Employer All Star Awards

2009 Diversity Excellence

Maria Curran Vice President, Human Resources VCU Health SystemPresenter:
Maria Curran,
Vice President,
Human Resources,
VCU Health System

Maria A. Curran has been with the VCU Health System (VCUHS) for over 21 years and has served as the Vice President of Human Resources and Family Care Services since 2002. She is responsible for the long-term planning and strategic direction of a comprehensive Department of Human Resources that serves over 8,000 employees of an academic medical center and physician practice plan. As a member of the senior leadership team for the health system, one of her roles is to develop and implement programs that meet the diverse needs of the workforce.

Ms. Curran is an adjunct faculty member of the VCU School of Health Administration and teaches a course to Masters of Health Administration students that is focused on the myriad issues facing executives when managing human capital. Ms. Curran has co-authored a chapter on employee benefits in a textbook as well.   Ms. Curran has a Master of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rollins College, in Winter Park, Florida.

Diversity Excellence

This award recognizes employers who 1) are making proactive efforts to improve the inclusiveness and diversity in their workplace, 2) demonstrate a commitment to the added value that diversity and inclusiveness brings to their organizations and their communities, and 3) are achieving results.

winner! = Award Winner

LARGE CATEGORY FINALISTS:

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Achieving Anthem’s culture is a continuous journey. As we work to transform our company and our industry, our core values define the way we work and behave in the workplace.  As a result, Anthem’s cultural principles have led us to the creation of a high-performing company that fully engages diverse associates toward a common mission.  We provide many opportunities for associates to learn more about our diverse work force and customer base.  When associates feel comfortable at work, we feel they’re engaged to do their best and the company will meet its business objectives.

Chesterfield County Government
For over 20 years, Chesterfield County has partnered with the community in promoting diversity for employees and residents of the county.  Since winning the 2006 Employer All Star Award for Diversity Excellence, it has continued its journey and taken its efforts to the next level.  By keeping the many issues of diversity, including race, gender, religion, differing physical abilities, generational differences, family work life differences, and diversity of thought in front of employees and the community, the county has improved the quality of services to residents and businesses.  The county is proud to be a leader in the Richmond region in the area of diversity.

Wyeth-Richmond winner!
Diversity is not just about our employees.  It is about every area of our business, the customers we serve, and the communities in which we live.  Before the Diversity Program was enacted, the Wyeth brand was unfamiliar to many areas of the Richmond community.  Through the creation of the Diversity Program, Wyeth-Richmond has successfully marketed our brand, vision and mission to the community and is now recognized as premier employer in the Richmond area.  Through our program, we have been able to attract, retain, develop, support, and encourage our employees to be all they can be.  We truly live one of our company’s most important values “Respect for People” by promoting a diverse culture and environment of mutual respect for our employees, our customers, and our communities.

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