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Organizations that truly want diversity initiatives to succeed need dedicated advocates at all levels of the organization, according to Catalyst, New York City. In a three-year study of 368 women of color, Catalyst found that seven out of 10 women of color who had a mentor in 1998 have since been promoted.

Organizations that truly want diversity initiatives to succeed need "dedicated advocates at all levels of the organization," according to Catalyst, New York City. To drive the necessary changes, these advocates must take four steps:

1. Become educated about the issues.

2. Seek out and cultivate the development of people of all backgrounds.

3. Support flexibility in the workplace.

4. Become a role model by publicly committing to diversity.

In a three-year study of 368 women of color, Catalyst found that 57 percent had been promoted, with mentoring playing a key role in moves up the corporate ladder. Seven out of 10 women of color who had a mentor in 1998 have since been promoted. More than half of the women in 2001-58 percent-reported having a mentor, compared with only 38 percent in 1998. Sixty-two percent of African-American women had mentors, compared with 51 percent of Asian-American women, and 52 percent of Latin-American women.

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