
some of the prettiest opportunities initially come dressed in On formal mentorship, I do think that it is a great way to fur-
the ugliest clothing. ther develop yourself. I have been very fortunate to have had many
mentors in my career. Some of them knew they were mentoring
With all that said, it is safe to say that I believe that you
me, while some never knew that they were serving that role. It is
are your own best mentor. If you are not willing to work on
important to seek out mentors and not wait for one to be given to
yourself in a dedicated and disciplined manner, no one else
you. Know your development needs and find people who can help
will be willing to help you. So, push yourself, experiment,
you improve.
reflect, learn, and seek feedback from others on your team.
Make certain that the relationship is founded on honesty and
trust. Be clear in your own mind that mentorship is not sponsor-
ship, and that your mentor should help you improve, not neces-
COMPANY: Campbell Soup Company
HEADQUARTERS: Camden, New Jersey sarily guarantee advancement to the next job. Also, seek out a
WEB SITE: www.campbellsoup.com broad network of mentors and advisors, not just one individual
BUSINESS: Consumer goods
relationship. As hard as self-development seems, I have found that
2006 REVENUES: $7.3 billion
EMPLOYEES: 23,000 you reap what you sow.
PDJ
48 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Adrianne M. Brown
HONEYWELL
They say that when the pupil is ready the teacher will high-performing team by drawing on the knowledge and experi-
appear. I have found that to be true and have always opened ence of the employees in the group.
myself up to the idea of learning. Mentors have appeared at
When I joined Honeywell in 1999, I found a demanding,
just the right time throughout my career.
performance-driven organization that suits my personal manage-
Early in my career I learned that I could achieve greater ment style. I also found passionate, knowledgeable mentors who
results by embracing my inexperience. With the help of more helped me negotiate the twists and turns of a complex, global
experienced people in the organization, I adopted an “ask, company that touches the lives of millions of people.
don’t tell” approach that helped me build a strong, cohesive,
Today, as head of Honeywell’s $4.6 billion global
Transportation Systems business, I often find myself in the posi-
COMPANY: Honeywell tion of paying back all the great mentors I’ve had in my career by
HEADQUARTERS: Morristown, New Jersey sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation of Honeywell
WEB SITE: www.honeywell.com leaders.
BUSINESS: Aerospace, automation and controls solutions, My advice is consistent. First, deliver results and do so with
transportation systems and specialty materials integrity. Be a person of your word. Find bright and successful
2006 REVENUES: $31 billion people to be a part of your team, making sure they complement
EMPLOYEES: 120,000 your weaknesses. And never, ever stop learning.
PDJ
50 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
D o you have the teachable spirit? TITLE: Senior Vice President/Director, Enterprise Production
Services—IS Division
That is the most important component of a mentor’s
EDUCATION: MS in information technology from The Johns
relationship with her student. Without it, the relationship Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. Graduated summa
becomes little more than a one-way street, a path down which cum laude from Alabama State University, Montgomery,
a mentor dictates, never knowing if her message is understood Alabama, with a BS in accounting.
or well received. FIRST JOB: Computer programmer
READING: Good to Great, by James C. Collins; Spiritual
I did not benefit from the direction of a mentor. My early Leadership, by Henry and Richard Blackaby
career was built on trial and error. It is one of the most painful PHILOSOPHY: Be a lifelong learner. Bring your whole self to
ways to learn. whatever you do: your faith, family, energy, and humor. Help
others and take risks.
That is why I am particularly sensitive to the need for, and
FAMILY: Husband, two boys
benefit of, mentoring.
INTERESTS: Museums, spending time with the family, music,
It is also fortuitous that I work for a bank, as my approach theater, travel
to mentoring is similar to that of the investor—plan for the FAVORITE CHARITY: Feed the Children
long term. When I sit down with someone for the first time, I
ask that she consider her passion. What do you love to do?
We talk about where she would like to see herself in five
years, or ten. Does that align with her passion? If not, why? The success of this plan is determined by two factors that
This is important, since it is easier to get up in the morning must be possessed by both mentor and student: the ability to listen
and go to work if you love what you do. and the teachable spirit.
If passion and path connect, we back-schedule her career. I advise everyone to develop these skills early and heed them
In other words, we list the skills and experience she will need often. As mentors, our first instinct is to talk about ourselves.
to gain to achieve her goal. Then we develop a plan to obtain Do not do it.
those skills and that experience.
Instead, ask questions. Listen for words and phrases that reveal
a passion, a frustration or both. Know when your student wants
COMPANY: National City Corporation advice and give it. Know when she wants to vent, and let her.
HEADQUARTERS: Cleveland, Ohio This ability will allow you to refine that long-term plan and
WEB SITE: www.nationalcity.com reach success.
2006 REVENUES: $12.9 billion
EMPLOYEES: 31,000
Finally, check your ego at the door. Those we mentor offer us
BUSINESS: National City Corporation is one of the nation’s
as much education as we give them. Live to learn and learn to live.
largest financial holding companies. Its core businesses
include commercial and retail banking, mortgage financing Embrace the teachable spirit.
and servicing, consumer finance and asset management.
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 51
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
who provided information and guidance, both personal and EDUCATION: BA in mathematics, business minor from
DePauw University; Master of Management in finance and mar-
professional. In turn, I have served as a formal and informal keting, from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern
mentor to a number of people, both inside and outside of TI. University
FIRST JOB: File clerk in my doctor’s office
Growing up in a small town in Illinois, I was raised to
believe that I was capable of doing whatever I wanted to— READING: Simple Genius, by David Baldacci
regardless of whether I knew of anyone who had done it PHILOSOPHY: If you stay in your comfort zone, you’ll never
grow. New and exciting challenges often come at seemingly
before. Whether as a high school foreign exchange student to inconvenient times—nevertheless, embrace them.
Sri Lanka or as one of very few female math majors at FAMILY: Husband, daughter and son
my university, I became accustomed to being “one of the INTERESTS: Music, reading, traveling abroad and most sports
first” and learned to seek advice from others who had similar
FAVORITE CHARITIES: Big Brothers—Big Sisters and
experiences. Girl Scouts (It’s all about mentoring!)
owned my own consulting practice, taught at a university and FAVORITE CHARITY: Food For The Poor
worked full time from home. Now, I’m back at Staples, full
time, in a position that challenges me and allows me to grow
and develop as a leader.
My advice to you is: Don’t be afraid to deviate from a your value. Seize every opportunity to establish yourself as an “A”
traditional path. With the right planning and perspective you player. “A” players get opportunities and flexibility that “B”
can reap great rewards. Here are some tips if you want to players don’t get. At the end of every day ask yourself, “Did I add
tackle the untraditional. value today?”
BUILD AND MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS. Business, like anything, KEEP YOUR HAND IN THE GAME. When I left the workforce to be at
is based on relationships. Go out of your way to help others. home full time, I found ways to keep my hand in the game. I kept
Build up your bank of goodwill. The payback may not be in touch with friends, mentors and former bosses. I stayed on top
immediate, but there will be one. of company and industry news. I sent pertinent articles to former
colleagues. All of these steps enabled me to land part time consult-
BECOME INDISPENSABLE. Before you attempt to carve an
ing work for Staples, which eventually led to my current position.
unorthodox path through the business world, you must prove
When making career decisions it’s easy to lose perspective.
Every move appears to be wrought with weighty long-term
COMPANY: Staples, Inc. implications. It’s important to remember that not every decision
HEADQUARTERS: Framingham, Massachusetts will affect your entire career. You can take chances. Life is long and
there are lots of twists, turns and opportunities.
WEB SITE: www.staples.com / www.staplescontract.com
BUSINESS: Office products and business services So what’s the payoff been for me? I’ve been able to achieve my
goal of balancing family with a fulfilling career over the long term.
2006 REVENUES: $18.2 billion
That’s my definition of “having it all.”
EMPLOYEES: 74,000 worldwide
PDJ
54 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
— Amy M. Blair
of companies.
Denise Chaisson
SALLIE MAE
peeling crawfish (as I did at age 13), working at the local gro- FAMILY: Husband, three children
cery or being an officer of a bank, do your work with pride. INTERESTS: Horseback riding, gardening
FAVORITE CHARITIES: St. Jude Hospital for Children;
Early in my career a mentor told me that success required Catholic Service Center in Lafayette, Louisiana
much more than simply doing a good job at the position for
which you were hired. Rather, you needed to know everyone
else’s job. In my mentor’s case, that covered everything from
emptying garbage cans to making coffee for clients to balanc-
ing the company’s accounts. This idea of knowing a company A key quality for success, as well as effective leadership, is
inside and out has since served as my personal benchmark and listening—hearing someone with resolve and passion. We don’t all
one that has guided me in my own career. think alike, nor do we have the same beliefs. Yet, every belief is
important. Every person on this earth has a lesson to teach and
Today’s world is a fast-paced one where you must con-
every person has a lesson to learn. This concept has allowed me to
stantly juggle many balls. To be effective, figure out what is
build the excellent team that I have in place today at Sallie Mae.
important from a spiritual, professional and personal position,
My team members feel very comfortable in coming to me—
giving time to each area. Above all, remember that only you
whether they agree or disagree with me—because they know they
can define yourself.
can freely provide their point of view.
Uma Chowdhry
DUPONT
violence, humility, sharing whatever one has, value for educa- EDUCATION: PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
tion, and faith in democracy are fundamental teachings (MIT), materials science & engineering
Indians learn. FIRST JOB: Member of research staff, central R&D, DuPont
Encouraged by my father to get the best education possi- PHILOSOPHY: Be clear about purpose of career, make choices,
ble, I courageously left India with $8 in my pocket for a for- and enjoy learning from every opportunity and challenge.
Appreciate diversity of thought, race and gender, and learn
eign land. The amazing faculty who served as my role models
from each to complement your own skills. Make people feel
at school awarded me opportunities to learn and grow in ways
valued and include them in decision making to gain alignment
that I had not dreamed possible. Hard-earned successes that
and commitment to goals. Put ego aside and work with every-
followed inspired me to believe in myself and in the power of one to create the best results for the company, while ensuring
a nurturing environment that brings out the most in all. that people feel valued and recognized.
My advice to all aspiring young women is to believe in FAMILY: Husband, no children, family lives in India
yourself, be guided by your own internal compass of values, INTERESTS: Walking, reading, travel, fusion food, ceramics
leave your comfort zone, and make courageous moves to
achieve your goals.
I created opportunities for them to be visible and excel so that they
Throughout my career I have been very fortunate. My could reclaim their pride. Today they are a highly valued organiza-
leaders and mentors believed in me and provided me opportu- tion in the company.
nities to grow. From my role models I have learned that in a
Working for a company that supports opportunities for
supportive and inclusive environment, people rise to any chal-
women and supports diversity has contributed to my success.
lenge. At one stage in my career, I was asked to lead an organ-
Comfort with my style, a track record of credible results, and the
ization that had been downsized several times, felt a loss of
courage to speak out on issues and take on difficult challenges are
identity, demoralized, and unappreciated. I spent time under-
some of the reasons I have been given ever increasing responsibili-
standing their history, achievements, skills and capabilities.
ties at DuPont. Thanks to the guidance from my mentors, I am
COMPANY: DuPont now giving the next generation of leaders the same opportunities
HEADQUARTERS: Wilmington, Delaware that my mentors gave to me.
WEB SITE: www.dupont.com Having a leadership role is a great privilege and it is truly hum-
BUSINESS: DuPont offers a wide range of products
and services for markets, including agriculture, nutrition,
bling. The greatest contribution you can make is to take the organ-
electronics, communications, safety and protection, home ization you lead to a new level of excellence by creating an envi-
and construction, transportation and apparel. ronment in which goals are clear, people learn from and teach one
2006 REVENUES: $27.4 billion
another, people feel valued and rise to their maximum potential,
EMPLOYEES: 60,000
adapt to change, and have fun along the way! PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 57
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Ellen Costello
HARRIS BANKCORP INC
To me, mentoring means listening, learning and developing. TITLE: Chief Executive Officer, Harris Bankcorp, Inc.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in business administration,
Over my career, the mentors who stand out listened, offered
feedback and had confidence in me. They gave me ideas and St. Francis Xavier; MBA, Dalhousie University, both in Canada
insights on how to stretch myself and, just as importantly, FIRST JOB: Librarian and retail sales, before graduation.
how to recover from setbacks. Personal and commercial lending officer, after graduation.
READING: A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini
My first mentor was my father. He instilled values of
honesty, integrity and respect for others in all of his children. PHILOSOPHY: Live your values, lead by example, be account-
With seven of us and a successful career, he was stretched in able for your actions and decisions, be passionate about what
many directions. His work ethic, fairness, tireless determination you do.
and passion for life inspired me and continue to influence me. FAMILY: Married
When I moved into the workforce and throughout my INTERESTS: Family, art, travel and theater
career, the mentors I sought were those who had strong values, FAVORITE CHARITIES: Supporting educational opportunities
a broad view of the organization, and acted in the interests for disadvantaged youth
of the overall company. They helped me better understand
my capabilities. They coached me as I tackled difficult
challenges head-on, while still allowing me to be true to my
personal values.
• The third is to help identify career priorities in areas such as job
As I’ve moved into leadership roles and had the good fortune
content, title, progression and financial rewards.
to mentor others, I focus on four areas:
• Finally, I focus on being a safe, confidential sounding-board and
• The first is giving a perspective on the company, our
advisor. A mentor should be a safe haven to talk about doubts
strategy, the roles within the organization and the skill
and frustrations and seek feedback and advice. We all have set-
profiles needed to succeed.
backs and doubts along the way. Dealing with them is part of
• The second is cultivating an honest self-awareness of what helps us grow. I truly love to be there to celebrate successes.
strengths and areas for development. But when things don’t go as expected, being there and providing
continued support are critical.
In my experience, successful mentoring relationships seldom
COMPANY: Harris Bankcorp, Inc.
just happen. It’s important to take every opportunity to seek out
(part of BMO Financial Group)
those you respect as strong, capable leaders. And, most important-
HEADQUARTERS: Chicago, Illinois ly, as you progress to a position of leadership and influence, give
WEB SITE: www.harrisbank.com back. Reach out to talented individuals in your company, help
them understand their capabilities and opportunities, and open as
BUSINESS: Financial services
many doors as you can. Mentoring develops your company’s talent,
2006 REVENUES: $800 million (Harris Bankcorp, Inc.) affects performance and gives you valuable insight into what’s really
EMPLOYEES: 3,500 happening out there.
PDJ
58 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S IT Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
our power
comes from
our people
Pratt & Whitney.
Committed to Diversity. Committed to Excellence.
Pratt & Whitney has 38,000 employees in 253 locations worldwide and for more than 80 years,
we ve drawn our real power from our employees’ individual talents and multitude of backgrounds.
