When it comes to diversity and inclusion programs, the five firms that top our Best Companies for Multicultural Women roster offer a plethora of choices—from affinity groups and leadership training to mentoring and networking initiatives.
To get the inside scoop on why these companies excel, we asked a working mom at each one to talk about the programs that mean the most to her.

American Express
Anne E. Robinson
VP, Senior Counsel for Open from American Express
Mother of one
Employee networks like the Black Employee Network and the Women’s Interest Network provide forums to discuss opportunities and key issues, and you get great exposure to senior women leaders or leaders of color who are inspiring role models. I think it’s also very important for women of color-—or any employee, for that matter-—to build their own informal networks. I saw an opportunity to institute an informal network that would help team members in my group get to know one another better and give our senior leadership a sense of what people are thinking. It’s helped us develop and retain talent and also create a pipeline for diverse talent.

Ernst & Young
Sandra Oliver
Partner
Mother of three
When I started here, I really didn’t know what my future would hold. After getting married and having my first son, who had serious medical issues, I returned to work following an extended leave. I was amazed at the support the firm gave me during this difficult time. The programs and initiatives that have been instrumental in my career progression are the option of a flexible work arrangement, in which I work four days a week; the Hispanic Affinity Group, where I was introduced to other people with similar backgrounds; and Family Circles, where I met and shared experiences with other working mothers. Now that I’m a partner with three young children, I know that it's the support and initiatives at Ernst & Young that have allowed me to maintain a fulfilling career and a happy and balanced home life.

General Mills
Kelly Baker
VP, Corporate Diversity
Mother of Three
When I joined the company, members of our Black Champions Network were instrumental in helping me find answers to personal and professional questions, from where to get my hair done to what community organizations could help me grow and develop leadership skills. I continually encourage our new women-of-color employees to take advantage of the mentoring opportunities within the company. Our Diversity Mentoring program pairs new employees of color with senior managers and directors in the organization. We have more than ten years of experience with this program, and the feedback from both mentees and mentors has been consistently positive, providing an opportunity for newly hired staffers to develop strong relationships with more senior people and jump-start their relationship with General Mills.

IBM
Inhi Cho Suh
VP, Data Management Software Marketing
Mother of one
I became a vice president at IBM upon returning from maternity leave. The flexible work environment has been great and allows me to split the week between my work and home offices. Staying connected with members of the company’s Asian Diversity Network Group, the Software Super Women’s Group and the Multi-cultural Women’s Symposium has given me the support and network to effectively manage my work life both pre- and postpregnancy. IBM also offers paternity leave, so my husband, David, another IBMer, watched Jacob the first week I returned to work. As it is for any first-time parents, it’s been tough for us to juggle work and family life. But we’ve been able to rely on the help of our family, friends and coworkers to smooth the transition.

Pricewaterhouse-Coopers
Jennifer Ahn
Partner, Assurance
Mother of two
I would tell women of color who join this company to focus on what I call the “Three P’s”: Perform, Participate and Promote. Perform by doing your best on your assignments, including leveraging our exceptional training curriculum. Participate in activities, initiatives and meetings. In particular, get involved with your local Women’s and Minority Circles, because these internal connections provide invaluable coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities. Promote yourself by remembering that you have worthwhile contributions to make. Be vocal! Always remember that you have a unique and valuable perspective to share.

Pictured: Anne E Robinson, American Express.