Dow Corning’s new Rapid Redeployment program moves workers from struggling divisions to thriving ones to keep them employed amid cuts.

When working moms at this Midland, MI–based silicon supplier need proof they can make it to the top, they need only look toward CEO Stephanie Burns, a mother, grandmother and scientist who’s broken sales records since her 2004 appointment. To help staffers find their own success, last year a women’s network launched eight female-executive-led discussions on career strategies, plus three events briefing new female hires on mentoring and networking resources. Burns’s longtime pursuit of higher education informs the company’s leave policy, which allows employees who want to further their education to take up to four years off. And in a nod to those balancing work and motherhood, leave for adoptive parents was just expanded to six fully paid weeks from five, with $6,000 in assistance available to those with kids with special needs. New “wellness teams” watch workers’ health with fitness classes and weight-loss challenges.

Chairman, President & CEO: Stephanie Burns, PhD

VP & Chief HR Officer: Alan Hubbard

Women managers/execs: 28%

Women among top earners: 19%

Women on board of directors: 11%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 0%

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: 40%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 40%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 40%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: Yes