That s why we re so proud to receive “A Best Diversity Company” award from the readers of
Diversity/Careers in Engineering & Information Technology Magazine. At Pratt & Whitney,
our strength comes not just from our similarities, but from our differences.
www.pw.utc.com
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Lin Cummins
ARVINMERITOR INC
As a communications professional for 30 years, providing INTERESTS: Decorating, entertaining, reading, traveling
strategic counsel to executives is an inherent part of my job. FAVORITE CHARITY: American Heart Association
I’ve had to present honest and sometimes tough messages to
coach upcoming leaders to reach their full potential. I’ve guided
colleagues on skill sets and experience they need—like contin- Empowerment is a hallmark of my leadership style. I don’t micro-
uing their education—to take them to the next level. manage. I give people the tools to succeed and then watch them
shine. They’ve told me that my open door policy gives them the
Great leaders successfully collaborate with peers, manage
support they need to help them work through the obstacles along
subordinates and exemplify teamwork. As mentors, we must
the way.
raise the bar with the highest level of professionalism, even in
stressful situations. If your colleagues trust and respect you To thrive in the business world people must create and execute
they will deliver for you. a career plan. I’m proud that so many of my colleagues whom I’ve
mentored are now in senior communications positions in global
COMPANY: ArvinMeritor, Inc. Fortune 500 companies. I still mentor them to this day. My advice:
Add value every day; measure results not activity.
HEADQUARTERS: Troy, Michigan
WEB SITE: www.arvinmeritor.com My successful mentoring method is to share war stories of
BUSINESS: Premier global automotive supplier of a broad
what works and what doesn’t to have a fruitful career. I continue to
range of integrated systems, modules and components be passionate about what I do and enjoy every day.
2006 REVENUES: $9.2 billion
EMPLOYEES: Approximately 19,000 people in 24 countries
PDJ
60 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S IT Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Jody Davids
C A R D I N A L H E A LT H
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York City. As a small-business man, my father demonstrated PHILOSOPHY: Lead with integrity and compassion. They
can help set the foundation for success. Also, remember that
that he possessed a great sense of integrity and compassion in you can have it all—a wonderful life with your family and a
an industry that didn’t have very much at the time. These successful career.
FAMILY: Husband, two children, three step-children and
values not only helped him stay grounded, they helped set the one grandchild
foundation for his success. He passed the importance of INTERESTS: Spending time with my kids, running and golf
integrity and compassion on to me, and I’ve kept this close to FAVORITE CHARITY: The National Foundation of Teaching
my heart throughout my career. Entrepreneurship. The nonprofit organization teaches entrepre-
neurship to young people from low-income communities to
Another important lesson that I learned early in my career enhance their economic productivity by improving their busi-
is that you can have it all—a wonderful family life and a suc- ness, academic, and life skills. I’m passionate about the
organization and serve on its board (Fairfield, CT and
cessful career. At Brownstone Studio, a direct marketing cata- Westchester, NY chapters).
logue company, I had the privilege of working for women who
were great role models. The owner of the company was a
I’ve also learned valuable lessons through negative experiences.
mother of three children, a grandmother, and her own moth-
For example, at a past job I worked for a battle-axe of a woman
er lived with her. On top of this, she was also a very successful
who was completely opposite of my mentors at Brownstone. Her
business woman. During a time when the status quo seemed
life was her job and she didn’t respond well to other women who
to be “live to work,” what I learned instead was that one can
didn’t play the game the same way she did. This cost me an execu-
live first and also work. In other words, you can have it all.
tive job opportunity. However, my leadership style and virtues
helped pave the way to another opportunity. An old colleague
thought I would be a good fit for a position at Pitney Bowes. He
COMPANY: Pitney Bowes Inc. interviewed and hired me in 1995, and I’ve been with the compa-
HEADQUARTERS: Stamford, Connecticut ny ever since.
WEB SITE: www.pb.com By working for an organization that encourages work-life
BUSINESS: Pitney Bowes is a mailstream technology com-
pany that helps organizations manage the flow of information, balance and provides a myriad of opportunities, I’ve been able
mail, documents and packages to continue to grow in my career. And by serving as a mentor to
2006 REVENUES: $5.7 billion
others, I have the honor of helping to educate the next generation
EMPLOYEES: 35,000 worldwide
of leaders.
PDJ
64 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Mary Delaney
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , LCLA
PR/E C
ERB
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. COORM
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—tomorrow’s corporate leaders. PHILOSOPHY: Make a difference. These three words are
what drive me. I want to make a difference at home, at work;
PUT YOURSELF IN A POSITION TO LEARN. My first job out of in everything I do each day.
college was in a management training program where I learned FAMILY: Husband, two daughters and a son.
the basics of how to be an effective manager. As I moved on INTERESTS: Spending time with my family, golf, school,
board member of the Business Marketing Association
from there, I continued to seek out companies that offered (Chicago Chapter)
training and learning opportunities so that I could improve my FAVORITE CHARITY: Habitat for Humanity
skills as a leader.
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 65
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Cindy Dellecker
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CH
R IEG
W HM
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PDJ
66 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
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W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Paula Dominick
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L PB/AC
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Kathy Fawcett
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The way people pursue and achieve their goals says a lot INTERESTS: Beach (snorkeling, shelling, diving, fishing);
playing, reading and learning with my wonderful child; traveling
about their character. I offer these success principles as a model with family and friends
for achieving goals in life: FAVORITE CHARITY: American Cancer Society
you make of it. Like most relationships, it can blossom and who I am both professionally and personally, and that is the power
fade with time, but its success lies in how much you put into of a mentor. During my time at MetLife, I continue to be exposed
it as well as how much you receive in return. Mentorship does to people who are just as much my teachers as I am a teacher to
not need to be a rigid structure or plan; it does not need rules them. I have been very fortunate to have been exposed to mentors
or restrictions unless you create them. And most importantly, early in my life, through my parents and siblings, at the beginning
as I have learned later in life, one should be open to mentor- of my career, and still to this day.
ing from any individual who inspires you. As my sixth-grade teacher wrote to me recently, when I
contacted him after all these years, “A bricklayer builds a fireplace
and can feel the warmth of the fire; a carpenter builds a cabinet and
can instantly take pride in his craft; but when a teacher teaches, he
COMPANY: MetLife, Inc.
HEADQUARTERS: Long Island City, New York never truly knows the lifelong impact he has on his students.”
WEB SITE: www.metlife.com Be passionate about what you are doing, and seek out that guid-
BUSINESS: Insurance/financial services
ance, encouragement and wisdom from a mentor—an individual
2006 REVENUES: $53.2 billion
to guide you not only through your career but also through your
EMPLOYEES: 36,000 (U.S. employees) 47,000 (worldwide)
personal development.
PDJ
72 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Felicia Fields
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S HF,OLRLD
P M
/ C
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Julie A. Fream
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WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS. One of the best things you can do MAINTAIN BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE. This piece of advice is easy to
for yourself is to establish goals and write them down. I start- give, but often hard to follow. Make time to do things that are
ed writing my goals about the time I finished college. important to you, whether they relate to your career, your friends,
Personally, I find it a very powerful tool to create focus and your family, your faith, or your service to the community. Define
energy toward accomplishing what you really want to do. your life not by what you are, but by who you are.
FOLLOW YOUR PASSION. Sometimes it may be a trial and GIVE SOMETHING BACK. I believe we each have a responsibility
error process to find your true calling. Just keep moving in the to our community, our nation and the planet. I encourage every
direction of things you like to do most. If you are passionate individual to accept this responsibility and to give something back.
about what you’re doing, there is a good chance you will be How you choose to do it is up to you: you can give of your time,
successful at it. your treasure or your talent.
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 75
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Sharilyn Gasaway
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P /AC
LRLTEEW
L W
N EI R
TWE LO
ERSK
S
PDJ
76 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Vicki Gordon
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lies and in their businesses. They are focused on outcome, not FAVORITE CHARITY: UNICEF
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 77
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Belinda Grant-Anderson
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CREW NETW
ATO&
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Tracey Gray-Walker
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TAKE RISKS. We are blessed to live in a society where risk tak- PHILOSOPHY: Attitude will take you further than aptitude
FAMILY: Husband and son
ing is not something that is required to live a healthy and
INTERESTS: Traveling, volunteering with special children,
decent life. The risks I have taken in my career have provided parent advocacy
the biggest returns. Whether it is taking a non-linear approach FAVORITE CHARITY: Center for Outreach and Services for
to career development, finding time to dedicate yourself to a
needy civic or philanthropic cause, or simply taking the road
less traveled, risks make you stronger and more valuable to
your employer and to your family, communities and society. PRACTICE HUMILITY. Humility is a trait that benefits by practice,
and one that I believe is a fundamental trait of good leadership.
DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS. I don’t believe career development ever
It is the trait which allows you to see the bigger picture, to listen
ends. There is always a new discipline, a new technology, a new
to others before you offer your own opinions, to know when
language, a new way of doing business. Change is constant and
you don’t have the answer, and to put the welfare of your team
those who adapt and make change work for them, are those
before yourself.
who are more likely to succeed.
ENCOURAGE DIVERSITY. Echoing what I wrote earlier, I am blessed
to have worked with a wide variety of individuals in corporate,
nonprofit and government organizations throughout my career,
COMPANY: AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company from one end of our country to the other. This exposure to people
HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York of different backgrounds and beliefs has been invaluable to my own
WEB SITE: www.axa-equitable.com professional development, and I think it has made me a more
BUSINESS: Financial services competent professional. I encourage you to embrace the diversity
2006 REVENUES: $108 billion that makes our country and our economy great.
EMPLOYEES: 11,000
PDJ
80 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Indian female of the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribe and the first EDUCATION: BA in accounting and political science, Loras
College, IA; a graduate of the Institute of Comparative Political
female area managing partner in my firm, I know first-hand & Economic Systems at Georgetown University
the importance, as well as the challenges, of diversity. Diversity FIRST JOB: Lifeguard
is not about being different; it’s about being dynamic. READING: Simple Genius, by David Baldacci
One of the key messages I try to convey to young profes- PHILOSOPHY: Believe in and be true to yourself. Always ask
sionals is that throughout their careers, they will encounter what the possibilities are and then challenge yourself.
various types of thinking and management styles. Having the FAMILY: Husband and two daughters
skills to work with all types of people is a powerful asset, and INTERESTS: Golf and laughing
one that should be consciously developed. I believe the most FAVORITE CHARITIES: Those that focus on underprivileged
populations.
successful people in any organization are those that understand
that there is a far greater power in diverse thought.
Mentoring is one way to understand how other people
think. The key to broadening your perspective is choosing thing—one needs to be strategic and selective. Young professionals
mentors who have “dissimilar” backgrounds, educations and should also expect to fail, and likely more than once. However, one
experiences. Women should not look solely to other women WILL learn from any missteps; that I can guarantee.
for mentoring, since it can be very educational to see things To become a leader, you must understand that there is an
from men’s eyes. I personally have had mentors who have had inherent responsibility in helping others succeed. Developing a
very different operating styles than I, but I found it very team is essential to success. Sharing and giving credit is equally
enlightening to learn their perspective, as I knew I would important to ‘tooting your own horn.’ Criticizing in private
encounter those different personalities throughout my career and praising in public go hand in hand with building trust within
and life. the team.
I also believe that taking risks is a critical component to And lastly, never compromise your principles in life,
both professional and personal growth. It is very important, especially outside of work. Ask yourself, “What are the possibili-
however, not to confuse taking risks with saying yes to every- ties?” and be optimistic. Don’t dwell on why things are the way
they are—be positive and create change.
COMPANY: KPMG LLP A quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson has always stayed with
HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York me and grounded me: “The years teach much which the days never
WEB SITE: www.us.kpmg.com know.” Something to keep in mind.
BUSINESS: Audit, tax and advisory firm
2006 REVENUES: $16.9 billion
EMPLOYEES: 113,000
PDJ
82 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
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photography
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W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Doris Heim
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authority and respect that different people possess in different PHILOSOPHY: Let the good times roll; and live well, love
much, and laugh often.
ways, but there is a certain presence; self-assuredness without FAMILY: Husband, Will; son, daughter and cat
arrogance, around some of the best leaders I’ve known that INTERESTS: Snow skiing, scuba diving, travel, theater
I think comes after many years of experience. These are the FAVORITE CHARITIES: Various local groups that support
leaders that I remember best, want to emulate, and know that battered women, March of Dimes
we need more of.
My advice for those seeking to be the best leaders they can is: LEARN HOW TO EXPRESS YOUR EXPECTATIONS EARLY ON. It helps
FIND A MENTOR OR COACH EARLY ON (AND FREQUENTLY). others to be successful and helps you avoid disappointment. It also
Someone you trust and respect to bounce ideas off and help creates an opportunity for dialog that builds a foundation of trust.
you make better decisions in those gray areas and someone to WORK CONSTANTLY ON BUILDING A GOOD REPUTATION. Guard it
help guide you on how to present ideas, not just what to say. carefully and always. It is your shadow and will follow you your
Perceptions are formed early on, and style and tone are often whole life, no matter how many times you change jobs.
more remembered than content.
YOU HAVE TWO EARS AND ONE MOUTH. Use them on that ratio.
DEVELOP YOUR INSTINCTS AND LEARN TO TRUST THEM. This Listen to learn and to allow others time to hear themselves,
becomes increasingly important as you are called upon to too; sometimes that is all it takes to guide them to their own
make tougher decisions. conclusions.
BE WILLING TO ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES QUICKLY, AND FIX THEM.
PURSUE EXCELLENCE IN YOURSELF AND IN OTHERS. You are never
Resist the temptation to blame others, especially your staff. finished learning; don’t let others stop either. You need the best and
They never forget. brightest around you at all times.
PDJ
84 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Sherry Herrington
NUTTER McCLENNEN M
& TA
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A s leaders, our responsibility is to develop future leaders— TITLE: Assistant Vice President, Operations Services
EDUCATION: BS in business management, Albertus Magnus
people who are ready, willing and able to take our place College; JD, Quinnipiac University School of Law
and build on our accomplishments to support our company’s PHILOSOPHY: Pay it forward
FAMILY: Life partner and my dogs
continued success.
INTERESTS: Fishing, boating, spending time with my parents
Although organizational success is our primary focus, we and siblings, travel
and most influential mentors was competent and professional Build diverse teams and allow them to build productive rela-
but took sole credit for every departmental achievement. This tionships and find their way, guided by your vision. Be willing to
was extremely discouraging for all those who worked tirelessly provide direction. Encourage new ideas and differing opinions.
to support his vision. Provide them with opportunities for professional development and
Consequently, existing achievements were maintained advancement. Celebrate their achievements and recognize their
with the occasional minor improvement, but an environment efforts, and when they succeed, you and the organization succeed
efforts and the efforts of the team always seemed out of reach. Good leaders are confident, competent and comfortable with
I learned from that experience that good leadership is more their leadership. Only then can they inspire others to follow.
about building and developing the team and less about the Remember, “every team has a leader … but not every leader has
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 85
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Cheryl A. Howe
NUTTER McCLENNEN & H
F IESAHLT
, L
HLN
PO/WC R
NEEW
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throughout the country, I help shape policies and practices PHILOSOPHY: My philosophy is derived from a Chinese
proverb: “Happiness is having people you love in your life,
that improve the health of thousands of people every day. work that you’re passionate about and something, always,
to hope for.”
I believe my success reflects the support I’ve received from
FAMILY: Husband, daughter and son
leaders who have told me that I could make a difference.
INTERESTS: Running, reading and relaxing
I joined HealthNow nearly 25 years ago (when it was Blue FAVORITE CHARITY: Hospice
Shield of Western New York), and received mentoring by a
female executive whose candor and confidence encouraged me
to take risks. Today, one of my greatest supporters is our 60 to becoming part of a dynamic executive leadership team
president and CEO, Alphonso O’Neil-White. He has given for a company with $2.1 billion in annual revenue and nearly
me the opportunities to do what I love: create programs that 2,000 employees.
improve access to high-quality health care and the resources As HealthNow’s staff is predominantly women, I have
and time to volunteer. mentored dozens who have risen from entry- and mid-entry-level
Passion and tenaciousness are essential to professional suc- positions to become senior vice presidents and vice presidents. As
cess. Every risk worth taking and every great idea face road- a past mentor of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Mentoring
blocks. If you love what you’re doing and believe in its worth, Program Fellowship, I had the honor of mentoring a woman
you’ll get through them stronger, smarter and prepared to lead. who is making her own significant contributions to health care in
That is how I progressed from managing a department of life sciences.
Sharing experiences through mentoring is not one more
demand on our time. My career may have been different if it
COMPANY: HealthNow New York Inc. wasn’t for those who have helped me grow and I, too, have made it
HEADQUARTERS: Buffalo, New York a goal to ensure that more women have leadership opportunities
WEB SITE: www.bcbswny.com; www.bsneny.com;
wherever life takes them. Mentoring is an opportunity to thank
www.healthnowny.com.
BUSINESS: Health benefits plan those who helped us and to honor their legacies; being entrusted
2006 REVENUES: $2.1 billion with the task is one of the greatest achievements of any successful
EMPLOYEES: 2,000 woman’s career.
PDJ
86 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Discovering the best in ourselves
while improving the lives of others.
At HealthNow, our workforce plays a vital role in
improving the health of millions of people and is
critical to the success of our multi-billion dollar
health benefits plan.
“Leadership is a privilege
and a responsibility.”
Marjorie F. Hsu
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PDJ
88 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Swanee Hunt
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F IHSU
HN, TL LAPLT
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network of mentors who supported me and gave me the FIRST JOB: A gift wrapper at Jordan Marsh Department
Store at age 14
courage to take risks I wouldn’t normally take. READING: Genealogy books
My first job after college was in a management training PHILOSOPHY: Be comfortable with who you are and never
program at a department store. After working there for five stop having fun. If you love what you do, then everything else
will fall into place.
years, I was passed by for a promotion for a white male FAMILY: Widowed, large extended family
coworker with little experience and no college degree. I left INTERESTS: Shopping, playing golf, and researching my
that job shortly thereafter to pursue a law degree, but the expe- family history
FAVORITE CHARITIES: NAACP Legal Defense Fund,
rience made me realize that I would have to push myself my church
harder and overcome a lot of barriers in order to be successful.
Former Congresswoman Carrie Meek, my good friend
and lifelong mentor, constantly encouraged me to “kick butt me to be a leader within the firm and teaching me how to com-
with grace,” a motto I used to build a successful government bine success and profit with making a positive difference in
lobbying practice and become only the second female share- the community.
holder at the international law firm Becker & Poliakoff. I’ve also learned that the roles of mentor and mentee are often
At Becker & Poliakoff, I have the opportunity to devote interchangeable, and I find myself learning and being inspired by
my efforts to lobbying for causes I believe in, such as helping leaders of all ages and backgrounds. I’m a firm believer in peer
historically black colleges obtain funding and making mentorship because mentoring isn’t about age or title, but about
sure that the small, primarily minority communities have their sharing the lessons you’ve learned and setting a good example that
voices heard in front of the state legislature. The firm’s founder, inspires others to develop their strengths and become leaders in
Alan Becker, has also served as my mentor, encouraging their own way.
My experiences with mentoring have made me feel very pas-
sionately about serving as a mentor for others. My best advice for
COMPANY: Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
other women is to have confidence in yourself and know that you
HEADQUARTERS: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
WEBSITE: www.becker-poliakoff.com too are blazing a trail for future generations. Women have a ten-
BUSINESS: Commercial law dency not to toot their own horns, but you should never be afraid
2006 REVENUES: N/A to stand up and make the world take notice of your achievements.
EMPLOYEES: More than 120 attorneys in 14 Florida offices
and international and affiliated offices in the Czech Republic,
China, Germany, France and Israel
PDJ
90 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
DIVERSITY
determines a company’s success.
Eastman Kodak Company is committed to becoming a truly diverse
corporation. Embracing the ideals of diversity enables us to better meet
the needs of our customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities in
which we live and work. All of which ensures our continued success in the
global marketplace.
www.kodak.com/go/supplierdiversity
PDJ
92 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Carol J. Johnson
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L LKPE L
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My first job out of college was with Dun and Bradstreet My superiors challenged me, like my parents, to be the best
as an account supervisor, supporting the company’s team of and enabled me to try new roles that helped to develop my skills
global sales executives. Throughout my career, I often have and experience. My managers were engaged and gave me feedback
been faced with being the youngest person in my peer group. because they truly wanted me to succeed.
While hard work and commitment earned me the roles, Today, I work hard to do the same—to care about my staff and
strong bosses who became coaches and mentors helped me those that I mentor and to give back to them the learning and sup-
learn and grow into being a professional capable of handling port that my mentors gave me during the early days of my career.
larger responsibility. Advice that has served me well is to watch and observe
what good leaders do, then incorporate what’s natural for you.
Leadership is developed from your experiences and it influences
COMPANY: Kelly Services, Inc. how you successfully operate in the business world as well as how
HEADQUARTERS: Troy, Michigan effective you are in building relationships with clients.
WEB SITE: www.kellyservices.com The foundation we grew up with forms the basis for who we
BUSINESS: Temporary staffing
are as adults and the success we are capable of experiencing in our
2006 REVENUES: $5.5 billion
career. Be accountable, be a leader, and your dreams will come true.
EMPLOYEES: 8,600
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ences as a fellow female in the division. She taught me to speak FAVORITE CHARITY: Sulpizio Family UCSD
Cardiovascular Center
up with respect to my interests at GE outside of my role as an
engineer. As an example, I had a strong interest in the interna-
tional business at GE, but felt that because I was a woman, in with customers. The head of the business unit saw the passion and
a non-HQ location, I would never be accepted. She encour- joy I had in this work, and encouraged me to make the leap from
aged me to pursue my interests and be vocal about my desires. a technical role to a business role. It took me a month to make the
I did as she advised, and managed to work my way successful- decision, but because my mentor saw something in me that I did
ly into the international side of business at GE. not instantly see myself, I entered into a new facet of my career—
My second mentor was at QUALCOMM, where I start- one that has led me to where I am today.
ed as an engineer, and often traveled with the business teams I’ve benefited tremendously from these mentoring relation-
to customer visits to translate the technical details of a solution ships and now have the opportunity to be a mentor to others. I’ve
into language the customer could understand. I loved working taken a very informal approach to mentoring, as I believe people
will often be more candid and honest in an informal setting.
Through my informal efforts I’ve been privileged to play a part as
COMPANY: QUALCOMM, Inc. others have risen within QUALCOMM. I would never have taken
HEADQUARTERS: San Diego, California on the role of a mentor if it weren’t for the two individuals who
WEB SITE: www.qualcomm.com took an interest in me early in my career and now I enjoy being
BUSINESS: Technology / communications equipment able to give something back.
2006 REVENUES: $7.5 billion
EMPLOYEES: 11,200
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94 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
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Patti A. Johnson
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as they could be. It’s essential that we, as women, recognize the ing teams, always value the ability to be intellectually nimble.
power of mentors in career development and make time to Lifelong learning expands our perspectives and keeps our minds
guide those around us. I’d like to pass on a few principles that open to address issues that we may never have realized were staring
unknown territory provides new ideas, new information and way we do things around here.” When we stop challenging our-
greater understanding of what we can achieve. selves to grow and change, we fail as leaders.
COMPANY: Ecolab Inc. plan. Develop your own ideas—then find those with expertise to
HEADQUARTERS: St. Paul, Minnesota share, inspire, refine and supercharge the outcome.
WEB SITE: www.ecolab.com
Remember that each of us contributes differently. Your job as
BUSINESS: The world’s leading provider of cleaning,
sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products a leader is to find the best in each member of your team. Respect
and services.
the different talents and abilities of your team, and provide each
2006 REVENUES: $5 billion
EMPLOYEES: 23,000 member the opportunity to contribute in his or her own way.
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Deborah P. Kelly
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S HD, I C
LLKP
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CHEVRON is a registered trademark of Chevron Corporation. The CHEVRON HALLMARK and HUMAN ENERGY are trademarks of Chevron Corporation. ©2007 Chevron Corporation. All rights reserved.
eq ua lit y an d
Th e po we r of
is th e po we r of
pa rt ne rs hi p es
. It’ s wh at dr iv
hu m an en er gy re as on
, an d it’ s th e
ou r co m pa ny e
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W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Martha D. Leiper
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CREW NETU
WNOURM
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Debra M. Lewis
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, L
ULNPI T/EC
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OPTIMISM IS AN ENERGY MULTIPLIER. Negativism is toxic to FAMILY: Husband, Doug Adams; three children
our health and can derail even the best plan, diverting precious INTERESTS: Horses, Oriental art, dining out—especially
desserts
energy and focus away from overcoming our challenges. Set
FAVORITE CHARITY: West Point Equestrian Team
high interpersonal standards and stop negative thinking and
behaviors. Skillfully frame things to be productive as you
enhance trust and teamwork. Surround yourself with positive DISCOVER THE CONTEXT. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
reminders such as quotes, mementos and photos of smiling Initial reports are often wrong, so ask good questions. Not obtain-
faces and people who inspire you to greater achievements. ing available information can result in unsuccessful strategies.
ONLY ONE PERSON CAN DERAIL YOUR TEAM, IF YOU LET THEM. WHEN BEING FLEXIBLE IS NOT ENOUGH, BE FLUID. Be aware of
We need each other. In Iraq, over 15 percent of our team the situation and anticipate all outcomes. Otherwise, an unexpect-
rotates monthly. Before a team member runs the ball in the ed riptide may pull you away from your intended goal. Your
wrong direction, ensure everyone knows what success looks timing for presenting good ideas is also important. Use the current
like and are working together to get there. to your advantage, rather than ignore it at your peril or miss impor-
tant opportunities.
REAL COMMUNICATION IS HARDER THAN EVER. Work environ-
COMPANY: United States Army ments are stressful and tasks more complex. Time spent including
HEADQUARTERS: Baghdad, Iraq others early and often, being respectful and fair, and finding out
WEB SITE: www.army.mil who else needs to know pays big dividends. The bottom line is that
BUSINESS: U.S. Defense people are the ones who make a difference. Let each one know that
EMPLOYEES: 480,000 they are valued because, “Together we can accomplish anything!”
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Louise Liang, MD
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , LKLA
PI S
/ ECRR E
PWE RN
MEATN
W EO
NRTK
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Cynthia Little
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P PA
/ CR
RKEEW
R N
HEATNW
NOI FR
INK
me into his office with him on Saturday mornings. I observed like them to treat you. If you do this one thing, success
will follow.
first hand how he treated his work and how he dealt with FAMILY: Husband, daughter 26, granddaughter 7
others. It became very obvious that he was committed to INTERESTS: Jogging, piano, reading, traveling
excellence in everything he was involved with. Additionally, FAVORITE CHARITY: ASPCA
Nancy Little
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LL
M PC/GC
URIR
EEWWN
OEOTDW
S OLR
LKP
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104 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
[ BANK OF THE WEST ]
WANT
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ANT WORKK FOR A
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TRUL GGREAT
LLYY GREAAATT BANK??
AT BA
AT ANK OF THE WEST,
BANK WESTT, WE BELIEVE OUR
O CUSTOMERSS ARE
WELLL SERVED BY EMPLOYEES
WELL EM
MPLOYEES WHO ARE WELL SERVED.
SERVVED.
Different perspectives
p generate freshh ideas. That’s
That’s why at Bankk of the West,
West, we value diversity
diveersity and
equal opp ortunity for all our employees.
opportunity employeees. YYear
ear after year,
year, we continue
conttinue to grow stronger thanks
thannks to our
unique bleend of people. After all, in today’s
blend tooday’s competitive banking environment,
e it is our employees
emplooyees with
innovativee ideas that keep us a step ahead
ahead of the rest.
rest
www.bankofthewest.com
www.bankofthewest.com
Ning-Ning Mahlmann
F E D E R A L B U R E A U NOUFT T
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, L&AN
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innovative and lasting projects that benefited the organization FIRST JOB: Newspaper reporter
READING: Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple
and the people in it. When I look back, I know that I did not Intelligences, by Howard Gardner
do everything alone. I had supervisors who believed in me, PHILOSOPHY: The shade we enjoy comes from the trees
colleagues who trusted me and staff who supported me. Below planted by our predecessors.
FAMILY: Husband, John J. Mahlmann; son Justin and his
are some important points of advice that have helped me:
family; my mother and my brothers
• Ask yourself what you want to accomplish when you take INTERESTS: Tennis, jazz, ballet, music and travel
a job, and stick to it until it is done. Once you accomplish FAVORITE CHARITY: Missionaries of Charity
it, look for another meaningful project.
• Share your vision with the people you lead, and give them
the autonomy to do the job. All of us want to have a clear continuously develop your interpersonal and leadership
goal and to get involved in achieving something bigger than skills. You can always learn from others. Imitate their strengths;
ourselves. The sharing and achieving energize us all. reflect upon yourself when observing their weak-nesses. Learn
• Develop your employees so that the talent pool can be from your own mistakes. Listen to constructive criticism
sustained. When your staff members are top performers, you carefully.
become a top performer. • Focus on positive thinking. Setbacks and trials are great
• Be grateful to those who helped you and reciprocate. They character-building opportunities. The struggles, endurance, suf-
will be your loyal assets. fering and patience help people mature and prepare them to face
greater challenges in the future.
• Keep on learning because the world keeps on changing.
In addition to sharpening your trade skills, you should • Examine yourself frequently. Did you try to do your best?
Were you faithful when conducting business with others? Have
you kept your promises to others?
COMPANY: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Language
As a chef would say, all good food starts with fine ingredients.
Services Section
HEADQUARTERS: Washington, D.C. The recipe for success in your job and in life begins with a healthy
WEBSITE: www.fbi.gov body and mind, happy family life and caring friends.
BUSINESS: Law enforcement
EMPLOYEES: Approximately 190
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Dee Mahoney
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C R E WP N
F IEZTEW
ROIN
RCK
mand and found myself wanting to instill that same feeling in FAMILY: Married with three children
INTERESTS: Family activities, exercise and skiing
others. I still come to him for his insight and advice about my
FAVORITE CHARITY: New York City Leukemia and
business challenges. Lymphoma Society
Other mentors supported my career and advocated my
talents to senior executives. Each helped me in different ways.
They saw potential in me, advocated on my behalf and helped immunodeficiency virus) requires different skills. Once again,
me develop the skills I needed at each phase in my career. mentors and advocates continue to help me develop my strategic
I joined Pfizer in 1988 as a field sales representative in thinking and navigate our complex organization.
