PricewaterhouseCooper’s Full Circle program allows women who “off-ramp” to stay connected with the firm for up to 5 years.

Candid conversations about what it’s like to be a working mother filled conference rooms at this professional services firm last year, thanks to a traveling workshop that got women and their managers talking about the challenges of balancing home and work. This New York City–based firm offers parenting networks in eight cities, but it recently showed special solidarity with women by introducing Mentor Moms, an 18-month program in which veteran mothers help newer ones adjust to life post-baby. Discounts are available at 2,300 U.S. child-care centers, and the number of backup centers to which employees have access just increased to 260 from 17 nationwide. In addition, private childcare arrangements are reimbursed up to $1,000 annually. In July, the launch of the Special Needs Caregivers Circle gave parents a place to share concerns and speak to experts about their options.

U.S. Chairman & Senior Partner: Bob Moritz

Director, Office of Diversity: Joanne McDonough

Women managers/execs: 39

Women among top earners: 50%

Women on board of directors: 11%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 12%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: 50%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 25%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 8%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: No