In our print publication, Risk Management magazine, we have spent some time highlighting the diversity — or lack thereof — in the risk management and insurance industries. In November 2008, I wrote a cover story about the racial makeup of the insurance industry, and this month, our editor Emily Holbrook wrote a cover story on Women in Risk, providing insight of her own as well as six first-hand stories from women who have overcome the gender bias to succeed.

While I think most would agree that diversity of all types is improving not just in risk and insurance, but in most all industries, the corporate world by and large remains the domain of white, heterosexual males. Don’t get me wrong, there are obviously countless others of different backgrounds who are thriving in all sectors, but the mold of the typical power exec has not really changed since the days of Mad Men.

That’s why all signs of progress are encouraging.

And for the insurance industry, the 2011 Corporate Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is a great sign that the industry really is advancing in terms of encouraging diversity in its workforce. A full 18 companies in the industry, including power brokers Aon and Marsh & McLennan scored a perfect 100% as a Best Place to Work for their “support equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees,” according to HRC. (via PropertyCasualty360.com)

Kudos to all those on the list.