Washington, D.C. My mentor and hiring manager helped me Keeping your focus on succeeding in the job at hand,
develop the sales skills I needed in my entry-level role. As while keeping an eye to the future, is a philosophy that serves any
I moved up into sales leadership, mentors helped me see the leader well. It is important for all of us to understand that we must
value of building high-performing teams. excel in our current position before we can be considered for
My current position overseeing Pfizer’s $2.65 billion busi- more responsibilities.
ness unit for oncology, infectious disease and HIV (human While it is our responsibility to gain an understanding of the
career opportunities that lie ahead of us, we also should look back
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Kim Martin
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, K
L ILN
PD/RC
ERD EH
W EA
NLT
E THW
COAR K
E
mistakes and chances taken. Navigating successfully through INTERESTS: Baseball and the Sunday New York Times
the years will depend on deciding not “what” you want to be, FAVORITE CHARITY: Toys for Tots
but “who” you want to be. Staying true to that decision will
make future decisions a lot easier.
As women, we possess a great level of intuition. Some call Intuition in hiring is a good example. Ask one hundred exec-
it a gut feeling, but “intuition” sounds a bit more palatable. utives whether they have ever made a bad hire. Chances are, every
Learning to trust that intuition takes courage and confidence one of them will raise a hand, except the ones who are lying
and a willingness to accept the mistakes that flow from not to themselves.
trusting it. There are some principles I would encourage you to explore
for examples in your own lives. Look around you. The most suc-
cessful people have hired very smart people and have served them
COMPANY: Kindred Healthcare well. Servant leadership is an overused term and an underused skill.
HEADQUARTERS: Louisville, Kentucky Be known as a person of honesty and integrity. Treat people
WEBSITE: www.kindredhealthcare.com well, not because you think it will advance your career, but because
BUSINESS: Kindred Healthcare Inc. is a Fortune 500 health it is the right thing to do. Successful careers are not absent of mis-
care services company based in Louisville, Kentucky, that pro-
vides services in approximately 600 locations in 38 states. takes; they are just outnumbered by things done right. Making
Through its subsidiaries, Kindred operates long-term acute good decisions often begins with the question: “What is the right
care hospitals, skilled nursing centers, institutional pharmacies
and a contract rehabilitation services business, Peoplefirst thing to do?”
Rehabilitation Services, across the United States.
2006 REVENUES: $4.3 billion
EMPLOYEES: 56,000
PDJ
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mgmmiragediversity.com
N e v a d a : B e l l a g i o • M G M G r a n d • M a n d a l a y B a y • T h e M i r a g e • Tr e a s u r e I s l a n d • M o n t e C a r l o • N e w Yo r k - N e w Yo r k • L u x o r • E x c a l i b u r • C i r c u s C i r c u s
Railroad Pass • Primm Valley Resorts • Silver Legacy • Circus Circus Reno • Colorado Belle • Edgewater • Gold Strike • Nevada Landing
O u t s i d e N e v a d a : B e a u R i v a g e • G o l d S t r i k e - Tu n i c a • G r a n d V i c t o r i a • M G M G r a n d D e t r o i t
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Gretchen McClain
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P I/T C
T RCEO
W RP
NOER
T AT
WO IO
RNK
neers and having a very strong support system in place, the PHILOSOPHY: You create a legacy from what you do on a
day-to-day basis. I really enjoy watching people grow…helping
comment pushed me to make a name for myself. I didn’t want them stretch out of their comfort zone and achieve something
to just be “George’s daughter,” despite being proud of that. that they never thought they could.
FAMILY: Married, 21 years
You have to work very hard and stretch yourself. Never INTERESTS: Golf, hiking, travel
give up and never ever think you can’t do it. It is very impor- FAVORITE CHARITY: Stockholm Junior Water Prize
tant to be intellectually curious. One of the things that I truly
enjoy is learning something new. If you challenge yourself and
work with others who have been through similar situations, market something taught me that you shouldn’t be focused in
you can get over any hurdles. one narrow area. You have to be able to understand all areas of
a particular business and understand how they relate to the
In my career, I moved from very technical mechanical
bigger picture.
design work to program management—running the
International Space Station program—and ultimately to run- Be skilled at what you do best, deliver results, broaden your
ning a global division of a multi-industry, multi-national com- thinking, be committed to making a difference and follow your
pany. Moving from an analytical/design perspective to the dreams. Those are attributes that will pull you through tough times
challenges you face when you actually have to build and and ultimately make you successful. These traits will also attract
other people who want to work with you. You will only be as good
as your ability to integrate ideas and experience from others around
COMPANY: ITT Corporation
HEADQUARTERS: White Plains, New York you to create a better solution.
WEB SITE: www.itt.com
BUSINESS: ITT Corporation supplies advanced technology
products and services in several growth markets.
2006 REVENUE: $7.8 billion
EMPLOYEES: 41,000
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perspectives
We each
backgrounds
have a thoughts
unique story
to tell
experiences
Truly listening to our customers is at the heart of our On Your Side® promise.
And at Nationwide, we care about helping you meet your unique needs.
Nationwide, the Nationwide framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
1-877-On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2007 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, All Rights Reserved.
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Antoinette P. McCorvey
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P /EC
ARSE
TWMA
NNE TKW
OODA
RK
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Pritha Mehra
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FIS
THH,E LU
L .PS ./ P
CORS
ETA
W LN E
STEW
RVOI R
CKE
My journey began as a young Indian woman entering this EDUCATION: BS, computer science, University of Maryland;
International Executive MBA, Georgetown University
country with some trepidation, but with a spirit of adventure
FIRST JOB: Computer programmer, Rexnord Automation
to embrace a new land. I faced many challenges, missed my
READING: Palace Walk, by Naguib Mahfouz; Collapse: How
family and the pulsing community of India. Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, by Jared Diamond
Accompanying me was the mentoring and advice I PHILOSOPHY: The only way to predict the future is to create
received as a child from my father: “A job worth doing is worth it. You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
doing well.” Those who are fully engaged, dedicated to FAMILY: Married, one son
progress and committed to excellence are guaranteed success. INTERESTS: Reading, tennis, teaching Indian cooking, travel,
world music, collecting Indian art
I also believe one must be fearless in approaching the
future and embracing change. I value the words of Marcel
Proust, “We must never be afraid to go too far, for truth lies
beyond.” The truth of any situation and the solution to prob- grounds and communities lend us strength, definition, and char-
lems usually lies beyond the obvious, the routine or the acter. But it is the diverse communities of thought and
habitual. Whether it is devising strategic program direction for talent we create that executes a vision that brings new value and
the U.S. Postal Service or teaching Indian cooking, I always try innovation. I see my work as enabling these communities by
to provoke, enlighten and engage all at once; moving beyond communicating a vision that energizes individuals to work toward
the stereotypes that limit our vision and ability to change for a common goal.
the better. Staying grounded and carefully measuring progress is essential.
At the Postal Service, I have been involved in communi- Winston Churchill concluded that however beautiful the strategy,
cating the value of change and technical innovation, and you should occasionally look at the results. I am known within the
found that by involving a spectrum of stakeholders and per- USPS for being focused and demanding extraordinary effort.
spectives, change truly can be transformative. Our back- As a leader, I know I must constantly keep our focus on our vision
and see to it that we get the results we need.
I know that hard work will take me as far as I can dream.
COMPANY: The U.S. Postal Service
In this country my status as a woman was less important than the
HEADQUARTERS: Washington, D.C.
value I could bring to whatever goal I set. This was a true freedom:
WEB SITE: www.usps.com
a freedom to choose what is best of one’s background, while
BUSINESS: Mail and delivery service
inhabiting a variety of thought and learning to enable new visions.
2006 REVENUES: $73 billion
EMPLOYEES: 700,000 across the country
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Stacy P. Methvin
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L LRPOYA
/ CL
R EDW
U TN
CEHT W
S HOER
LKL
The ability of an organization to create and deliver value for its stakeholders will be determined in part by
its success in ensuring a safe, healthy and enjoyable workplace culture that attracts and retains a highly
motivated, valued and diverse workforce.
Diversity is a key part of our business strategy. It’s the power behind our vision and the catalyst that sparks
our energy in support of women breaking barriers and going beyond.
Reliant Energy proudly recognizes Janie Mitcham, Senior Vice President, Reliant Energy Retail
Services and supports women and their accomplishments.
reliant.com
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Janie Mitcham
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / RCER
LEIA
WN T
N EETNW
EROG
RYK
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Christy Moberly
NUTTER McCLE
SNTAT
N EE
N FA
& RFM
I S HI N
, S
LLUPR A
/ N
CCRE W
C ONM
ETPA
WNOIR
EKS
NationalCity.com/community
NationalCity.com
Member FDIC • ©2007, National City Corporation®
CS-27520
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Hala Moddelmog
N U T T E R M c C L E N N ES
NU &
S AFN
I SG
H ., K
LLOP
M/E N
C RFEOW
R N
THET
EWCO
UR K
E
an agent of change.
The first order of business for any new CEO is to talk to I learned that the people working for Komen and all those
as many people as possible and truly listen to what they who support the cause are extremely passionate about breast can-
have to say. For my first 90 days at Komen, I did just that. cer awareness and education. They are dedicated to finding the
I spoke with staff, with our national and international affili- cures and ending this devastating disease once and for all. When
ates, our board of directors, our activists in the field people believe in what their organization strives for, they are will-
and numerous breast cancer survivors. I listened, and I attend- ing to work that much harder to achieve every goal.
ed major conferences to discuss breast cancer with researchers I never stop listening, but there comes a time when a leader
and physicians. has to make decisions for the betterment of the organization. Based
on what I had heard throughout the organization, I was able to
make critical decisions early on that resulted in positive responses
COMPANY: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
from all of Komen’s key constituents. Everyone felt energized and
HEADQUARTERS: Dallas, Texas
a part of a greater whole. They knew that I had listened and that
WEBSITE: www.komen.org and www.25komen.org they had provided input into the decision-making process. It
BUSINESS: Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a 501(c)(3) showed them that change is a good thing.
organization and the world’s largest grassroots network of
breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to end breast Overcoming obstacles and challenges in your personal life and
cancer forever. professional career is all about believing in yourself. If you believe
2006 REVENUES: More than $200 million in yourself—and listen to those along the way—you’ll be surprised
EMPLOYEES: 160 full-time employees at headquarters; at what you can overcome.
more than 100,000 volunteer activists and survivors in the
United States and around the world
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120 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
finally
Training that Moves
Beyond Diversity...
Your workplace has become more diverse . . .
But is it inclusive?
Our Subtle Behaviors Workshop teaches you the simple words, small
behaviors, even body language, that can have significant meaning to
individuals and groups. Based on the book, 58 little things that have
a BIG impact: What’s Your MicroTrigger?, this workshop has
become the favorite for those who want to move beyond diversity
to become inclusive.
to Inclusion!
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Beth Mooney
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CREW N
KEET
YWBA
ONRK
One of my early fans gave me my first job in banking. He FAMILY: My father and sister, who live in Boulder, Col.; my
niece Libby, of whom I am deeply proud; and my brother,
was a little skeptical at first. I didn’t have an MBA at that time, who lives in Dallas.
and women were scarce in banking. But by offering me the INTERESTS: Attending Cleveland events with intermissions
position, he gave me an opportunity to succeed. And when I and half times, travel.
did, he not only was highly supportive, but he also became one FAVORITE CHARITIES: The Cleveland Orchestra, for which
I am trustee and treasurer, and the Cleveland arts community
of my biggest fans.
Another fan was a bank president who put me in charge
of crucial client relationships that traditionally were managed
by men. His action prompted calls from worried clients: “Do
you not want my business any more? Why are you sending a In my experience, one of the biggest career de-railers is the
woman to handle my accounts?” But he stuck by me, saying he inability to see yourself as others see you. So, I think it’s vital to
wouldn’t have sent me if he hadn’t thought that I could do the seek out mentors who will reflect you to yourself and help you
work. He gave me the chance to prove myself. strengthen specific behaviors. This is not easy. You may hear some
As these examples illustrate, mentors don’t guarantee tough feedback, but you will build a better career if you listen care-
success; they open a door. That open door may lead to a fully and accept the guidance.
particular job or career or, even more powerful, insight on how If you are successful, reconnect with and thank those whose
to manage yourself. support, encouragement or advice helped you. Then share their
gift. Reach out to other promising individuals and support, when
and where you can, their career journey toward success.
COMPANY: KeyBank
HEADQUARTERS: Cleveland, Ohio
WEBSITE: www.key.com
BUSINESS: Financial services
2006 REVENUES: $4.9 billion
EMPLOYEES: Approximately 20,000
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Lisa Moriyama
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / CW
REW
L L PNOEITNW
TOIN
RCK
These individuals who became my mentors became very PHILOSOPHY: Be generous. Help others shine. Focus on the
right thing.
interested in what I could contribute to the company and
FAMILY: Married, four children, nine grandchildren
wanted to bring out the best I had to offer. They approached INTERESTS: Chamber music, jazz, poetry, architecture
me with the idea that I could be a leader, so consequently I FAVORITE CHARITY: Global Fund for Women
was afforded the tools and classes that would help me become
a manager.
Being raised in a Japanese family, my culture played a key BE OPEN. Life changes and you have to be prepared to respond.
role in my development. It was ingrained in me early on that
BE MINDFUL. By not being present you can miss an opportunity.
the good of the organization was far more important than the
goals and aspirations of the individual. An early mentor LOOK OUTSIDE OF YOURSELF. Find those individuals that can help
strongly suggested that I be the best me. However, I could be you learn.
a first-rate me or be a second-rate someone else. It was a sug- DREAM. Have a vision and think of the possibilities. Managers
gestion that I never forgot. manage but leaders have a vision and act upon it.
If I could impart some essential wisdom to those women
Although it’s certainly easier today for women to move up the
aspiring to move up the corporate ladder it would be
corporate ladder, we can’t neglect the contributions of the first gen-
the following:
eration of women. They paved the way and broke through the glass
ceiling creating ample opportunities for today’s woman executive.
I’m proud of my company, WellPoint, Inc., because it excels at
COMPANY: WellPoint, Inc.
HEADQUARTERS: Indianapolis, Indiana modeling women leaders and promoting a number of women to
WEBSITE: www.wellpoint.com the executive suite.
BUSINESS: Health benefits
2006 REVENUES: $57 billion
EMPLOYEES: 41,000
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Nora E. Moushey
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them through working with people you admire and with PHILOSOPHY: Focus on people.
FAMILY: My husband, Mike; son Doug and daughter-in-law
whom you share a common interest. Your mentors should be
Erin; daughter Laura; my parents, Margaret Jane Eyre and
people who will push you to do better and be available to Harry Eyre; brother Curt Eyre; and sister Carla Eyre—
a wonderful family and a great support system.
advise you.
INTERESTS: Reading, theater and travel
In addition to having a mentor, it is important that you
FAVORITE CHARITY: Junior Achievement
study and work hard to learn about your chosen profession.
Think big and aim high. Always focus on the ideal state.
Where should things be? How should the process work? What Gaining knowledge of your field through your mentors, study
should be happening? Then figure out how to get there. and experience will give you expertise, which will give you credi-
Be sure to learn from your experiences, the good ones and bility and, ultimately, influence. Setting clear priorities and goals,
the bad ones. Take time to reflect upon why something was for your life as well as for your work, will help you develop a plan
successful, along with celebrating that success. Mistakes and of action and follow through on it.
missteps can be painful, but be sure to analyze the causes so It is important not to make commitments that you cannot
that you do not repeat your error. keep, as that has an effect on your credibility with your mentors
Focus on people. Always try to understand others’ inter- and peers. Also, a key to success is building a support system of
ests and motivations and treat them with dignity and respect. family, friends, church or other organizations that broaden your
view and reenergize you. Never forget to recognize and thank all
the people who support and help you in your career.
