Prudential ranked No.2 on the 50 best companies for Latinas to work for list

NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the 13^th year in a row, Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) has been recognized as one of the best companies for Latinas by LATINA Style magazine. This year Prudential ranked number two in the annual LATINA Style 50 Report. Yanela Frias, a managing director in the Treasurer’s organization, is representing the company in the magazine’s most recent issue.

“What attracted me to Prudential was the culture of the company”

Frias, responsible for the borrowing, liquidity, capital markets and capital planning functions for Prudential, joined the company in 1997 as a member of the external financial reporting group. She recalls that it was Prudential’s commitment to diversity and inclusion that first sparked her interest in the company.

“What attracted me to Prudential was the culture of the company,” said Frias. “Prudential fosters an innovative and inclusive work environment where employees can stretch and take on greater responsibilities. I knew I wanted to work for an organization where I would be rewarded for my hard work and offered challenging roles that would enhance my skill set. Prudential has certainly lived up to its reputation. I like to do new things and I’ve never been in an assignment for more than two years.”

After completing her MBA in 2000, Frias joined the strategy and competitive analysis group where she was instrumental in Prudential’s demutualization.

“The company was about to go through significant change which was very exciting and interesting,” said Frias. “I learned a great deal and built a stronger network as a result of that assignment.”

In 2008, Frias was offered another professional challenge during one of the most difficult times in the financial services industry.

“I took on the capital markets responsibility during the market crisis,” said Frias. “It was difficult, but also rewarding because I was able to influence strategic decisions that helped us manage through the turmoil.”

Frias attributes her strong work ethic and success in her career with Prudential to her upbringing and Latin heritage.

“As a child, my parents explained they left Cuba to provide me with a better life, with better opportunities,” said Frias. “They sacrificed so much, and I never want to let them down. That thought is deeply rooted in me every day.”

Frias also serves as a mentor in Prudential’s Financial Management mentoring program where she shares her experience and advice with others.

“My managers have always taken a special interest in my personal and professional growth,” said Frias. “It’s fulfilling for me to do the same by mentoring and helping to shape another individual’s career.”

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with approximately $693 billion of assets under management as of June 31, 2010, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit http://www.news.prudential.com/.