In February 2010, Deloitte & Touche, LLP Women’s Initiative received the 2010 Catalyst award.  The Catalyst award honors programs in organizations, which are innovative and effective in advancing women in the workplace.  After some 17 years of work Deloitte & Touche, LLP has demonstrated measurable improvement in the lives of the women who work for the company.  How did this happen?  Why was it done?

Questions:

1. Have students review the early programs at Deloitte & Touche, LLP, dating back to the late 1990s where the first steps were taken to retain talented women from leaving the firm. What were these programs?

2. If this was done for women at this accounting firm, what can be done for women and other diversity groups at another firm to create a friendly and supportive environment for all of its associates?