COMPANY: Western & Southern Financial Group
HEADQUARTERS: Cincinnati, Ohio Finally, be a mentor. Surround yourself with the best and the
WEBSITE: www.westernsouthern.com brightest, and give them every opportunity to succeed.
BUSINESS: Insurance, investments and other
financial services
2006 REVENUES: $4.8 billion
EMPLOYEES: 4,500
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124 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Her work
opens the door
for tomorrow’s
Women Worth
Watching.
Beth Mooney
Vice Chair of KeyCorp
©2007 KeyCorp
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Shamla Naidoo
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / CW
REW
L L PNOEITNW
TOIN
RCK
the position purely on the results of an aptitude test. That was PHILOSOPHY: Life is an invitation. I pass on to
others what I have received.
my lucky break. For the next several years, I attended college
FAMILY: Daughter
while working full time. I learned the subject matter of my
INTERESTS: Reading, nature and anything that flies (birds of
positions every chance I got, while I sought out and accepted
prey, aircraft, etc.)
help. I learned technology skills from anyone who would teach
FAVORITE CHARITIES: Apna Ghar, a women’s shelter in
me. I tried to be the best employee I could be, executing both Chicago, and World Vision
my job and education with passion and energy.
But career-related interests should have only been part of
my life at that time, not my entire life; but my circumstances high and bring to bear all of your resources—your intellect, expe-
were extreme. I do not advocate this kind of singular-focused rience, energy, intuition and courage.
lifestyle. Balance in life is essential for the body, the mind and There will be times, however, when your ambition (what you
the soul. want to become) does not coincide with your reality (your current
My advice to anyone wanting to move forward in her state and circumstances), and you may be disappointed. The key is
company or any endeavor is to determine what your ambitions to adjust. Adjust either your reality or your ambition, always know-
are. Be creative and stretch your imagination, but balance the ing that you will be surprised at what is possible when you are will-
ambition with reality. Take a holistic approach. Include work, ing to do what’s needed.
relationships, activities and well-being. Don’t be afraid to aim In my story, my ambition was to get out of the slum, and my
reality was that poverty meant I was not going anywhere. I needed
to change my reality by working harder and studying more. In
COMPANY: WellPoint, Inc. adjusting my reality, I realized the power of ambition and the mag-
HEADQUARTERS: Indianapolis, Indiana
nitude of the result.
WEB SITE: www.wellpoint.com
BUSINESS: Health benefits
2006 REVENUES: Nearly $57 billion
EMPLOYEES: Approximately 42,000
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Debra Nelson
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C RM
EWGM
N EM
T IW
ROAR
GKE
ment says it all. No matter what path you find yourself on, it EDUCATION: BA, University of Alabama
is essential to have passion for what you do. There are three FIRST JOB: Director of Community Affairs, WSGN Radio
principles that have guided me in my career:
READING: The Eighth Habit, by Stephen Covey
VISION. When I was a child, my mother encouraged me to PHILOSOPHY: To be considered as someone who is acutely
dream the greatest dream that I could. This strategy provided conscious of giving back, making a meaningful difference in the
me with the vision for my career and life, enabling me to con- lives of others and inspiring those with whom I work to reach
their highest potential.
sider and establish specific goals to propel me on my path. I
believe that having a vision keeps you motivated when facing INTERESTS: Travel, dancing, language
obstacles and inspires you to seek solutions to meet goals. FAVORITE CHARITIES: Nevada HAND (Housing and
Successful leaders are often visionaries who are always thinking Neighborhood Development), I Have A Dream Foundation
EMPLOYEES: 67,000
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Tracey Newell
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C R E W N E TC
WI O
SCRO
K
O ver the years, I have worked with some very strong leaders
who have taught me important lessons along the way. Below
TITLE: Vice President, Commercial West, Cisco Systems
EDUCATION: BA in business economics, University of
I have compiled these lessons to create my Building Blocks California, Santa Barbara
for success. Here are just a few of my rules to live by. FIRST JOB: Account executive
Set lofty goals, and then help others to do the same. Many READING: The Lake House, by James Patterson
people sell themselves short. I was taught at an early age PHILOSOPHY: Anything is possible, and any goal can
be achieved. Most goals worth achieving are a journey, so
to always aim high. I have made it my goal to share that celebrate milestones along the way. Never compromise on
lesson, always encouraging those around me to think big and integrity; no end result is worth it. The quickest path to
achieve big. success is to surround yourself with people smarter than you.
Look for game changing opportunities. In any organiza- FAMILY: Husband, two daughters
tion, there is always an opportunity to do things differently. INTERESTS: Running, tennis, golf and reading
I always look for ways to change the rules, working with the FAVORITE CHARITY: Junior Achievement
PDJ
128 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
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Linda Norman
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EDUCATION:
General Manager
Duke University, BA Political Science 1986
access to individuals who have directly and positively influ- FIRST JOB: Camp Counselor
READING: Good to Great, by Jim Collins
enced my life.
PHILOSOPHY: My philosophy is that to whom much is
When I began my career in hospitality, I was a recent col- given, much is required.
At the very heart of our promise is the drive to create a culture that
encourages diversity and inclusion, recognizes the importance of
being a strong corporate citizen and rewards those who deliver
exceptional service to our customers.
Harris® is a trade name used by Harris N.A. and its affiliates. Member FDIC harrisbank.com
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Kathy Paladino
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C R E WMN
OETTOW
RO R
LAK
Martha Papariello
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C R E WVA
NNET
GWUA
OR D
K
well every step of the way. Wharton’s Advanced Management Program, University
of Pennsylvania
WORK HARD. BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITIES. NEVER STOP FIRST JOB: Accountant at Vanguard
LEARNING. When I began my career at Vanguard after college, READING: Truman, by David McCullough; Defining Moment,
I started out as an accountant. The irony of this was not lost by Jonathan Alter
on me. As those who know me can appreciate, accounting was PHILOSOPHY: Do the right thing, no matter what. There is
no “I” in team.
not my passion. Nevertheless, I believed in my ability to learn
FAMILY: One daughter
what was necessary to do the job well. What I lacked in tech-
INTERESTS: Running, reading and riding horses
nical knowledge I would overcome with lots of hard work. I
FAVORITE CHARITIES: United Way and environmental
was ready for any challenge. These beliefs served me well in my conservation
very first job and have ever since.
ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING. Stay focused, get the facts and
evaluate solutions when confronted with problems, challenges TREAT EVERYONE YOU MEET WITH RESPECT, CONSIDERATION AND
or surprises. There is something very energizing about working DIGNITY. VALUE DIVERSITY. BE OPEN TO DEBATE. I learned these les-
through tough situations for the best possible solution. sons at a very young age (thanks to my parents, three sisters and a
Furthermore, doing the right thing, even when it is unpopular brother), and they’re just as relevant today as they were then. No
and difficult, has been incredibly rewarding. Why? Well, being matter how far you may go in your career, or how impressive your
able to stand by my decisions and respect myself are a part of credentials may be, never hold yourself in higher esteem than you
it. More importantly, though, others have come to know that do those around you. Some of the best ideas come from unexpect-
they can rely on me to do what’s right. ed sources. By inviting diverse points of view and being willing to
debate issues, I’ve made better decisions.
COMPANY: Vanguard Getting up every day and going to work has always been easy for
HEADQUARTERS: Valley Forge, Pennsylvania me because I love the company I work for and the work that I do.
WEB SITE: www.Vanguard.com My final bit of advice to others is to find this for yourself. Many of
BUSINESS: Vanguard is one of the world’s largest invest- you will spend more hours working than in any other endeavor in
ment management companies, serving individual investors,
institutions and financial professionals at offices in Valley
your lifetime. If you haven’t found a company you respect, don’t
Forge, Pa.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Charlotte, N.C. stop looking until you do.
EMPLOYEES: More than 12,000
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134 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
No barriers.
Just opportunities.
Bring your leadership, strategic thinking, and
Named one of Training magazine’s “Top 125” programs, March 2007. Vanguard, Connect with Vanguard, and the ship logo are trademarks of The Vanguard Group, Inc. All other marks are
the exclusive property of their respective owners. © 2007 The Vanguard Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Susan Penfield
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S HB
, O
L LOPZ /AC
LRLEN
W HNAEM
TWI LT
OORN
K
At CVS/pharmacy, we put a lot more into the communities we serve than a store. Like achievement,
through our continuing work with Special Olympics. Confidence, with our hitting clinics for children with
disabilities, in partnership with the Red Sox. And support, with things like our CVS/pharmacy
Charity Classic golf tournament, which has raised millions of dollars for hundreds of family and children’s charities.
We do all this because every community that we serve is also a community where we live.
This is our home. And home is always where your heart is.
Beth S. Perlman
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I SC
HO, N
L LSPT E
/ LC
LRAT
EWION
N EETNW
EROG
RYK
myself with successful people—individuals who valued hon- FAMILY: Happily Single
INTERESTS: Golf, shopping, travel, the arts, philanthropy
esty, integrity and hard work, and were active participants in
FAVORITE CHARITY: American Technion Society, an
their own success—and spent as much time as possible culti- organization promoting science and technology in Israel
vating my leadership style.
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138 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Our Diverse Universe Boasts Some Very Bright Stars
At Constellation Energy, we’re very proud that Beth Perlman, we create and cultivate business ideas that give our company
Sr. Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief a leadership position in an ever-changing world.
Information Officer, has been chosen by Diversity Journal
as one of its “Women Worth Watching in 2008.”
Pictured at the Eubie Blake Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
Pictured above are a few more of the talented leaders who
in Baltimore, Maryland, are (left to right) Martha Duggan, Vice
are helping us expand our lead as the #1 national provider of
President, Mid-Atlantic Region, Constellation NewEnergy;
energy and energy services to large commercial and industrial
Leanne Posko, Managing Director, Community Partnerships,
customers, and as the nation’s largest wholesale power seller.
Constellation Energy; Wynne Hayes, Chief Technology Officer,
We value and support a broad range of experience and Corporate Applications, Constellation Energy; and Janese
perspectives. By encouraging diverse ideas and opinions, Murray, Director, Corporate Diversity, Constellation Energy.
constellation.com
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
association for women. This association provided me with the INTERESTS: Reading, relaxing on the beach, meditation, yoga
FAVORITE CHARITY: Habitat for Humanity
opportunity to interact with senior leaders dedicated to the
advancement of women. I soon realized that I needed to give
back and take on a leadership position within this organiza-
Having a network of people to mentor you is crucial, regard-
tion. Before long, I had a statewide role that allowed me to
less of where you are in your career. The more senior you become,
travel and speak to women’s groups. This is probably where I
the less likely you will receive candid feedback or advice. Nurture
first coined the phrase I use today: “Insert yourself where you
your contacts. Meet periodically with them, even if it is just to
add value.” In other words, find a place where you can show
check in. You then will find that when you need advice or counsel,
what you know and learn from others.
those people will be there to support you.
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from people at all levels of the workplace. The ideal work team EDUCATION: BA, Boston College; JD and LLM, University
of Missouri
brings a variety of perspectives to the table. Encouraging diver-
FIRST JOB: Jackson County Prosecutor, Kansas City,
sity of thought enables people to engage constructively in Missouri
achieving the goals of the organization and leads to the best READING: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, by
decisions for the business. Malcolm Gladwell
The years that I spent as a partner in a law firm gave me PHILOSOPHY: Surround yourself with people of outstanding
talent, impeccable judgment and a good sense of fairness—
exposure to the importance of working collaboratively within then give them the freedom to excel and challenge them to
a team that held diverse perspectives. As I moved from firm their highest potential.
practice to general counsel in major corporations, I experi- FAMILY: Husband, three stepdaughters and many wonderful
enced first-hand the value of surrounding myself with people relatives
who are better and brighter than I am, and letting them do INTERESTS: Golf, travel, reading and keeping fit
their jobs. Leaders cannot possibly know or become directly FAVORITE CHARITY: Equal Justice Works
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Melissa Plaisance
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C RS
EWAFE
NWAY
ETWO
INRC
K
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We Welcome
the World!
The rich cultural mix of the communities we serve
is constantly changing. We have always responded
positively to these neighborhood shifts.
Good leaders take care of their shoes. It may sound silly, but it
goes back to my childhood when on Sunday nights I would watch
my father pull out his shoeshine kit to ready his wingtips for the
COMPANY: Halliburton
workweek. Those sessions taught me that attention to your appear-
HEADQUARTERS: Houston, Texas, and Dubai, United
Arab Emirates ance leads to the inward feeling and the outward projection of con-
WEB SITE: www.halliburton.com fidence. More importantly, I learned that people who take care of
BUSINESS: Energy services the small things can be counted on to take care of the big things.
2006 REVENUES: $22.5 billion And leadership is a big thing.
EMPLOYEES: 45,000
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Carol M. Pottenger
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , LU
LNPIT
/ ECDR E
SWTAT
NEES
TWNO
AVRY
K
considered combat duty, and women were not permitted EDUCATION: BA in history and PhD honoris causa in social
sciences, Purdue University.
assignment to such duty.
FIRST JOB: Engineering division officer, USS Yosemite
Now, 30 years later, I am the first female commander of a (AD 19)
Combat Strike Group Forward deployed in Sasebo and READING: Cobra II: The Inside Story of the Invasion and
Okinawa, Japan. I am responsible for the operations of eight Occupation of Iraq, by Michael R. Gordon and Bernard E.
Trainor; A Peace to End All Peace: Creating the Modern Middle
ships and a range of exercises with nations in the Pacific the-
East, 1914-1922, by David Fromkin
ater. I also have been the commanding officer of two ships and
PHILOSOPHY/LEGACY: If you work hard, seek self-
held several commands ashore. These achievements were only improvement and ensure that those who work for you have
possible because the Navy understands that every sailor has the the opportunity to develop, the rest will take care of itself.
potential to excel; and the Navy gives each sailor—as it gave FAMILY: Husband, my best friend and supporter
me—the opportunity to prove it. INTERESTS: Spending precious downtime with family
and friends
I react very strongly to claims that the military’s
FAVORITE CHARITY: Any foundation dedicated to improving
integration has hurt readiness. Nothing could be further literacy around the world
from the truth. I am astounded daily at the quality and com-
mitment of our service members. They work as a team; they
ignore or mitigate obstacles that would crush most; and career goals, continually seeking improvement, and using patience
their race, color, religious creed and gender are transparent. and a sense of humor as important leadership tools taught me
These characteristics hold true for any business or profession much about how to succeed.
that wants to be an employer of choice and set the standard in In turn I have mentored hundreds of young men and women,
its industry. experiences at the foundation of my personal reward in service.
