METHODOLOGY
We selected the 2008 Working Mother Best Companies for Multicultural Women based on a detailed application completed by each company. Private and public firms based in the United States are eligible to apply. Government agencies, companies in the human resources field and nonautonomous divisions of companies are not eligible. Companies supplied 2007 data about the hiring, pay and promotion of multicultural employees. The application covers a wide variety of questions about a company’s workforce (such as number of women of color and women in top positions); culture (programs for women of color); external programs (diversity activities); and work/life programs (child care, elder care, time off following childbirth). NetX Inc., an independent survey research firm in Columbus, NJ, tabulated the scores. This year, we gave the most weight to questions involving the representation, recruitment and retention of women of color.

HOW TO APPLY
To register for the 2009 Working Mother Best Companies for Multicultural Women, visit wmmsurveys.com. You will receive periodic updates about when and how to apply. Applications will be available in September 2008. Winning firms will be announced in the June/July 2009 issue of Working Mother.