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By honoring differences, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation follow the lead of one of Aetna's most celebrated Board members, the late Arthur R. Ashe, Jr., whose commitment to human rights and highly visible stand against prejudice and intolerance continue to inspire the entire Aetna community.

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 2007 $2.2 million was awarded to support 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. Ash 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 winners for 2007 are Marty Castro, Vice President of External Affairs for Diverse Markets Strategy, Chicago; and Chris Snoberger, Undewriting Technical Lead, Arlington. Both honorees were cited for their exemplary humanitarian ideals, commitment to community service and extraordinary volunteer efforts. Marty spends much of his leisure time serving the less fortunate and has helped countless minority youths with social equity efforts. He chairs the boards of many Chicago based organizations, and also volunteers in various leadership roles for several others. Chris has similarly distinguished herself in part due to her role as chair of the Arlington Aetna Volunteer Council, one of the most active participating councils, and through her efforts as a tireless animal rights activist and 11-year Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Both extraordinary employees are powerful examples of individuals committed to making a 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.

African American History Calendar - Since 1982, the company has recognized the outstanding contributions of African Americans by publishing the African American History Calendar.

The 2008 calendar titled, "Health Literacy: A Dose of Understanding" marks the 27th anniversary of the Aetna African American History Calendar. A companion educational website showcases the calendars and offers teachers, students and parents a wealth of information about African American health, culture and more.

Hispanic Calendar - Aetna is pleased to present the inaugural version of our bilingual Latino calendar, Calendario Hispano de Aetna, en celebración de la cultura latina. Released in September 2007, it is just one example of how Aetna recognizes Hispanics and expresses our appreciation for the many ways in which their perspectives and experiences have enriched our company and the communities where we live and work.

Supporting Strong Latino Communities - In the past decade, we have awarded more than $450,000 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.

African American History and Culture - A $500,000 Aetna Foundation grant to The Amistad Center for Art & Culture, the largest single gift in the Center's history, marks a 20-year relationship between us and the center and will used to support their acclaimed traveling exhibit, Double Exposure; African Americans Before and Behind the Camera. A $100,000 Aetna Foundation grant to The Washington, D.C Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. will be applied to the construction of the memorial and further demonstrates our longtime commitment to diversity, equality and the African American community.

Creating Full Opportunities for the Disabled - We continue our ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity, awarding $130,000 since 2004 to support building homes for families who have a member with a disability. To date, we have worked with Habitat to build one home in Dallas, TX; another in Portland, OR; and two in Hartford, CT. 2007 saw a fifth home break ground in Dania Beach, FL.

Recognizing Asian Led Businesses and Contributions - A $25,000 award to the Asian American Business Development Center honored 50 Asian American entrepreneurs and business executives, the nation's largest award program of its kind. Similarly, our $15,000 sponsorship of the Asian Women in Business Leadership Awards celebrated the achievements and recognized the ever-increasing economic influence of Asian women in the community.

Honoring Veterans through Partnerships - The Aetna Foundation was instrumental in reinvigorating the Connecticut Veterans Day Parade as a tradition from years of dormancy, and along with Aetna has contributed $130,000 since 2000 toward this important celebration. Our interest in funding veteran oriented causes includes supporting community programming, and in 2007 we forged a new relationship with Rebuilding Together Hartford, awarding $25,000 toward an initiative designed provide accessible homes for disabled veterans.

Supporting Diversity in Higher Education - Aetna remains committed to developing opportunities for the next generation of business leaders though higher education initiatives, particularly in minority communities. Aetna has awarded the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) $85,000 over the past two years for their annual conference, designed to provide a platform for presenting unique ideas and ways to prepare the next generation of Hispanic leaders. Our involvement in this arena also extends to the African American population through our relationship with The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. Aetna's $35,000 sponsorship support of their Leadership Institute and Recruitment Conference in 2006 and 2007 in New York provided the opportunity for this annual gathering- the largest career-preparation event for undergraduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Community Building at the Local Level - In Atlanta, Aetna local leaders are executing a three year strategy to develop/expand relationships with organizations addressing the causes of diabetes in 2007 organizations include National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, 100 Black Men of Atlanta and American Diabetes Association. Meanwhile in Philadelphia, we are developing a unique relationship with the African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Foundation and their AACC Small Business Program, including a $100,000 grant that makes funds available for short-term loans at small interest rates, thereby, enabling businesses to pursue and fulfill contract opportunities.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Involvement - Aetna's $50,000 award to The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce toward The National LGBT Health Forum and Expo supported the largest LGBT health related event on record and explored the health needs and business opportunities for the future of healthcare delivery and opportunities in the LGBT segment. We also have provided $20,000 of sponsorship support toward Out & Equal's Annual Workplace Summits-designed to provide human resources professionals, diversity managers, employee resource groups, leaders and straight allies a platform to make powerful connections, share best practices, and demonstrate their commitment to equality in the workplace.