PwC Contributes $1 Million to Advance Women's Leadership in Business

NEW YORK, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PwC US is contributing $1 million to help launch the Center for Women and Business at Bentley University, and will serve as its founding corporate partner.  The gift will support the Center's mission and activities to advance shared leadership among women and men in the business world and, in particular, develop and retain women leaders at all stages of their careers. The funds will be a combination of direct investment by PwC and donations by PwC partners and staff.

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The new Center will be led by Betsy Myers, former senior adviser to Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign as Chief Operating Officer and Chair of Women for Obama.

"According to PwC's recent CEO Survey, an overwhelming number of CEOs (97%) believe that accessing and retaining key talent is a critical driver of long-term success," said Bob Moritz, PwC U.S. chairman and senior partner.  "Since women comprise nearly half that talent pool, the competitive advantage will go to companies that understand how to cultivate diversity.  That is why PwC is pleased to collaborate with Bentley University to accelerate the advancement of women leaders."

"Despite significant advances made over the past several decades, women are still dramatically underrepresented in executive suites and boardrooms," added Gloria Larson, President of Bentley University.   "Thanks to the generosity of PwC, our vision of a resource for advancing women into business leadership roles is becoming a reality through the new Center for Women and Business at Bentley."

PwC's collaboration with Bentley is grounded in a shared belief that diversity creates value and fosters growth in leading organizations.  The Center for Women and Business will encourage and lead global dialogue about the economic importance of including women in leadership roles.  Its programming will focus on three areas:

• Education:  The Center will provide resources and opportunities for all students to explore a range of potential roles they might play in the global economy during their professional lives, placing particular emphasis on helping female students envision and realize their individual leadership potential.
• Thought leadership:  The Center will engage business and academic leaders in conversations designed to foster intellectual curiosity and practical insight that helps organizations support, encourage and maintain collaborative leadership.
• Advocacy:  The Center will develop new ways for the global business community to fully utilize and value the capabilities of women as well as men, by fostering robust discourse and offering innovative programs both within and outside the University.  The Center will also utilize broader media resources to highlight and share research and insights, seeking to influence policy in both the public and private sectors.

"We need to encourage students and young people to enter the business world through innovative undergraduate and graduate education that promotes learning opportunities for women and men as peers," said Ms. Myers.  "Our goal is to help women realize their greatest ambitions and to assume top leadership roles in the business, non-profit and public policy spheres."

PwC continues to support education related causes, recognizing that higher education plays a critical role in creating opportunities and prosperity.  Last week, PwC announced $770,000 in funding to help domestic colleges and universities incorporate important updates and issues facing the accounting profession into their curricula.  Since 2008, PwC has contributed more than $35 million to colleges, universities and student-focused educational programs.

About the Center for Women and Business at Bentley University

The Center for Women and Business at Bentley University has as its mission the advancement of shared leadership among women and men throughout the business world and, in particular, the development and retention of women leaders at every stage of their lives.  The Center will encourage young women to enter careers in business, seek to expand opportunities for women in business and support them in reaching top leadership positions.  The Center will also promote innovative academic research and further global discussions on the economic and social impact of shared leadership among men and women.  

The Center for Women and Business is a critical part of Bentley University's strategic vision and commitment to promoting ethical, socially responsible leadership in the global economy throughout the entire learning continuum – from college student to CEO and beyond.  

About the PwC Network

PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See www.pwc.com for more information.

© 2011 PwC. All rights reserved. "PwC" and "PwC US" refer to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity.

SOURCE PwC