BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Catalyst has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) the 2014 Catalyst Award, the prestigious annual award honoring innovative initiatives that expand opportunities for women and business. Lockheed Martin's U.S.-based initiative Women Accelerating Tomorrow comprises a variety of programs, processes and tools to support women's advancement as part of a broad strategic effort to attract, develop and retain diverse talent in a highly technical and engineering-focused industry. Kimberly-Clark is also a recipient of this year's Catalyst Award. 

"We strive to create an inclusive culture where employees are empowered to perform their best and excel in their careers," said Marillyn Hewson, Chairman, President and CEO. "We're honored to be recognized for our commitment to diversity; this award is a reflection of the inclusive spirit our 115,000 Lockheed Martin employees bring to work every day."

"This year we celebrate two unique initiatives in two very different industries," said Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst. "What they have in common is a commitment to making the advancement of women part of company culture, be it in engineering or consumer products. With a strong focus on strengthening pipelines of talented women, these award-winning initiatives prove that having a diverse workforce benefits all and has a transformational impact on business, communities and lives."

Since 1987, the Catalyst Award has recognized cutting-edge initiatives that advance women in the workplace. Catalyst Award-winning initiatives are evaluated in a rigorous yearlong process against the following criteria: business rationale, senior leadership support, accountability, communication, employee engagement, innovation and measurable results. 

For complete descriptions of this year's Catalyst Award-winning initiatives, please visit http://catalyst.org/catalyst-award-winners.

Close to 100 CEOs of multinational corporations and firms, along with an anticipated 1,600 guests, will celebrate the Catalyst Award-winning initiatives at the 2014 Catalyst Awards Dinner in New York on April 2, 2014. More information on the dinner can be found at: http://catalyst.org/events/catalyst-awards-dinner-0.

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization expanding opportunities for women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, India and Australia, and more than 700 members, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women's advancement with the Catalyst Award. The Catalyst Award annually honors innovative organizational approaches with proven, measurable results that address the recruitment, development and advancement of all women, including diverse women. Since 1987, Catalyst has recognized 82 initiatives and 76 organizations from around the world whose groundbreaking diversity and inclusion initiatives have changed workplaces, communities and lives.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 115,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin