Morgan Stanley’s alumni network features more than 7,000 members, including many stay-at-home moms it hopes to attract back to the firm.

As they huff-huff-huff through Lamaze exercises during their free on-site childbirth classes, mothers-to-be who work for this New York City financial services firm demonstrate how different their employer really is. In recognition of that challenging period right after a birth or adoption, management just expanded paid parental leave for all primary care givers to four fully paid months—available to anyone working 20 hours a week or more. Before their leave begins, all new parents receive What to Expect the First Year and baby-tracker books and can attend seminars on infant care and lactation. As they phase slowly back into work, mothers can access a free hotline to ask nursing questions or go online to book a time slot in dozens of corporate lactation rooms. And should they find themselves in a childcare bind, parents can access ten subsidized days of in-home backup care or 20 days at a local center.

Chairman & CEO: John J. Mack

Managing Director, Global Head of Diversity: Marilyn F. Booker

Women managers/execs: 24%

Women among top earners: 13%

Women on board of directors: 18%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 7%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: n/a

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: n/a

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 6%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: n/a