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2004 LS50 Company of the Year

The Latina Style 50 2004

The 2004 LATINA Style 50 - Top Thirteen Companies

The 2004 LATINA Style 50 Chart with Criteria

LATINA Style 50 2004

Every year that we produce the LATINA Style 50, it gets harder to make a list of the top 50 companies for Latinas to work for in the United States. Awareness of our program is at an all-time high, and the extensive work that we are doing on diversity issues across the nation has encouraged many new companies to submit surveys.

 

The 2004 LATINA Style 50 - Top Thirteen Companies

Nereyda Luna Bottoms
Group Vice President, Human Resources-Global Operations Support

Avon Products, Inc. 

Hispanic women are changing the face of Avon Products, Inc., an international beauty and healthcare products company. Avon employs nearly 600 Latinas at all levels of operations, including in influential management and executive positions. Career advancement programs such as Leaders Leading Leaders and the Women's Leadership Forum ensure that highly talented Hispanic women at Avon are reaching their full potential. In addition to encouraging Latinas within the company, Avon is also a supportive, family-oriented company. Flextime options, excellent healthcare coverage for employees and families, scholarship opportunities, and childcare facilities and subsidies are only a few of the benefits Avon offers to Latinas and other employees. 

Nereyda Luna Bottoms is one Latina whose career reflects Avon's commitment to empowering women in the workforce. As group vice president for human resources in Global Operations Support, Bottoms is credited for bringing to the company an exceptionally talented workforce that has strengthened Avon's leadership teams domestically and internationally. Bottoms has over 30 years of experience in human resources, and held vice president positions at top national corporations prior to joining Avon in 1998.

Leticia Aguilar
Consumer Banking Executive, Greater Los Angeles Division

Bank of America Corporation

This thriving financial services company displays its commitment to promoting a diversified workforce by employing highly skilled Hispanic women. Bank of America Corporation has developed an infrastructure for implementing various strategies that ensure the success of its diversity efforts, from the Executive Diversity Advisory Council to HOLA, the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement. Latinas serving in these organizations are among the most influential employees in the company. Recruiting at various Hispanic organizations and conferences, such as the National Society of Hispanic MBA (NSHMBA) and the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), Bank of America reaches out to Latinas with a full benefits package that includes alternative work policies, healthcare coverage, leadership training and career counseling programs, and continuous education opportunities. 

As a consumer banking executive for the Greater Los Angeles Division, Leticia Aguilar displays the many qualities that Bank of America seeks and fosters in upper-level employees. Her responsibilities include overseeing the productivity and generating the revenue of more than 350 banking centers throughout Los Angeles County. She also coordinates all community relations activities in her regional division. Beginning her career with Bank of America as a costumer service representative in 1972, Aguilar has climbed the executive ladder to become the senior banking executive in the company.
This thriving financial services company displays its commitment to promoting a diversified workforce by employing highly skilled Hispanic women. Bank of America Corporation has developed an infrastructure for implementing various strategies that ensure the success of its diversity efforts, from the Executive Diversity Advisory Council to HOLA, the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement. Latinas serving in these organizations are among the most influential employees in the company. Recruiting at various Hispanic organizations and conferences, such as the National Society of Hispanic MBA (NSHMBA) and the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), Bank of America reaches out to Latinas with a full benefits package that includes alternative work policies, healthcare coverage, leadership training and career counseling programs, and continuous education opportunities. 

Frances Sevilla-Sacasa
President of Latin America and Europe Private Banking, Citigroup Private Bank

Citigroup Inc.

As an aggressive recruiter in the Hispanic community, Citigroup Inc. searches for talented, professional Latinas by attending conferences and career fairs sponsored by Hispanic organizations, such as the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) and the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA). Since launching the Citigroup Hispanic Network in 2003, the company has continued to strive in its commitment to promoting diversity. Once employed, Latinas are encouraged to participate in mentoring and leadership training programs, are provided with an excellent benefits package for individuals and families, and are offered various alternative work schedules. With almost 10,000 Hispanic women employees, Citigroup has demonstrated its acknowledgement of the many contributions these women are bringing to the company. 

