Dow Corning’s new formal mentoring and coaching programs for mid-career women encourage them to establish clear professional goals and give them a chance to study leadership techniques with senior management.

Women who have children with special needs may want to check out this silicone supplier, which offers health insurance to anyone working 20 hours per week and covers speech, occupational and physical therapy for kids’ developmental issues. Moms can take paid time off to help their children weather medical problems or deal with challenging situations; they are also able to flex their hours, work from home or telecommute if needed. Should they wish to adopt a child with special needs (and 83% of company adoptions were of this type last year), they can tap up to $6,000 in reimbursements to cover their costs and take up to 18 weeks of job-guaranteed leave, with 6 fully paid. In 2011, the company gave out grants to 35 U.S. child care centers, allowing several of them to buy computers, swings and gear appropriate for children with special needs.

President & CEO Robert Hansen

VP & Chief HR Officer Mike Conway

Women managers/execs 23%

Women hires in 2011 20%

Average weeks of fully paid maternity leave offered 6

Offers paid paternity leave? Yes

Offers paid adoption leave? Yes

Women in affinity groups in 2011 50%

Offers backup child care? Yes

Employees working flexibly 93%