Cornell has been named as one of the nation's top companies for executive women by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) for its work/life programs for women, opportunity for advancement, the presence of women among Cornell executives and compensation.

"[This] is a great honor," said Mary Opperman, vice president for human resources at Cornell, "[and] another affirmation of Cornell's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. We always learn so much from our fellow award-winning organizations about other best practices that we should consider."

In 2007 Cornell was named a best employer for working mothers by Working Mother magazine and for people 50 years and older by the American Association of Retired Persons; won recognition as a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-friendly campus by Campus Pride; and was included in the Dave Thomas Foundation "Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplaces" list. In October, Cornell was one of five organizations to win the U.S. Department of Labor Exemplary Voluntary Efforts awards for its ongoing commitment to diversity.

Lynette Chappell-Williams, director of the Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity and Life Quality, will accept the award in New York City March 27. In addition, Cornell will be featured in the spring issue of NAFE magazine.

NAFE is one of the largest women's professional organizations, providing educational resources and services, networking and public advocacy for women executives.