Frances Aldrich Sevilla-Sacasa, the president of Latin America and Europe Private Banking for the Citigroup Private Bank, joined the company in 2000, leaving a managing director position at Deutsche Bank's Latin America Private Banking unit. With over 20 years of experience in the private banking industry, Sevilla-Sacasa continues to inspire, contribute and influence at Citigroup. 
LATINA Style 50 Company of the Year 2001

Nora de Cárdenas
Assistant General Counsel, Technology and Marketing

Colgate-Palmolive Company
The Colgate-Palmolive Company is committed to providing career-advancing opportunities to its employees. The company employs skilled Latinas who bring innovative and creative strategies and policies to the table. Maintaining relationships with various Hispanic organizations and attending conferences and career fairs, Colgate-Palmolive knows where to look for the best of the best. As employees, Latinas can take full advantage of the many programs offered by Colgate-Palmolive. Aside from encouraging participation in several distinguished mentoring programs, such as Women's Unlimited, the company has taken the next step and formally launched the Colgate Women's Network. This task force, with an estimated 200 active members, discusses, develops and implements strategies and programs that will help and encourage women to advance within the company. Established especially for its Hispanic employees, the Hispanic Action Network and Vistas Latinas promote community and further enhance the overall work environment. 

Nora de Cárdenas began her career with the Colgate-Palmolive team in 1991 as an associate counsel for the international sector. Within a short period of time she was promoted to division general counsel for the Latin America Division. Her professional career continued to flourish as the vice president of corporate affairs for Kolynos do Brasil. In 2004, de Cárdenas was promoted to global marketing counsel for Oral Care for Colgate-Palmolive, where her expertise is sought for advise and counseling regarding new products, product relaunches and international advertising.

Mercy Jiménez
Senior Vice President, Product Development and Single Family Mortgage Business

Fannie Mae

Financial services company Fannie Mae continues to stand out as a great place for Latinas to work. With more than 15 employee networking groups available with focuses ranging from ethnicity to gender, Fannie Mae demonstrates that diversity is not just a concept but an important part of a successful workforce. In addition to these affinity associations, Fannie Mae has multiple career developing programs for Hispanic women. Latinas in various management levels are encouraged to participate in programs designed to develop skills and guide Latinas' flourishing careers in the right direction. The Corporate Mentor Program appoints a mentor at the executive level to a high-potential employee as a way for each participant to exchange innovative ideas and experiences, develop networking and communication skills, and ultimately grow as individuals within the company. Aside from providing career opportunities, Fannie Mae offers an employee benefits package that includes childcare subsidies, flextime options, paid leave for expecting mothers, and healthcare coverage. 

As senior vice president for business and product development for Single-Family Mortgage, Mercy Jiménez is truly a shining star at Fannie Mae. Her responsibilities include developing, marketing and implementing new Single-Family Mortgage credit products as well as managing the Southwestern Regional Office. She joined Fannie Mae in 1996 after leaving a vice president for corporate development position at Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corporation. 

LATINA Style 50 Company of the Year 2002

Maria Elena Lagomasino
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, JPMorgan Private Bank options.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Acknowledging the value and professionalism of Hispanic women, JPMorgan Chase & Co. is dedicated to ensuring that each Latina employee has the chance to realize her full potential. Mentoring programs, leadership training and three task force organizations illustrate JPMorgan Chase's dedication to all of its employees, especially women. Adelante, a program geared towards the company's Hispanic employees, enhances opportunities for networking, skill development, and career advancement. The company's benefits package, which includes excellent healthcare coverage, childcare facilities and subsidies, alternative work schedules, continuous education reimbursements and scholarships for employees' children, are key incentives that draw Latinas to JPMorgan Chase. 

