ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The U.S. Army Sustainment Command honored a member of its Senior Executive Service during a ceremony at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, Jan. 26.
Kathryn Szymanski, chief counsel, ASC and Joint Munitions Command, accepted the 2015 Equal Employment Opportunity Champion of the Year award from Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, ASC.
"Equal Employment Opportunity means freedom from discrimination on the basis of sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetics and protection from reprisal," said O'Connell.
Szymanski has provided several keynote speeches for Women's Equality Day programs, was the guest speaker for the Minority College Relations Program, and currently serves as the Diversity Champion for the ASC Diversity Committee.
"(She) encourages communication among employees and management resulting in the resolution of several instances of resolved disputes," said O'Connell.
She increased representation in areas including Summer Hires, Non-Pay Work Experience Program (disabled veterans), Minority College Relations Program students and AMC Fellows. Some have gone to secure permanent positions at ASC.
"Diversity is just good business," said Szymanski.
This is the fourth ASC EEO Champion of the Year awarded since the program was initiated in March 2012. The award recognizes the contributions of ASC employees toward the promotion of diversity and inclusion efforts within the command, focusing on the following areas:
• Recognize the ongoing commitment and efforts of individuals who promote and enhance quality, inclusion and access for ASC.
• Honor individuals who maintain the principles of equal opportunity and exhibit leadership qualities.
• Promote an inclusive workplace and/or learning community free from harassment, retaliation and discrimination.
• Take action above and beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements to help raise awareness.
• Go beyond the requirements of job responsibilities in order to advance understanding of and/or improve the climate of ASC for less than excepted groups.
• Have courage to speak up about issues of inequality, even if a lone voice, to encourage change in the workplace.
• Enthusiastically and actively collaborate with the ASC EEO office to implement ASC's affirmative action program.
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