BUFFALO, N.Y. — Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center made its debut on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024, ranking in the top one-quarter among the 600 organizations included. Roswell Park is one of only three cancer centers nationally to be recognized with this prestigious distinction, which is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc.
America’s Best Employers for Women were identified through an independent survey of over 150,000 women working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the U.S. from all industry sectors. Over 4 million employer evaluations are considered, and the result is based upon:
- Personal Evaluations: Respondents were presented with a set of statements about their current employer, on topics related to atmosphere and development, diversity, image, salary/wage and workplace/working conditions. Evidence shows that women are more likely to face workplace issues related to representation and career, pay equity, discrimination, flexibility, family support and parental leave.
- Public Evaluations: Participants were given the chance to evaluate other employers in their respective industries as well as the employers of friends, acquaintances and family members that stand out either positively or negatively.
- Diversity Among Top Executives/Board: This index is based on the percentage of women among top executives and board directors.
“It humbles me to learn of this latest accolade because it’s based on feedback directly from our female employees,” says Roswell Park President & CEO Candace S. Johnson, PhD. “We are consciously working to nurture and improve our employee experience, and I believe this latest recognition affirms that these formidable leaders feel a sense of belonging and pride in their connection to Roswell Park.”
Several indicators document the critical contributions of women across Roswell Park’s mission areas of cancer care, prevention, research, education and outreach. Including its CEO and several senior executives, 53% of Roswell Park employees who identify as female are in a supervisory and/or management role. And from 2014 to 2024, Roswell Park’s female workforce increased more than 20% to 66% of employees identifying as female, averaging a tenure of almost 9 years working at the Center.
Roswell Park workforce leaders credit the importance of work/life balance, flexible scheduling and support for working parents/caregivers through robust initiatives and programs in driving engagement and retention among female team members. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) provide confidential counseling and support services, extensive wellness programming and Employee Network Resource Groups (ENRGs) offer support and resources for employees reflecting many affinities to share experiences.
“This is what commitment to our employees looks like,” says Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney, Esq., Roswell Park Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President. “Since joining Roswell Park in August 2023, I’ve been laser-focused on working together with leadership across the enterprise to drive equity and inclusion for all Roswell Park employees and for the communities around us. I’m 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.
