require skills in computer and network use. In addition, those with computer skills are expected to earn 43% more than those without.
Adkins is an elite member of IBM’s Worldwide Management Council, which represents the 50 highest ranking senior executives. At the top of Adkins’ agenda is bringing minorities into the pipeline and elevating them to the top level. Adkins says his work experience exemplifies one of the value propositions that IBM offers in terms of career advancement.
The 24-year IBMer has covered a broad range of technologies and products and has played different types of key roles. “As an engineer, I was involved in inventing and developing,” he explains. “As a manager I oversaw projects, and as an executive, I was responsible for the impact that IBM products would have in the marketplace in terms of financial performance and customer satisfaction.” —Carolyn M. Brown
Strengths BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PITNEY BOWES Location: Stamford, CT Type of Business: Computer, office equipment Diversity Contact: Christine Castellano, Diversity Specialist
Pitney Bowes is the eighth largest provider of office technology and office services. With $5 billion in revenues, the company is a strong proponent of workforce diversity, landing among the top 10 companies that scored well in this category. Forty-four percent of its 26,263 employees are ethnic minorities; 24% are African American. According to Castellano, Pitney Bowes’ commitment to diversity means the company values and actively pursues it as a mission. One-quarter of its board members are ethnic minorities, one of whom is African American.
Strengths EMPLOYEE BASE
PROCTER & GAMBLE Location: Cincinnati Type of Business: Consumer products
Diversity Contact: Carol Tuthill, VP, Global Diversity & Organization Capability
Part of P&G’s workforce diversity ass
urance is advancing minorities to executive and general manager levels. The firm has stepped up its minority recruitment, namely expanding the minority internship program, which is responsible for one-third of full-time employees hired. Diversity as a business strategy comes from P&G’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive A.G. Lafley, who has renewed the company’s focus, which includes increasing 2005 purchases from minority businesses. States Lafley: “We simply cannot create brands and products to improve the lives of the world’s consumers unless we understand the diversity of our customers.”
Strengths
- SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
- SR. MANAGEMENT
VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC. Location: New York Type of Business: Telecommunications Diversity Contact: Magda Yrizarry, VP, Workplace Culture, Diversity & Compliance
With more than $71 billion in annual revenues, Verizon is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services. Verizon did well in the areas of board representation and senior management, including one who appeared on our list, “75 Most Powerful Blacks in Corporate America.” Among the 271 senior management positions, 50 are filled by ethnic minorities, 25 of whom are African Americans. And of the 11 board members, Verizon has three who are ethnic minorities, including two African Americans. “With regard to board representation, we do well because leadership understands the importance of having diversity throughout the business,” says John Bell, senior vice president, Domestic Telecom Human Resources. “The same is true for senior leadership.”
Strengths
- SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
- SR. MANAGEMENT
- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WAL-MART STORES Location: