Verizon Ranked Among Best Companies for Diverse Managers

March 3, 2009

By Jennifer Hull

Verizon has ranked number seven on Diversity MBA Magazine's 2009 list of Top Companies for Diverse Managers. This is the fourth consecutive year that Verizon's continued commitment to global diversity has earned the company a top ten ranking on the list.

Women and people of color make up nearly 60 percent of Verizon's workforce, which serves customers in some of the country's most diverse markets. This year's ranking looked at retention, inclusion practices, and recruitment strategies, as well as representation in management of women and people of color, and pipeline development for diverse managers. The ranking also took into consideration diversity representation on boards of directors.

Verizon's Commitment to Diversity Seen in Managers and Workforce

"Verizon has the privilege of serving an increasingly diverse customer base," said Magda Yrizarry, vice president workplace culture, diversity, and compliance for Verizon. "From the board room to our sales floors, our commitment to an inclusive culture allows us to better serve our customers while doing the right thing for our employees and our community. We are honored to once again be ranked among some of America's most diverse and successful companies."

In 2008, Diversity MBA Magazine named two Verizon executives to the publication's Top 100 Diverse Executives Under 50 list: Benigno Gonzalez, executive director, FiOS product management; and Michael Millegan, president of Verizon Partner Solutions.

Verizon Receives Top Rankings for Diversity and Best Training Programs

Earlier this year, Verizon was ranked number 15 on Training Magazine's Top 125, a list of companies that have the best training programs for their employees. Committed to creating personal and professional opportunities for its employees, Verizon's employee development, education, and training budget has totaled approximately $1 billion over the past few years.