One of the most successful Latinas at JPMorgan and in the finance industry at large is Maria Elena Lagomasino. As the chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Private Bank, Lagomasino oversees the largest private bank in the United States, with over $266 billion in assets. In 1983 Lagomasino began her career as a manager for The Chase Manhattan Corporation and division executive for Chase Private Banking International. She continued to excel at the company, managing the private bank's western-hemisphere area from 1989 to1994 and serving as market executive for the Americas region from 1994 to 1997. She is a prominent member on the boards of directors of three corporations.
Acknowledging the value and professionalism of Hispanic women, JPMorgan Chase & Co. is dedicated to ensuring that each Latina employee has the chance to realize her full potential. Mentoring programs, leadership training and three task force organizations illustrate JPMorgan Chase's dedication to all of its employees, especially women. Adelante, a program geared towards the company's Hispanic employees, enhances opportunities for networking, skill development, and career advancement. The company's benefits package, which includes excellent healthcare coverage, childcare facilities and subsidies, alternative work schedules, continuous education reimbursements and scholarships for employees' children, are key incentives that draw Latinas to JPMorgan Chase. 

Kristine K. Gagliardi
General Manager, San Francisco Marriott

Marriott International, Inc.

As one of the leading hospitality corporations in the nation and worldwide, Marriott International, Inc. contributes much of its success to a strong leadership team and a hardworking, creative workforce. Latinas employed at Marriott enjoy a magnificent employee benefits package. From profit sharing to healthcare coverage for individuals and families to career development programs, Marriott is committed to providing the most satisfying work environment for all of its employees. For Latinas looking to further their skills and talents, Marriott has established several leadership training and career counseling programs. One such program is the Career Acceleration Program, in which talented, professional women are identified and considered for senior leadership positions. Through mentoring with senior executive officials and developing the necessary skills for undertaking new positions, Latinas at Marriott quickly advance through the corporate ranks. In 2003 a total of 91 women and minorities participated in the program. 

Kristine K. Gagliardi serves as the general manager of the San Francisco Marriott, a $125 million, 1500-room hotel. Before coming to Marriott, Gagliardi had served as the director of operations, the resident manager, the director of sales and marketing, and the corporate director of conventions for Hilton International. A true visionary, Gagliardi believes that her 25 years of experience and contributions to the company will aid fellow Latinas in achieving their career goals at Marriott.

Gloria Santona
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary

McDonald's Corporation

This well-known quick service restaurant is serving up more than burgers and fries. At McDonald's Corporation employees are what matter most. The more than 18,500 Latinas employed at McDonald's Corporation enjoy outstanding benefits and take advantage of great career opportunities. Careers in engineering, real estate and franchising make McDonald's an ideal workplace regardless of one's area of expertise. McDonald's Employee Mentoring Program aids Latinas in preparing for long-term careers in upper management by matching them with senior executive officials in order to exchange experiences, techniques and strategies. The Hispanic Employee Network and the Hispanic Leadership Council cater to the needs and interests of the Hispanic workforce. In addition to being a great company to work for, McDonald's retains a reputation for being a true supporter of family life. With a healthcare program for the whole family, flexible work scheduling, scholarships for employees' children, and a great retirement plan, McDonald's offers stability and opportunity for Latinas looking for satisfaction in their careers. 

As executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary at McDonald's, Gloria Santona's days are filled with new and exciting challenges to overcome. As general counsel, Santona is part of an elite team of 62 lawyers in the United States and 49 lawyers in 19 other countries for McDonald's global legal function. As corporate secretary, she provides legal advice and counsel on issues surrounding corporate policies. Santona's journey with McDonald's began upon being hired as an attorney in the company's legal department after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School in 1977.

Carol Cespedes
Assistant General Counsel

New York Life Insurance Company

Established in 1845, New York Life Insurance Company is proud of its 150 years of tradition and achievement as a leading mutual insurance company. The company is unique in its ability to continuously adapt to the needs and wants of its customers, and it wouldn't be able to do so without its strong and talented workforce. Acknowledging the contributions of Hispanics in the insurance industry, New York Life vigorously recruits in the Hispanic community and actively supports and partners with numerous national Hispanic organizations, such as the National Hispanic Business Association, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Professional Latina Women's Organization, to ensure that their most talented Latina employees are reaching their full potential. Apart from providing career development and professional advancement opportunities, New York Life offers a wide range of employee benefits. Included in the package are flextime options, paid leave for expecting mothers, profit sharing, retirement plans, and healthcare coverage. 