The mentors I have had throughout my career are among I view mentoring as one of my most important responsibilities.
the finest citizens of our nation. Their examples of setting I try to convey the many positives that accrue from a service ethos,
whether someone is joining the military, the Peace Corps or a
community or national service-based organization. Service teaches
COMPANY: United States Navy young people about leadership, discipline and those in the world
HEADQUARTERS: Washington, D.C. who are less fortunate. Service teaches them how to invest in their
WEBSITE: www.navy.mil
future and their families’ futures and to mentor others to do the
BUSINESS: National defense: maintain, train and equip
combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring same. I believe service can reshape how young people decide to live
aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas their lives. It certainly did for me.
EMPLOYEES: 340,636 active duty sailors and 129,077
reserve sailors
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Paula A. Price
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E NC&
V SF IC
SAHR
, E
LML PA /R K
C RCEO
W RP
NOER
T AT
WO IO
RNK
have many varied interests, and these are reflected in my pro- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, DePaul
University; MBA in finance and strategy, University of Chicago
fessional and personal life. I thrive in environments where the
FIRST JOB: Clerical intern at Liquid Carbonic Corp.
challenges are greatest, so I often have sought out projects or in Chicago
roles that others shy away from. Succeeding in these roles has READING: Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson’s First
allowed me to earn credibility and broadened my career Season, by Jonathan Eig; The New Leaders: Transforming the
Art of Leadership into the Science of Results, by Daniel
options. Being open to taking calculated risks has resulted in
Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee
an exciting career journey that has crossed disciplines, indus-
PHILOSPHY: Give a hand up!
tries, states and oceans.
FAMILY: Michael, husband of 21 years, and Tyler, 6
Get grounded and be resilient. I have learned through gar-
INTERESTS: Painting, gardening, traveling with family
dening that roots make all the difference. It’s important to be and friends
steadfast and consistent in your basic beliefs, values and prin- FAVORITE CHARITIES: Pact, An Adoption Alliance;
ciples, and to nourish them often. Career journeys involve pit- Alzheimer’s Association; American Cancer Society; CVS All
Kids Can, focused on children with disabilities
falls and setbacks that can blow you away like a bush in a storm
if you don’t have deep, strong roots. If your roots are strong
and your values are intact, your resiliency will allow you to
stand tall and stay the course. develop, reward and promote them so that they and I could
Surround yourself with excellence. Early on in my career continue to flourish. If you do what you love and surround your-
as a manager, I began incorporating “develop great people” self with excellent people who love to do the same thing, you can’t
into my annual goals, and I’ve kept it there ever since. Once I help but excel.
saw how much I could accomplish by working through others, Give a hand up. I’ve been blessed with a lot of mentors. Some
I made it a point to identify people with top raw talent and to have looked like me; others have not. Some have served as career
coaches; others as life coaches. I have found mentors among my
COMPANY: CVS Caremark Corporation work colleagues, physicians, family and friends. I haven’t called
HEADQUARTERS: Woonsocket, Rhode Island them all mentors, but I’ve recognized them by their grounded wis-
WEB SITE: www.cvs.com dom, sage counsel and helpful deeds. In turn, I have strived to be
BUSINESS: The nation's premier integrated pharmacy just as generous with my time and to offer others a willing ear,
services provider
INDUSTRY RANKING: America’s largest retail pharmacy
sound advice and, whenever possible, an unwavering hand up the
(most number of stores), No. 2 in sales corporate ladder. There’s nothing better!
2006 REVENUES: $80.6 billion, CVS Corp. and Caremark Rx
combined; $44 billion, CVS Corp. pre-merger
EMPLOYEES: 180,000
PDJ
146 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
DeDe Priest
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C R E WWA
N ELT-W
MOAR K
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received invaluable mentoring from many strong leaders and EDUCATION: BBA in marketing, Ohio University
FIRST JOB: Brand assistant on Shasta beverages and Capri
family members. My career has afforded me incredible access
Sun brands at the Shasta Beverage Co. in Hayward, Calif.
to some of the world’s best business leaders. Because of this,
READING: Revolt in the Boardroom: The New Rules of
I do not have a sole mentor, but many. These days, as I work Power in Corporate America, by Alan Murray; favorite books:
with young rising stars, I try to pass on several pieces of advice Clicking, by Faith Popcorn; Good to Great, by Jim Collins
that shaped my career. PHILOSOPHY/LEGACY: Most business challenges and
rewards are completely within our control and influence.
Forget that you’re female. Over the span of my career, I’ve
Nothing can stop you from conquering success if you know
seen more and more women progress up the ladder and earn a where you want to go.
seat at the executive table. The female leaders of previous gen- FAMILY: One four-legged baby, Murphy
erations made this possible by deservedly earning their seats. INTERESTS: Food, entertaining and hiking
My advice? Whether you’re male or female, simply work hard, FAVORITE CHARITY: Any group that caters to women
make big results happen, and you will be noticed. dealing with hardships, such as the Single Parent Scholarship
Fund of Benton County, Ark.
Love what you do. If you have passion for your job,
then the best of what you have to offer will be apparent in
all you do.
Stay true to yourself. Never compromise your values Focus on winning today. Too often young professionals are
for anyone. Have courage to stand up for what you know focused on the next position. You create your own success, so make
to be right. If you do not let fear manage your actions, you will it a priority to win today. If you achieve success in your current job,
thrive. people will rally behind you, and you will grow.
Develop strong networks. Surround yourself with the best and
the brightest. Don’t restrict yourself to relationships with leaders in
your area of expertise. Get outside the box and interact with lots of
COMPANY: Wal-Mart
groups. You never know what opportunities might arise from new
HEADQUARTERS: Bentonville, Arkansas
and different relationships.
WEBSITE: www.walmart.com, www.walmartfacts.com
Finally, as you grow in your career, make it a point to share
BUSINESS: Retail
what you’ve learned. It feels great to see others achieve their
RANKING: Wal-Mart this year reclaimed its spot at the
highest potential and know that you have played a small part in
top of the Fortune 500 list that growth.
2006 REVENUES: $344.9 billion
EMPLOYEES: 1.3 million in the United States,
1.9 million worldwide
PDJ
P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 147
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Helen P. Pudlin
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After graduating from law school in 1974, I joined a large FIRST JOB: Camp counselor
Philadelphia law firm. There, one of the very few female READING: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham
Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
lawyers at the firm became my first mentor. When she saw me
PHILOSOPHY: As leaders, we have the responsibility to set
carrying my files home in a shopping bag, she told me to buy a tone for integrity, high ethical standards and professional
a briefcase. She taught me how to dress and how to be com- excellence; mentor others and give them opportunities for
development and recognition; foster a diverse workplace; and
fortable in a male environment. serve our communities. It also is important to continue to learn
Other senior lawyers in the firm also became mentors. and grow and to have fun.
They taught me how to be an advocate and gave me challeng- FAMILY: Husband, David Pudlin, attorney; son Alex Pudlin,
ing and high-profile assignments. They gave me client respon- 25, graduate of Brown University, currently works for a
production company; daughter Julia Pudlin, 22, graduate of
sibilities and helped me to become a partner. Yale University, currently works for the Department of Justice
I continue to have mentors at work and in professional and will begin a JD program at the University of Pennsylvania
in August
organizations to this day. I joined PNC in 1989. Since that
INTERESTS: Jogging, watching movies and traveling
time, I have had many opportunities to mentor employees
FAVORITE CHARITY: The Wistar Institute, a nonprofit
at several levels of the organization. Four years ago, I served biomedical research institute for which I am co-vice chair
as a formal mentor and sponsor for an African-American of the board of directors
Employee Resource Group at PNC. Although I was different
from the group’s members, I had the opportunity to facilitate
conversation and networking, and we all learned a great deal Mentoring has many facets. Mentors can give critical feed-
from each other. The group’s diversity was one of its strengths. back, trumpet the achievements of others and open doors for the
Because we came from varied backgrounds, we provided dif- people they mentor. Mentors can guide people through political
ferent perspectives that ultimately led to recommendations to minefields, coach people on building cooperative relationships and
improve our company. counsel them on balancing career and family. Mentors also can
teach people that it is OK to take reasonable professional risks and
to fail and learn lessons through these efforts.
As my experiences show, good mentors can be very different
from you, and successful mentoring can be informal or formal.
COMPANY: The PNC Financial Services Group Inc.
Mentoring is one of a leader’s most important roles. I would not be
HEADQUARTERS: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where I am today without mentors who guided me, looked out for
WEB SITE: www.pnc.com me, challenged me and gave me opportunities. Similarly, one of my
2006 REVENUES: $10.9 billion greatest professional rewards has been watching people whom I
EMPLOYEES: 27,500 have mentored move up in their careers and achieve great things.
PDJ
148 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
With women leaders
like you, we’re all
in Good Hands®.
“Good Hands” is a registered service mark of Allstate Insurance Company. ©2007 Allstate Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Rebecca Ranninger
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F IS
SYHM
, LALN
PT/E C RCEO
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recognition that will place us in positions of power or leader- EDUCATION: JD, Stanford University; bachelor’s degree in
jurisprudence, Oxford University; and bachelor’s degree magna
ship. In reality, our ability to make a significant and valuable cum laude, Harvard University; Human Resources Executive
contribution to any community or organization is made possi- Program, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University;
and the Stanford Directors College, Stanford Law School.
ble through the dedication and passion we demonstrate, not a
FIRST JOB: Bartending parties
fancy title or a corner office. Opportunities present themselves
READING: Freakonomics, by Steven D. Leavitt and Stephen J.
when we do our best and, most of all, when we truly enjoy Dubner; The Power of a Positive No, by William Ury
what we do. PHILOSOPHY: Leadership is the art of getting people to want
to do what you want them to do.
PURSUE YOUR PASSION
FAMILY: Married, two daughters
The true path to success presents itself when you’re doing
INTERESTS: Animals, especially cats
something you’re passionate about. Don’t be afraid to change
FAVORITE CHARITY: The Humane Society
career paths if you find yourself disinterested or lacking enthu-
siasm. Life rarely works out the way you plan. Often it takes
learning what you don’t like before finding the right fit.
I attended law school because I loved figuring out prob- BUILD RELATIONSHIPS OF TRUST
lems and putting them into a coherent story. However, You will encounter many different personalities in a corporate envi-
I disliked spending hours arguing on the phone or in a court- ronment. To progress, it is imperative that you learn to work with
room. When I had an opportunity to change career paths and all of them and to recognize that your competition is not within
lead human resources, I was hesitant to make the transition. As the organization. You must discover ways to work effectively with
a result of this change, however, I found a career that has pro- colleagues through open communication.
vided me with a sense of satisfaction, and my enthusiasm has
REMAIN EMOTIONALLY DETACHED
guided me the rest of the way.
Finally, you should never allow yourself to become so emotionally
involved in what takes place at work that sentiments cloud your
COMPANY: Symantec Corporation judgment. Keeping a degree of separation between your own con-
HEADQUARTERS: Cupertino, California cept of self-worth, your job and what’s important will allow you to
WEB SITE: www.symantec.com maintain proper perspective when difficult decisions arise. At the
BUSINESS: Symantec is a global leader in infrastructure soft- end of the day it’s business, not family.
ware, enabling businesses and consumers to have confidence
in a connected world. The company helps customers protect
their infrastructure, information and interactions by delivering
software and services that address risks to security, availabili-
ty, compliance and performance.
FY 2007 REVENUES: $5.25 billion
EMPLOYEES: 17,500 employees in 40 countries
PDJ
150 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Teckla Rhoads
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP G
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Nicole Ringenberg
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CREWMN
OENTSW
AONR
TOK
PDJ
152 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Lorie-Ann Roxburgh
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Aurora M. Rubin
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at a professional services firm in the Philippines. A month after EDUCATION: BS in business administration cum laude,
University of the Philippines
my arrival, I accepted a position with Haskins & Sells, which
FIRST JOB: Research and training specialist for SGV & Co.
later become Deloitte & Touche.
READING: A number of fiction novels by writers Julie
Imagine being an immigrant Asian woman in a male- Garwood and Jonathan Kellerman
dominated profession at a time when there were no women PHILOSOPHY: Know what’s important to you
and be guided accordingly. Treat others as you would like to
partners across the profession or any female leaders within our be treated. Put things in perspective, and don’t forget to smell
clients’ organizations. Back then, visible women role models the roses.
did not exist anywhere in corporate America. Overcoming the FAMILY: Husband, Mel; daughter, Joanna, 28; son, Paul, 21
odds meant establishing an early mentoring relationship. INTERESTS: Theater, traveling, reading and
collecting miniatures
I was fortunate to have had an enlightened manager who FAVORITE CHARITIES: The Center for Asian Pacific
took an interest in my career and served as my mentor. I American Women, United Way and others
remember him saying, “You must be good, with all the strikes
against you.” Instead of taking offense, I welcomed his candor,
direction and advice. He took me under his wing and recom- • Be organized and learn to prioritize. Learn how to get things
mended me for engagements that broadened my skill set. He done effectively and efficiently, despite time constraints.
even “talked me up” to partners across the organization. His • Don’t stop learning. Education is a lifelong pursuit.
support was especially valuable to my career advancement
• Seek help, not answers. Consulting others, especially those with
because I was raised to let my work and accomplishments differing viewpoints, is a sign of strength.
speak for themselves.
• Treat others as you would want to be treated. If you can only
Over the years, I’ve learned a number of life lessons and good remember one piece of advice, remember this.
advice, namely:
The year I made partner at Deloitte, I was only the second
• Know and be true to yourself. Hold true to your values. woman in auditing admitted into the firm’s partnership and the
They define and ground you, and they let you sleep well first Asian woman partner among the Big 8 in the United States.
at night.
Back then, women made up less than 1 percent of the total part-
nerships within the Big 8. Today, I am pleased to say that I am a
COMPANY: Deloitte & Touche USA LLP part of an organization that leads the profession, with women mak-
HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York ing up about 20 percent of the partnership. Now that is progress.
WEB SITE: www.deloitte.com
BUSINESS: Professional services
2006 REVENUE: $8.7 billion
EMPLOYEES: 37,118
PDJ
154 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
There’s a place where everyone
Deborah Schloss
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CREW N
SEOTDW
EXOH
ROK
parents, siblings, friends and colleagues provide much of the in science, University of the Incarnate Word
Ridge
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Michelle Collum-Robinson 201 North Franklin Street
Director - Regulatory Policy Tampa, FL 33602
813-998-5112
mcrobinson@verizon.com
2000
Michelle
C ollum- R
Vice Pre obinson
sident- R
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Policy N
San Fra ess Avenue
nc
415-510 isco, CA 94102
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201- 3
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We believe there’s a strong connection between personal success and professional success.
Fostering a workplace that embraces diversity, inspires innovation and provides the tools for
success has positioned us as a leader in communications, entertainment and technology.
To learn more, visit verizon.com/about
Linda V. Schreiner
NUTTER McCLENNEN
ME&AFDI W
S HE,SLTLVA
P C
/ O
C RCEO
W RP
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patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life FIRST JOB: Salesperson at a clothing store
has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the mean- READING: Know-How: The 8 Skills That Separate People
Who Perform From Those Who Don’t, by Ram Charan
ing of success.”
