#United States #Forbes #Oakland #Blue Shield #Women's Equality

Blue Shield of California Shines Bright on Forbes List

In an impressive recognition of its commitment to gender equality in the workplace, Blue Shield of California has made it onto the Forbes list of America's Best Employers for Women 2025. This prestigious accolade showcases the organization's continued dedication to creating a workplace culture that nurtures and empowers women across all levels.

A Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

Haley Mixon, the executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Blue Shield, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, "At Blue Shield of California, we are committed to cultivating a culture of belonging where all employees can fully contribute to our mission." This sentiment reinforces the company’s focus on fostering an environment that not only champions equality but also encourages women to thrive and take on leadership roles within the organization.

The initiative is especially significant as it aligns with the celebration of Women’s Equality Day, marking a momentous occasion for the company’s dedication to empowering women. "It is part of what makes Blue Shield a great place to do meaningful work," Mixon added, emphasizing the company’s ethos of support.

The Method Behind the Recognition

Forbes, in partnership with Statista, conducted a comprehensive survey involving over 140,000 women employed at organizations with a minimum of 1,000 employees over the past three years. Participants evaluated their employers based on key factors including pay equity, opportunities for advancement, parental leave, work-life balance, as well as benefits related to childcare and eldercare. Additionally, they were asked to assess how their companies manage incidents involving discrimination and sexual misconduct, providing a holistic view of workplace culture.

The survey results, combined with an analysis of the proportion of women in executive and board roles, created a robust framework for determining the best employers for women across the nation.

Blue Shield's Values Drive Success

Kassie Maroney, the interim chief financial officer and executive sponsor of Blue Shield's Elevating Women employee resource group, articulated Blue Shield's commitment to its corporate values. "Being a best employer for women means holding true to Blue Shield's values of being human, honest, and courageous," she asserted. This underscores the organization's aim to create supportive pathways for women at various career stages while celebrating their distinct perspectives and contributions to the workplace.

Impactful Contributions to Community

With a strong belief in the importance of corporate social responsibility, Blue Shield has also invested over $60 million into the Blue Shield of California Foundation. This funding supports various initiatives aimed at enhancing the communities they serve throughout California. As an independent nonprofit health plan, Blue Shield is dedicated to ensuring that healthcare is not only accessible but also sustainable for its members—currently numbering about six million—with a workforce exceeding 6,500 employees and an annual revenue surpassing $27 billion.

Founded in 1939, Blue Shield operates not just as a healthcare provider but as a proactive participant in driving social change and fostering equality within its workforce.

Looking Ahead

As Blue Shield of California continues to champion initiatives that promote equity and equality, their recognition by Forbes serves as both an honor and a motivation to further enhance their workplace culture. By prioritizing women's empowerment, the company is not only making strides within its organization but also setting a benchmark for others to follow.

For more information about what makes Blue Shield a great workplace for women and to explore their ongoing efforts, visit Blue Shield's Career Page.