One Latina whose hard work, dedication and creativity are evident at New York Life is Carol Cespedes. Her position as assistant general counsel requires her to be a representative for the company on legal issues and act as a liaison in matters involving New York Life's executive officials and inside counsel. Cespedes' presence within the company is an inspiration for other Latinas determined to succeed in their careers.

Grace Torres
Vice President, Mutual Fund Investments-Prudential Investments

Prudential Financial Inc.

Prudential Financial Inc. isn't your typical financial services company. The various divisions of the company are as diverse as its workforce. With an immense range of specialized areas, Prudential is the perfect company for Latinas who are continuously searching for new challenges and have a strong desire to broaden their horizons in the financial world. Attending conferences hosted by Hispanic organizations, such as the National Council of La Raza and the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, Prudential reaches a large Hispanic audience and attracts Latinas with career advancement programs and an excellent benefits package. Hispanic women employees at Prudential are sponsored to participate on two levels of the program, LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) and TEAM (Training for Emerging and Aspiring Mangers). The Hispanic Heritage Network is yet another forum geared towards Prudential's Hispanic employees, which promotes discussions and networking. 

In 1994 Prudential Financial hired Grace Torres as the vice president of the company's Mutual Funds Unit. Torres came to Prudential with an exceptional amount of experience and has catapulted the company into a new realm of investing possibilities. Prior to joining Prudential, Torres held senior management level positions at Bankers Trust Company and Ernst & Young. In her current position, she is responsible for managing the mutual fund administration for all of the company's mutual funds.

Angiolina Wiskocil
Senior Vice President-Network Services, SBC Operations, Inc.

SBC Communications, Inc.

A giant compared to other telecommunications companies, SBC Communications, Inc. hires only the most innovative, creative people. Recruiting on college campuses and at conferences and career fairs, the company employs the best candidates for a variety of positions. In 2003 an estimated 51 percent of new recruits were women and eight percent of those were Latinas. Once hired, Latinas are encouraged to develop their professional skills and acquire further knowledge in their area of expertise by participating in several mentoring programs, women's forums, and leadership training programs. Two examples are the Candidates for Promotion program, which identifies employees at managerial levels who have displayed qualities found in many senior executive officials; and the Watch List Candidates program, composed of employees who are continually progressing and developing skills to be eventually considered for upper management positions. SBC also offers a full range of employee benefits, which include healthcare coverage, 52 weeks of leave for childbirth, and continuous education reimbursements. 

Angiolina Wiskocil is the senior vice president of network services for SBC Operations, Inc., a division of SBC. SBC describes Wiskocil as "a positive role model for women and Hispanics alike." In her capacity, Wiskocil undertakes the duties of implementing network operations strategies and wireline support and oversees capital program management and network regulatory support. Wiskocil began her career at SBC thirty years ago as an accounting clerk. 

LATINA Style Company of the Year 2000

Cristina Lambert
President and Chief Executive Officer, Puerto Rico

Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications, recognized as our Company of the Year in 2003, continues to excel in providing an encouraging and supportive work environment for its 5,000 Latina employees, many of whom hold positions at the managerial and executive levels. A family-oriented company, Verizon offers a variety of alternative work policies for working mothers, as well as childcare subsidies and supplementary weeks for childbirth or adoption. For Latinas looking to advance in their careers, the company encourages participation in its mentoring and leadership training programs, such as the Hispanic Professional Development Workshop, a program designed to enhance the skills and increase the confidence of its Hispanic employees. With a benefits package of this caliber, Verizon Communications continues to shine as a great company for Latinas to work for. 

Cristina Lambert was named the president and CEO of Puerto Rico Telephone, a sector of Verizon Communications, in October 2003. At Puerto Rico Telephone, Lambert oversees all operations and procedures associated with wireline, wireless, paging, internet, and intra-island and off-island long distance services. A true pioneer, she began her career in 1974 as an associate for Contel before the company merged with GTE. Lambert quickly advanced through the ranks at GTE and then at Puerto Rico Telephone, where she was vice president and general manager of wireless services prior to her recent promotion. 
LATINA Style Company of the Year 2003