PHILOSOPHY: To treat others as I would like to
I keep this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson near my desk be treated.
as a reminder to live my life by helping others to succeed. My FAMILY: Married 22 years to Serge; one daughter, 15
graduate training and subsequent first job were in career coun- INTERESTS: Golf, skiing, reading and fitness walking
seling. My primary focus is still on helping others think FAVORITE CHARITIES: My church and the United Way
through what they love to do and then helping them find a
way to do it. Through the years, I have been privileged to work
with many remarkable people in pursuit of noble personal and
Leadership was a natural part of our family life. I was expect-
organizational goals.
ed to do the harder right rather than the easier wrong and to watch
Growing up in a U.S. Army family, dedicated to “Duty, out for those less able. The golden rule was followed, and my sister
Honor, Country,” I learned that serving others is what matters and I were encouraged to do our best and to set our personal goals
most. In addition, I learned that teamwork, flexibility and the high. My parents constantly reinforced that we could do anything
ability to “bloom where you are planted” are essential qualities we chose to do and that we should not settle for anything less
of success. than our dreams. This strong foundation enabled me to move
confidently in the direction of my dreams and to help others do
the same.
COMPANY: MeadWestvaco Corporation
HEADQUARTERS: Richmond, Virginia
Along the way, I realized that being a learner is very important.
WEB SITE: www.meadwestvaco.com
Approach things with a beginner’s mind and ask questions for
understanding. In the end, each of us is accountable for our
BUSINESS: Packaging. MeadWestvaco is a global packaging
company that provides packaging solutions and products for thoughts, words and actions, so it is important to spend time
the food and beverage, media and entertainment, personal thinking, reflecting and then sharing our views with others.
care, home and garden, cosmetic and health care industries.
The company also has market-leading positions in its con- Helping others achieve their goals gives me the greatest pleas-
sumer and office products, specialty chemicals and specialty ure and sense of accomplishment. I am blessed to be supported by
papers businesses. MeadWestvaco, with operations in more
than 29 countries, has been selected for the Dow Jones a wonderful family who understands me and my motivation.
Sustainability Indexes and manages all of its forestlands in
In closing, I trust that each of you will follow your passion
accordance with internationally recognized forest certification
standards. and invest yourself completely in the pursuit of the noble goal of
2006 REVENUES: $6.5 billion your dreams.
EMPLOYEES: 23,530 worldwide
PDJ
158 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
H E AT, P R E S S U R E A N D C O A L C A N W O R K T O G E T H E R
At SRP, diversity is a value we strongly embrace. Founded over 100 years ago,
we have suppor ted an environment where people with different backgrounds, experiences and skills
come to define their futures. Today, we’re a leading public utility and we have our
employees, like Kelly J. Barr, to thank for it. A 15-year SRP veteran, Ms. Barr has
made countless contributions to SRP and her community. Her compassion towards the
community and leadership skills recently earned her the honor of being named one of the
Kayla Shell
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F I S H , L L P / C R E W NDEETLW
LOIN
RCK
me well throughout my career. The leaders I have respected PHILOSOPHY: Don’t be afraid to fail. Never stop learning.
Your team’s success is more important than your success.
most have been those who lead by example and “walk the Be present. Speaking up and taking a stand, even when
talk.” Thurmond Woodard, the former vice president of unpopular, is far more rewarding than staying silent and being
regretful. With a little courage and encouragement, we can all
Diversity at Dell, was that kind of a leader. make a difference.
Because Thurmond respected all people, he and I forged FAMILY: Randi, partner; 16-month-old son
a bond that gave me the courage to be an openly gay executive INTERESTS: Gardening, reading, rediscovering the world
through Ethan’s eyes
at Dell. His willingness to learn from me and my willingness
FAVORITE CHARITY: Atticus Circle
to trust him helped put Dell on the path to becoming a great
place to work for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
employees. It hasn’t happened overnight. Together we learned
that much can be accomplished around the controversial issue Demonstrating trust and empathy are critical components of
of respect and inclusion for GLBT employees by working building strong teams and influencing others, but when someone
within the system, sometimes slowly, and building consensus is gay and “in the closet,” trust and empathy are impossible to fully
to move forward. I assumed a broader role in the company and achieve. Knowing the people with whom you work, on a personal
became the Chair of the Executive Board of PRIDE, Dell’s as well as professional level, leads to greater understanding of
GLBT network group, so others would see an openly gay motivations, which in turn leads to more cohesive teams that
executive actively participating in the effort. achieve the best results.
Saumil Shukla
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successful through their own means. FAMILY: Husband and two teenage sons
INTERESTS: Traveling
As I attended college unsure of my future aspirations,
FAVORITE CHARITY: UNICEF
I was guided by my mother’s advice to pursue a career in engi-
neering. Although this wasn’t a typical profession chosen by
most women, I found it interesting and was excited by the
possibilities of getting into a field that offered me both aca- learn and understand everything that I could possibly put my
demic and hands-on learning. I was fortunate to start a career hands on to respond to his questions. I would have my responses
at Con Edison that provided an internship program and ready only to find out that he had additional questions which I
assigned a mentor. During the first few months, I had realized would again have to follow up on. This continued every day for
that I was to have the benefit of not one, but several mentors several weeks. I later realized that I came to learn a great deal more
that taught and challenged me through numerous ways. and credit the fact that this difficult manager actually was instru-
mental in influencing me to push beyond my limits. As I have
During one of my first assignments, I had the opportuni-
moved up in my career, I feel it is now my role to ask and challenge
ty of encountering a difficult manager who started by asking
those young minds that need the push to learn all they can.
me questions on areas that I had no knowledge of. However,
this manager expected I should know the answers and expect- Often it is hard to spot those that mentor us in our careers
ed a response the next day. I followed through by trying to since they come in various forms, such as supportive individuals
that can provide you guidance and advice, and then those not eas-
ily recognized who may give you a difficult time expecting you to
rise to their challenge. As I evolve in my career, I still remain in
COMPANY: Consolidated Edison Company of New York
HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York
contact with the individuals that have helped me attain my success.
WEB SITE: www.coned.com I am able to laugh with them on the challenges they provided and
BUSINESS: Utility still seek their advice.
2006 REVENUES: $9.3 billion
EMPLOYEES: 13,500
PDJ
162 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Dell Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
At Dell, we’re committed to bringing together individuals with
diverse backgrounds, thinking, leadership and ideas, and arming
them with the best tools to ensure their success. We believe this
helps drive innovation and makes Dell a more dynamic company.
Through career development, mentoring programs, network
groups and products like the Dell Latitude D620 with Intel™
Centrino™ Duo Mobile Technology, we offer the resources to help
every employee achieve their potential. Our goal is to ensure
that Dell is a great place to work, grow and aspire.
Success real time. Capture it at Dell.
Dell recommends
Windows Vista™ Business
www.dell.com/careers
Dell and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. ©2007 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Inside, the Intel Inside logo, Centrino and the Centrino logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other
countries. Dell Inc. cannot be held responsible for errors in typography or photography. Dell is an AA/EO employer. Workforce diversity is an essential part of Dell’s commitment to quality and to the future. We encourage you to apply, whatever your race, gender, color, religion, national
origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Lisa Shumpert
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH
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functions when the leader isn’t present. FAMILY: My family is my inspiration: husband, Darryl; a
daughter; and a very loving and supportive extended family.
Good leaders meet people where they are. They paint a INTERESTS: Spending time with my family, reading, mentor-
compelling and inspiring picture of the future that makes ing, and NFL and NBA professional sports
others want to journey with them. A leader directs the way, FAVORITE CHARITY: Junior Achievement
In explanation, I present the following three principles of • Focus on your development. Build skills that support your
success that have inspired me: getting to your end game.
• Know your end game and believe in yourself. Know • Fail forward, meaning learn from your mistakes. Don’t be afraid
what you are trying to accomplish and why it’s to ask for feedback. Replicate what you do well and learn from
important to you. what challenges you.
About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member
firms and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. As a Swiss Verein (association), neither
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other’s acts
or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating
under the names “Deloitte”, “Deloitte & Touche”, “Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu” or other
related names. Services are provided by the member firms or their subsidiaries or affiliates
and not by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein.
Deloitte & Touche USA LLP is the U.S. member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. In the
United States, services are provided by the subsidiaries of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP
(Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP,
Deloitte Tax LLP, and their subsidiaries), and not by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.
Eileen Slevin
NUTTER McCL
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Over time, I took on more and more responsibility PHILOSOPHY: Integrity, fairness, sincerity
FAMILY: Married
and eventually became chief operating officer of the informa-
INTERESTS: Family, animals, photography, gardening
tion technology department. This position gave me an in-
FAVORITE CHARITY: Education
depth working knowledge of all areas of the company’s
technology. It also prepared me for my current role as chief
information officer.
When I look back and think about how I got to where I To put it another way, you cannot separate performance and
am today, a few things come to mind. At the top of the list are results from ethics. Trying to isolate them, or acting as if they don’t
sincerity and fairness. I think that the vast majority of people have a bearing on each other, leads to trouble. To me, this is a uni-
at New York Life want to be treated with those qualities and versal principle that provides a fundamental platform for personal
also behave with those qualities in mind. behavior as well.
Bringing integrity to all that you do, a core company That said, you also have to demonstrate that you’re capable
value at New York Life, is vital to succeeding. It’s one of the of delivering, and of doing so consistently. Although it may seem
main reasons that people have done business with New York risky, volunteer for the most difficult assignments you can find
Life over the last 160 years. I’ve embraced that value as a stan- to prove that you’re capable of taking on challenges and dealing
dard of conduct, and I believe that future generations of New with them successfully. When you do, people will notice, and you’ll
York Life employees will do the same. often get the opportunity to take on more responsibility.
Don’t shy away from the tough stuff. Business is a series of unpre-
dictable challenges. How they’re handled tells you a lot about the
COMPANY: New York Life Insurance Company
people involved.
HEADQUARTERS: New York, New York
WEB SITE: www.newyorklife.com Last but not least, stick to your beliefs, and do not confuse
BUSINESS: Insurance this with being stubborn. People who maintain their beliefs while
2006 REVENUES: $12.3 billion solutions are being developed have credence and authority.
EMPLOYEES: 8,380 in the United States
PDJ
166 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Inspiring leadership.
We love that about you.
alltel.com
1-800-alltel-1
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Amanda Sourry
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CREW N
UENTI L
W EO
VRER
K
PDJ
168 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
© 2007 Nor throp Grumman Corporation
TO LEAD. To lead is to venture down new paths. To turn vision into success.
To invent the future. Congratulations to the Women Worth Watching.
www.northropgrumman.com
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
own organization. PHILOSOPHY: Look at data, use your intuition and make a
decision. Don’t become paralyzed by data analysis or fear. If
To see an organization so fully committed to supporting the data changes, then simply make a new decision.
its employees, regardless of their educational background or FAMILY: Husband and two sons
present career path, was deeply moving. It emphasized my INTERESTS: Quilting, gardening, canning jams and jellies
belief that tomorrow’s corporate leaders first need to be FAVORITE CHARITY: Women’s and Children’s Alliance
enabled and encouraged.
I never intended to become an engineer, but after taking
one computer science course I fell in love with it. Twenty-seven Technology Advisory Council for the state of Idaho, and I’m very
years later, I’m still doing what I love. Had it not been for that interested in opportunities that expose children to new fields of
college course, I might never have discovered my passion. study. It’s our responsibility, as current and aspiring business lead-
At HP, we believe that education is the single most effec- ers, to support educational programs that enable young women to
tive lever for increasing economic prosperity and growing a pursue careers in math, science and technology.
highly skilled work force. I currently serve on a variety of pub- I also believe that as leaders, we garner our strongest results by
lic committee boards and the Governor’s Science and encouraging team members to achieve their highest potential. As a
female engineer and a working mother, I have always tried to
impart the knowledge gained from my personal experiences to my
COMPANY: HP
HEADQUARTERS: Palo Alto, California
team, whether it’s championing for flexible, family-friendly poli-
WEB SITE: www.hp.com cies, actively recruiting women for engineering positions, or shar-
BUSINESS: HP focuses on simplifying technology ing successes and mistakes through mentoring programs with
experiences for all its customers, from individual consumers
to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing,
female employees. By knocking down walls, building up employ-
personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, ees and reaching out with new ideas, technologies and humanity,
HP is among the world’s largest IT companies, with revenue
totaling $97.1 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended all of us have the opportunity to influence and unlock the poten-
April 30, 2007. tial that exists within each other.
2006 REVENUES: $91.7 billion worldwide
EMPLOYEES: Approximately 156,000 worldwide
PDJ
170 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Kimberly S. Stevenson
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / CREW NETWO
ERDK
S
Diversity and Inclusion is an integral part of Credit Suisse's strategy and core to our principles and values. As a global employer, we look to draw
talent and ideas from all areas of the world. Diversity and Inclusion encourages innovation, motivates our staff, strengthens client relationships and
develops new business opportunities. At Credit Suisse, we have a culture where all employees are treated with dignity and respect and are given
opportunities to realize their full potential. We are proud to have been selected as one of the Top Ten in 2007 for our Innovations in Diversity by
Profiles in Diversity Journal.
www.credit-suisse.com
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran or
military status, disability or any other protected category. Investment banking services in the United States are provided by Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, an affiliate of Credit Suisse Group.
©2007 CREDIT SUISSE GROUP and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Sonya V. Stewart
N U T T E R M c C L E N NLEONC K
&HFEIE
SDH ,MLA
LPR T/I N
C RCEO
W RP
NOER
T AT
WO IO
RNK
PDJ
174 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
At UnitedHealth Group, unique is everywhere. In our approach to health care. Let us hear your unique voice in these careers available nationwide throughout
In each segment of our business. In every professional. In the career op- our family of businesses.
portunities we offer. As a global leader in health care, UnitedHealth Group
is committed to creating a workforce of unique individuals. Their unique per-
spectives bring about innovative ideas.
• Business Analysts
• Customer Care Professionals
It is the unique backgrounds, lifestyles and beliefs our professionals bring to
their work that fuels innovation, creates a healthy environment and drives us • Financial Analysts
towards our goal of creating a better health care system. • Information Technology
Founded in 1974, UnitedHealth Group has since grown into a Fortune 100 • Inside & Field Sales
company. Our family of businesses work tirelessly to advance the quality and
access to care while making services more affordable and easier to use for • Product Associates
everyone. Our work impacts the lives of nearly 55 million people and helps
coordinate care for more than 20 million more.
• Underwriting Analysts
Through innovative leadership in health care, UnitedHealth Group provides ongoing
As unique as the many businesses that unite to form UnitedHealth Group, are career opportunities for diverse individuals, enriching the employment experience
the career opportunities they offer. From accounting to marketing, clinical to and creating a healthier atmosphere for all.
claims, the employment experience at UnitedHealth Group is second to none.
Regardless of their unique talents, our professionals are united to improve UnitedHealth Group is an equal opportunity employer and employs individuals
health care for everyone. based on job-related qualifications regardless of race, religion, sex, national
origin, age, or other protected characteristics. M/F/D/V.
Melanie Stinnett
B U R E A U O F A L C O H O L , T O B A C C ON
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PDJ
176 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Great Achievements
Deserve Our Respect.
You do us all proud.
Well done!
©2007 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Teresa Taylor
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F IQ
SWH ,E L
SLTPC/OC
M RM
EWU NN
ICEAT
T WI O N
RKS
At Qwest, our diversity focus, flat organizational structure When we take an active role in our own growth and develop-
and nonhierarchical culture create an ideal environment for ment, we quickly find ourselves in a position to mentor others. In
mentorship. I advise people in my company and elsewhere to my experience, the best mentoring relationships are born out of a
mutual interest or common experience, not a formal program. And
they are most rewarding and fruitful when both people make an
effort to learn from each other.
