The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) has named the law department of H.J. Heinz Company as its 2012 Employer of Choice Award winner for the Mid-Atlantic Region. Heinz was selected from law department applicants of corporations across the Mid-Atlantic 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.
The Heinz Law Department was selected as an Employer of Choice for recognizing the fundamental importance of achieving a diverse work force of attorneys, professionals and other team members. Heinz pursues diversity and inclusion initiatives across all functions to achieve a skilled, high-performing workforce that is reflective of the diverse global marketplace. Guided by its diversity plan, Heinz has created an environment in which all members can feel valued and respected. The Law Department supports and encourages education and training opportunities (including diversity awareness and management), and sponsors intern programs and scholarships for minority students. The department also has a task force that regularly evaluates its diversity policies and procedures.
“Heinz has earned the title of Employer of Choice by making diversity and inclusion part of its daily culture,” said Joseph K. West, MCCA’s president and CEO. “It’s one thing to have a diversity plan, it’s quite another to establish concrete goals and hold leadership accountable for them. Heinz has done this, creating opportunities for everyone and helping them to achieve their potential, grow to leadership and contribute to the company’s success.”
Heinz and four other regional winners will be honored at MCCA’s Diversity Honors Gala at the Lincoln Center in New York City on September 11. The evening will begin with a red-carpet reception followed by the awards program in the Starr Theater that combines honors with entertainment, ending with an elegant VIP Reception in Alice Tully Hall. MCCA will also recognize Diversity Innovators, corporate legal departments, and law firms or legal associations that implement outstanding diversity programs. And one individual will be honored with MCCA’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
To learn more about MCCA’s Diversity Honors Gala and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.mcca.com.