Diversity & Culture

Honoring Differences
"I know I could never forgive myself if I elected to live without human purpose, without trying to help the poor and unfortunate, without recognizing that perhaps the purest joy in life comes with trying to help others."

— Arthur R. Ashe, Jr., former Aetna and Aetna Foundation Board member

In 2008 Aetna and the Aetna Foundation supported an array of initiatives strengthening Aetna's long-term commitment to diversity. The following are just a few examples of how we celebrate diversity and serve our diverse communities.

Aetna Voice of Conscience 
Through its Voice of Conscience Program, Aetna honors those who advance human rights, opportunity and dignity. The Voice of Conscience Award was created as a lasting tribute to the late Arthur R. Ashe Jr., who served on the Aetna and the Aetna Foundation boards of directors for more than a decade.

The Aetna Employee Voice of Conscience Award winner for 2008 was Marie Alfano, a case management nurse consultant, Cranbury, N.J. Marie volunteers hundreds of hours a year to improve the lives of children. As a result of her boundless compassion and leadership, many who were otherwise lacking, now have the basic necessities in life including electricity, clothing and medical equipment. Like Arthur Ashe, Marie is a powerful example of how one person can make a meaningful difference.

Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady and Founder of The Carter Center, received the 2005 National Aetna Voice of Conscience Award for her efforts to bring attention to mental health issues, reduce the stigma that still prevents many from receiving proper care and improve services to those afflicted with mental illness. Mrs. Carter directed her $50,000 grant to The Carter Center Mental Health Program.

Celebrating Diversity Through Publications
For nearly 30 years, Aetna has recognized the outstanding contributions of African Americans through an educational calendar printed and distributed to schools, businesses and non profits. The 2010 calendar, "Serving Our Country, Serving Our Communities: African Americans in Public Service", celebrates the contributtions of 13 men and women who have served their country through military service, and their communities through public service.  A companion educational website showcases the calendars and offers teachers, students and parents a wealth of information about African American health, culture and more.

Aetna also recently celebrated the publication of Breaking Barriers-Celebrating 27 Years of the Aetna African American History Calendar. A compilation of past calendar profiles, it features the remarkable contributions of the many notable African Americans who were pioneers in the fields of business, government, athletics, science, medicine and the arts.

Aetna continued its outreach to the Latino community by creating the third edition of its bilingual Hispanic calendar,“Construyendo Comunidades Latinas Saludables: Modelos de Vida Contemporaneos” (Building Healthy Latino Communities: Contemporary Role Models). It is just one more example of how we recognized Hispanics and express our appreciation for their many contributions.

Supporting Strong Latino Communities 
In the past decade, we have awarded nearly $490,000 to Hispanics in Philanthropy helping it grow into a national catalyst for Latino philanthropy. Our early guidance and funding helped Connecticut become one of the first states to participate in the Funders’ Collaborative for Strong Latino Communities Initiative, infusing a health focus from the beginning.

Supporting Diverse Arts and Culture Opportunities
Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have awarded The Amistad Center for Art & Culture nearly $600,000 over the past two years, most notably in support of their acclaimed traveling exhibit, Double Exposure; African Americans Before and Behind the Camera.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Involvement
A $50,000 Aetna award sponsored the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association’s 26th annual conference. Remarkable for its size, scope, and diverse programming, the conference included presentations and workshops on lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual health, substance abuse, aging, family and relationships and legal issues.

Honoring Veterans 
A $50,000 Aetna award to Helmets to Hardhats will support their national program that connects American military veterans and wounded warriors to quality career opportunities in the construction industry.