The Global Diversity Council (GDC) developed the Global Diversity Award to reflect the importance of the work being done in our business units to build diversity, inclusion, and multicultural thinking at Covance. The award will recognize a business unit or corporate department that exemplifies achievement in promoting diversity initiatives and the goals of Covance's Compelling Offer. After almost two years of work, the first Global Diversity Award was conferred in 2007.

The Global Diversity Award is further recognition that people are Covance's most valued asset. In particular, the award underscores the importance of a diverse workforce, which is often the source of new ideas, innovation, and leadership. Talented individuals from diverse backgrounds can help distinguish Covance from our competition and enable us to compete successfully in the global marketplace.

The goal of Multicultural Affinity Group is to recruit, promote, and retain diverse talent throughout Covance. The Affinity Group is an inclusive group of employees that seeks to understand and celebrate our differences and our similarities. Additionally, the network seeks to help make Covance a great place to work through diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism (Location: Princeton)

The purpose of Covance GLO is to bridge the gap between straight, gay and lesbian employees who support workplace diversity. Promote fair treatment and development opportunities for all employees, regardless of sexual orientation and to strengthen our relationship with clients and attract new ones through Covance's continuing commitment to diversity.

Covance established the Women's Leadership Network to support and empower the women of Covance to achieve professional success and personal well-being. The Women's Leadership Network works to enhance our workplace, contribute to the success of our company, and give back to our community, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. (Locations: Madison, WI; Princeton, NJ; Spring Mill, PA; Vienna, VA; Evansville, IN; and Maidenhead, UK.)

In May 2007, Covance's Office of Diversity and the Center for Training and Development launched the fourth year of Covance Mentoring. The program provides an opportunity for employees to apply for and participate in a mentoring relationship as either a mentor or a mentee. Human Resources leaders review applications and consider matches based on program criteria and applicants' interests, needs, and skills.

As a mentor you can share your experiences and wisdom to help a fellow employee reach his or her professional goals. As a mentee you can seek guidance and support in reaching your own professional goals. In either case, you will build a relationship, expand your professional network, and gain insight from another Covance employee. The program year begins with required training between mid-September and mid-October.