BUFFALO, NY — Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center has earned its first spot on Forbes’ 2024 list of America’s Best Employers for Women, ranking in the top quarter of the 600 organizations included. Roswell Park is one of only three cancer centers nationwide to be honored with this prestigious award, presented by Forbes and Statista Inc.
America’s Best Employers for Women were determined through an independent survey of over 150,000 women working in U.S. companies across all industries that employ at least 1,000 people. Over 4 million employer reviews were considered, and the result is based on:
- Personal evaluations: Respondents were presented with a series of statements about their current employer on topics such as atmosphere and development, diversity, image, salary/wage and workplace/working conditions. There is evidence that women are more likely to face problems in the workplace related to representation and career, equal pay, discrimination, flexibility, family support and parental leave.
- Public reviews: The participants had the opportunity to rate other employers in their respective industries as well as employers of friends, acquaintances and family members who they noticed positively or negatively.
- Diversity among top executives/board members: This index is based on the percentage of women among top managers and board members.
“I am very proud of this new award because it is based on feedback from our female employees,” said Dr. Candace S. Johnson, President and CEO of Roswell Park. “We are intentional about working to promote and enhance the experience of our employees, and I believe this new recognition confirms that these outstanding leaders feel a sense of belonging and pride in their connection to Roswell Park.”
Several indicators document the critical contributions of women in Roswell Park’s cancer care, prevention, research, education and outreach missions. Including the CEO and several senior executives, 53% of Roswell Park employees who identify as female serve in a supervisory and/or management role. And from 2014 to 2024, Roswell Park’s female workforce increased by more than 20%, to 66% of employees who identify as female, working an average of nearly 9 years at the center.
Roswell Park leaders value work-life balance, flexible work schedules, and support for working parents/caregivers through comprehensive initiatives and programs to encourage engagement and retention of female team members. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide confidential counseling and support services, comprehensive wellness programs, and Employee Network Resource Groups (ENRGs) provide support and resources for employees with many inclinations to share experiences.
“This is what engagement looks like for our employees,” said Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney, Esq., Roswell Park Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President. “Since joining Roswell Park in August 2023, I have been completely focused on working with leadership to advance equity and inclusion for all Roswell Park employees and the communities around us. I am so proud that we continue to improve and raise the bar.”
Earlier this year, Roswell Park was named to another Forbes list: America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2024.
