MassMutual Employer of Choice for Women, Diverse Employees

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is becoming increasingly recognized as an employer that welcomes and values the points of view of its employees. In May, MassMutual was named to the prestigious DiversityInc. 25 Noteworthy Companies list in 2012, adding to the company's honors in diversity and inclusion.

DiversityInc., a leading source of information on diversity management, recognizes MassMutual for its cross-cultural mentoring and resource groups and their contribution to the company's talent development and community relationships. One-fifth of MassMutual employees are now members of at least one resource group.

"Our diligent work to increase the diversity of our workforce and sales force is becoming increasingly lauded," said Lorie Valle-Yanez, vice president and chief diversity officer at MassMutual, "and we continue to make strides to broaden our inclusive business practices that embrace and leverage business diversity of employees from all walks of life."

MassMutual's other recent recognition includes:

National Association of Female Executives' (NAFE) Top 50 Companies for Executive Women: NAFE selected its annual "Top 50 Companies for Executive Women," naming MassMutual among a list of major employers committed to hiring, retaining and promoting executive women. MassMutual's Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual's Retirement Services Division and chairman and CEO of MassMutual International LLC, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120606/NY19660 )

2011 Working Mother 100 Best Companies: Entering its 27th year in 2011, Working Mother 100 Best Companies recognized MassMutual as among the group of the most family-friendly companies in the country.

Equal Opportunity Magazine Top 50 Employers: 2012 Readers' Choice: Equal Opportunity Magazine is an Equal Opportunity Publication, which is the first affirmative action recruitment publication in the U.S. Top employers are selected through an annual reader survey that ranks the companies the readers would most prefer to work for or believe are progressive in hiring members of minority groups.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation: MassMutual earned a high rating of 90 percent in the HRC Foundation's annual Corporate Equality Index in December 2011. The index measures the extent to which employers protect their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees, consumers, and investors. Ratings are based on factors like non-discrimination policies, diversity training, and benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees.

Hispanic Business 2012 Boardroom Elite: Hispanic Business Media each year compiles its "Boardroom Elite," a listing of influential Hispanics who serve as directors of Fortune 500 companies. MassMutual has two board members on this prestigious list, one of the few in 2012 when Latinos make up less than 2 percent of the number of corporate board members.

Black Enterprise 40 Rising Stars 40 and Under: One of MassMutual's talented employees, Eleanor Williams, assistant vice president and counsel, was honored by Black Enterprise magazine as having made moves that have placed her on the path to power and success in business, all before her 41st birthday.

HACR Young Corporate Achievers Program: Michael Munoz, a Diversity & Inclusion consultant in   MassMutual's Human Resources department, was recognized by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility as a young executive who has shown leadership qualities, along with a proven commitment to the Hispanic community.

To find out about joining the MassMutual team, logon on to massmutual.com/careers. Learn more about MassMutual's diversity and inclusion programs.

About MassMutual

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

For more information, visit www.massmutual.com or find MassMutual on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Google+.

CONTACT: Karen Lavariere-Sanchez
[email protected]
413.744.7660

SOURCE MassMutual