Aetna was selected out of all the law departments of corporations across the Northeast United States for demonstrating a commitment to diversity and creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace. The company will be recognized at MCCA’s Diversity Honors Gala in September.
Aetna recognizes the importance of diversity in all aspects of the company’s business. The law department takes every opportunity to identify and interview women and diverse attorneys for open positions, with the result that they compose about 70 percent of Aetna’s attorneys. Aetna incorporates supplier diversity processes into purchases of goods and services, including utilizing minority and women-owned law firms. The law department also sets supplier diversity goals and has exceeded its goals for the last three years.
“As a Fortune 100 company, Aetna’s influence extends far beyond its own walls,” said Joseph K. West, president and CEO of MCCA. “The law department’s commitment to inclusion has resulted in more and better opportunities for its own staff and for diverse attorneys in other organizations. This makes Aetna a true Employer of Choice.”
“We are honored to be recognized by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association,” said William J. Casazza, senior vice president and general counsel for Aetna. “Our goal is to deliver world-class service for our customers. To do that, our employees and suppliers must be a part of the communities we serve.”
Aetna and four other regional winners will be honored at MCCA’s Diversity Honors Gala at the Lincoln Center in New York City on September 17. The evening will begin with a welcome reception followed by the awards program in the Starr Theater and a VIP reception in Alice Tully Hall. MCCA will also present the George B. Vashon Innovator Award to corporate legal departments and law firms or legal associations that implement outstanding diversity programs. During the reception, one individual will be honored with MCCA’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.