Mentoring and network programs can be co-sponsored by many companies in a region, industry or profession. This is particularly helpful for medium or smaller companies where the pool of senior managers may be less diverse. External partnerships or associations can help individuals gain confidence and skills regarding how to relate to the culture of the majority. In major cities, an organization called Menttium matches male and female senior managers with sponsored female mentees. This program, called the Minneapolis 100, the Chicago 100, etc., has been effective in providing a cross-industry mentoring experience for women.
Mentors are volunteers and sponsoring companies pay a fee for mentees to participate.
It's just that they don't have the proper support mechanisms in place. As noted, attracting and then obtaining a talented, diverse group of employees is only the beginning. The more important challenge is creating and sustaining an environment where individual differences are respected and hard work and results are rewarded. Diversity training is one step in creating a culture that is more open to people of different backgrounds. Many firms are conducting programs to increase employee sensitivity and awareness to diversity issues.