COMPANY: Qwest Communications
HEADQUARTERS: Denver, Colorado Giving and receiving mentorship are the best investments we
WEB SITE: www.qwest.com can make in our careers. And our success is the ultimate compli-
BUSINESS: Telecommunications
ment to those who’ve invested their time in us.
2006 REVENUES: $13.9 billion
EMPLOYEES: 38,000
PDJ
178 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
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W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Gabrielle Toledano
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP E
/ LC
ERCE
TWR ON
NEI C
TWAO
RRTS
K
of a male-dominated business landscape is the loss of self-con- FIRST JOB: Spanish intern teacher in Palo Alto, Calif.
READING: Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
fidence. They begin to question their abilities and increasingly
PHILOSOPHY: Family and community first
suppress the opinions that reflect their unique perspective as
FAMILY: A great husband, Kurt; two great children, Ben
women. It is difficult to achieve lasting and fulfilling success Gantert, 6, and Amelie Gantert, 3
when you’re playing a part that isn’t you. INTERESTS: Hiking, camping, traveling internationally,
movies, speaking Spanish or other foreign languages, and play-
It takes a great deal of self-confidence to trust that your ing tennis, bowling or boxing with friends and family on the
knowledge in a given field makes your opinion an important Wii games console
one. It takes confidence to admit when you’ve made a mistake, FAVORITE CHARITY: CASA, Court Appointed Special
Advocates, an organization for abused, neglected and aban-
to ask a question when you don’t understand and to express doned children
your point of view when you think it will further the discus-
sion. A strong sense of confidence and the ability to listen and
express your point of view clearly and concisely, but without Confidence in who you are and in your role will help you
arrogance, are central to strong leadership. acknowledge and support the team. Integrity, honesty, collabora-
Doing all of this takes practice and a continued commit- tion, directness and instinct are recognized, valued and do make a
ment. It’s easy to doubt your abilities, especially when trying to difference. You don’t need an agenda or to be the most important
balance work and family commitments. One of the best ways person in the room, and often this will be a big differentiator
to overcome self-doubt is to build a network of other women between you and your counterparts. You can be solution-oriented,
leaders who face similar issues. Together you can bolster one looking for new ways to solve problems without being mired in
another when needed and share ways to prioritize life, not just maintaining the status quo. A different way of thinking and oper-
prioritize work. ating generates more ideas, and ideas lead to change and progress.
Most importantly, once you are able to present your true self
COMPANY: Electronic Arts with confidence in the workplace, you serve as a role model for
HEADQUARTERS: Redwood City, California other women trying to strike the same balance, ensuring that
WEB SITE: www.ea.com future female leaders will be equipped and positioned to tackle the
BUSINESS: Interactive entertainment, video games challenges that come their way.
2006 REVENUES: $2.9 billion
EMPLOYEES: 7,900
PDJ
180 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Raytheon People
At Raytheon, diversity is more than a competitive advantage. It is a competitive imperative. By recognizing the
uniqueness of individuals, empowering employees and truly valuing their input, our company consistently performs
beyond all expectations. Diversity of talent and thought is the cornerstone for our company. It’s right for people,
and it’s right for business.
www.rayjobs.com
© 2007 Raytheon Company. All rights reserved. Raytheon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer
and welcomes a wide diversity of applicants. U.S. citizenship and security clearance may be required.
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Suzanne Vautrinot
N U T T E R M c C L E N N E N & F IUSN
HI,T L
ELDP S/TAT
C RE
ESW ANI R
E TFW
OORR
CKE
PDJ
182 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
I AM
Prudence Allen
HR Manager
Netlist, Inc.
Member since
2004
“I consider my SHRM
membership a prerequisite
in the HR profession. It helps
me stay ahead of the game.”
www.shrm.org
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Joan H. Walker
N U T T E R M c C L E N N EA
NL L
&S TAT
FISHE, ILNLS
PU/R C
ARNE
CWE C
NOEM
TWPA
ONRY
K
decent life. The risks I have taken in my career have provided grandchildren and two dogs.
INTERESTS: Travel, volunteering, art, reading, sailing, my
the biggest returns. Whether it is taking a non-linear approach
two dogs.
to career development, finding time to dedicate yourself to a FAVORITE CHARITIES: Boys & Girls Club of America, The
needy civic or philanthropic cause, or simply taking the road Chicago Children’s Museum, The Peggy Notebaert Nature
Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry
less traveled, risks make you stronger and more valuable to
your employer and to your family, communities and society.
PDJ
184 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Margaret W. Wear
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, U
LNLP
I T/E D
CHRE A
WLTNHE T
GWROR
UKP
PDJ
186 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
Adding Vitality
to Life
www.unileverusa.com
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
©2007 United States Postal Service. Eagle symbol and logotype are registered trademarks of the United States Postal Service.
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Valerie Williams
NUTTER McCLENNEN & FISH, LLP / E
CRRN
EWST N
&E T
YOWU
ONRG
K
M y advice for tomorrow’s corporate leaders: TITLE: Southwest Managing Partner for Assurance and
Business Advisory Services
FIND A MENTOR AND BE A MENTOR. It’s important to not only
EDUCATION: MBA, University of Houston; BS,
be interested in your career, but also other people’s careers. University of North Texas
Early in my career, someone gave me some good advice. They
FIRST JOB: Medical technologist, Herman Hospital,
said, you can’t just work hard—you have to really manage your microbiology lab
own career. Until that time, I thought people would just notice READING: John Grisham novels
how hard I was working, but I needed to learn how to take
PHILOSOPHY: Maintain a positive attitude.
charge of my career. I’ve always been involved in counseling,
FAMILY: Married with one stepson
mentoring, and recruiting—because I enjoyed it, but also
INTERESTS: Traveling, reading, shopping
because I felt, as an African American woman, there were a lot
of women and minority professionals that needed someone FAVORITE CHARITIES: United Way, my church
like me to encourage and advise them. There were people who
did that for me when I was younger, and I feel I have to do the
same for those that come after me.
STAY POSITIVE, ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT, AND TAKE RISKS.
PDJ
190 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
OPENING OUR
POSSIBILITIES
Creating the next generation of consumer packaging for the world’s leading brands
is what we’re all about at MeadWestvaco. Shaping how consumers see, interact
with and buy products requires a diversity of talent and viewpoints coupled with a
dynamic, inclusive work environment. That’s why diversity and inclusion aren’t just
words at MeadWestvaco—they’re part of our business strategy. We have operations
in more than 30 countries. Customer relationships that extend worldwide. And a
growth plan built on delivering innovative solutions. For all these reasons, we
prize individual differences and our collective experience as fundamental to the
value—and vision—we’re opening. www.meadwestvaco.com
W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G I N 2 0 0 8
Carol J. Zierhoffer
N
NUOT
RTTEHRR O
MPc C
GLREU
NMNM
ENAN
& IFNI S
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MENTORING AND SELF-INSPECTION. I have had mentors who PERFORMANCE. Performance is the greatest equalizer on an inher-
never told me what to do, but provided sound, compassionate ently unfair playing field. A talented and diligent worker will be
and sometimes hard-to-hear advice. They provided counsel on noticed and rewarded.
tough decisions and encouraged me to assess the skills I need-
TEAMS. A good leader builds cohesive teams and strong relation-
ed to grow. A key lesson I learned was that as you move up,
ships. I strive to build an environment where a team will have a
your strengths at a lower level can become a weakness at the
clear vision and mission, a passion for success and a culture of
next. You have to let go of some of the tasks and control that
learning from each other. As leaders, we need to remove roadblocks
made you successful in the past, and step up to new roles—
and ensure recognition of the team’s success.
growing and trusting your team to perform.
A few years ago I attended a seminar conducted by Jim
Collins, author of Good to Great. I was influenced by his views on
“Level 5 Leadership” and “getting the right people on the bus, and
COMPANY: Northrop Grumman Information Technology in the right seats.” The two key concepts are the “right people”
HEADQUARTERS: McLean, Virginia and the “right seats.” By filling those seats with people who are
WEB SITE: www.northropgrumman.com complimentary, you ensure a blending of strengths. As leaders, our
BUSINESS: Provider of advanced IT solutions, engineering
and business services for government and commercial clients.
success is based on building and enabling our teams, and never
2006 REVENUES: $4 billion forgetting to reward and say thank you.
EMPLOYEES: 18,500
PDJ
192 P RO F I L E S I N D I V E R S I T Y J O U R N A L SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
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35 ACCENTURE www.accenture.com 82/171 KPMG www.kpmg.com
36 AFLAC www.aflac.com 46/55 LIBERTY GLOBAL www.lgi.com
184/149 ALLSTATE www.allstate.com 174/43 LOCKHEED MARTIN www.lockheedmartin.com
76/167 ALLTEL www.alltel.com 84 LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY www.lanl.gov
60/61 ARVINMERITOR, INC. www.arvinmeritor.com 20 MASS BAY TRANSPORTATION www.mbta.com
78/17 AT&T www.att.com 104 MCGUIREWOODS www.mcguirewoods.com
176 ATF www.atf.gov 158/191 MEADWESTVACO www.meadwestvaco.com
80/13 AXA EQUITABLE www.axa-equitable.com 72 METLIFE www.metlife.com
68 BANK OF AMERICA www.bankofamerica.com 133 MFHA www.mfha.net
105 BANK OF THE WEST www.bankofthewest.com 127/109 MGM MIRAGE www.mgmmirage.com
185 BAUSCH & LOMB www.bausch.com 152 MONSANTO www.monsanto.com
90 BECKER & POLIAKOFF www.becker-poliakoff.com 132/C3 MOTOROLA www.motorola.com
38/39 BERNARD HODES www.hodes.com 85/5 MTA METRO-NORTH RAILROAD www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mnr
155 BOEING www.boeing.com 51/119 NATIONAL CITY CORP. www.nationalcity.com
136 BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON www.boozallen.com 41/111 NATIONWIDE www.nationwide.com
48 CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY www.campbellsoup.com 166/7 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE www.newyorklife.com
164 CAPITAL ONE www.capitalone.com 192/169 NORTHROP GRUMMAN IT www.northropgrumman.com
62 CARDINAL HEALTH www.cardinal.com 193 OWENS & MINOR www.owens-minor.com
65 CAREERBUILDER.COM www.careerbuilder.com 103/73 PARKER HANNIFIN www.parker.com
81 CATALYST www.catalystwomen.org 49 PEPSICO www.pepsico.com
99 CHEVRON www.chevron.com 107/47 PFIZER INC www.pfizer.com
141 CIGNA www.cigna.com 64 PITNEY BOWES www.pb.com
128/129 CISCO SYSTEMS www.cisco.com 148/177 PNC FIN. SVS. GROUP INC. www.pnc.com
52/33 COMCAST www.comcast.com 32/59 PRATT & WHITNEY www.pw.utc.com
162 CONSOLIDATED EDISON NY www.coned.com 94 QUALCOMM www.qualcomm.com
138/139 CONSTELLATION ENERGY www.constellation.com 178/179 QWEST COMMUNICATIONS www.qwest.com
40 COX COMMUNICATIONS www.cox.com 188/181 RAYTHEON www.raytheon.com
173 CREDIT SUISSE www.credit-suisse.com 117/116 RELIANT ENERGY www.reliant.com
31 CREW NETWORKS www.crewnetwork.org 30 ROHM AND HAAS www.rohmhaas.com
146/137 CVS CAREMARK www.cvs.com 142/143 SAFEWAY www.safeway.com
160/163 DELL INC. www.dell.com 45/95 SAKS FIFTH AVENUE www.saksincorporated.com
154/165 DELOITTE www.deloitte.com/us 56 SALLIE MAE www.salliemae.com
97 DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO LLP www.dicksteinshapiro.com 42/159 SALT RIVER PROJECT www.srpnet.com
57/3 DUPONT www.dupont.com 115/9 SHELL OIL www.shell.com
112/91 EASTMAN KODAK www.kodak.com 183 SHRM www.shrm.org
96 ECOLAB www.ecolab.com 156/113 SODEXHO www.sodexhoUSA.com
172 EDS www.eds.com 54 STAPLES www.staples.com
180 ELECTRONIC ARTS www.ea.com 44 STARBUCKS www.starbucks.com
190 ERNST & YOUNG www.ey.com 118/11 STATE FARM www.statefarm.com
106 FBI www.fbi.gov 120 SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE www.komen.org
74/C1 FORD MOTOR COMPANY www.ford.com 150 SYMANTEC www.symantec.com
34 GENERAL ELECTRIC www.ge.com 92 SYNOVUS www.synovus.com
151/83 GENERAL MOTORS www.gm.com 70 TALENTQUEST www.talentquest.com
144 HALLIBURTON www.halliburton.com 53 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS www.ti.com
69/37 HALLMARK www.hallmark.com 98 TRAVELPORT www.travelport.com
58/131 HARRIS BANKCORP, INC. 182 U.S. AIR FORCE www.af.mil
(PART OF BMO FINANCIAL GROUP) www.bmo.com 101 U.S. ARMY www.army.mil
86/87 HEALTHNOW NEW YORK INC. www.healthnowny.com 145 U.S. NAVY www.navy.mil
66/67 HIGHMARK www.highmark.com 114/189 U.S. POSTAL SERVICE www.usps.com
130 HILTON HOTELS CORP. www.hiltonworldwide.com 168/187 UNILEVER www.unilever.com
50 HONEYWELL www.honeywell.com 186/175 UNITEDHEALTH GROUP www.unitedhealthgroup.com
170 HP www.hp.com 100 UNUM www.unum.com
89 HUNT ALTERNATIVES FUND www.ksg.harvard.edu 134/135 VANGUARD www.vanguard.com
77 INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP www.ichotelsgroup.com 88/157 VERIZON www.verizon.com
110 ITT www.itt.com 75 VISTEON www.visteon.com
121 IVY PLANNING www.ivygroupllc.com 153/161 VOLKSWAGEN www.vw.com
63 JPMORGAN CHASE www.jpmorganchase.com 140 WACHOVIA www.wachovia.com
102/28 KAISER PERMANENTE www.kaiserpermanente.org 147 WAL-MART www.walmartstores.com
93 KELLY SERVICES www.kellyservices.com 71/C4 WALT DISNEY PARKS & RESORTS www.disneyparks.com
122/125 KEYBANK www.key.com 123/126/79 WELLPOINT www.wellpoint.com
108 KINDRED HEALTHCARE www.kindredhealthcare.com 124 WESTERN & SOUTHERN FIN. GRP. www.westernsouthern.com
Stacy P.
Methvin
Teri Ann Royal Christy Kathy Paladino Sherry Lynn
Drake Dutch Shell Moberly Motorola
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Hallmark State Farm
Cynthia U.S. Postal MTA Metro-North
Cards, Inc. Insurance
Eileen Slevin
New York Life
www.diversityjournal.com
Insurance Company
Melissa Plaisance
Louise Liang, MD
Safeway Inc.
Kaiser Permanente
Kathy
Hopinkah
Beth Mooney Hannan
KeyBank KPMG LLP