ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - In celebration of Women's History Month, more than 150 Aberdeen Proving Ground employees attended the 22nd Annual Federal Women's Program training conference March 8 at the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command conference center.
The FWP promotes the advancement of federally employed women in the workplace. The conference is an annual opportunity to addresses employment concerns. This year's theme was "Women's Education-Women's Empowerment."
Suzanne Milchling, the director of Program Integration, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, opened the ceremony, stating that networking is an important component of career development. Milchling, who became a member of the Senior Executive Service last year, said it is important that women learn from each other's successes. She challenged participants to mentor the younger generation.
"How do we enhance our ability to share with others?" she asked. "Every year we get a new generation of workers. There is a wealth of capability here that we can share to move this installation forward."
The daylong event included workshops on empowerment, education, and finance. During the lunchtime presentation, Charlene Perry, a volunteer with the APG Theater Group, performed a skit as Rosie the Riveter, a cultural icon representing women who worked in factories during World War II.
Following the skit was a presentation of "Top Secret Rosies, The Female Computers of World War II." The documentary film showcased women math majors who were hired by the Army during World War II to work on equations that would ultimately contribute to the military producing more effective weapons and win the war. Free screenings of the documentary are scheduled at the post theater March 20 and 27 at 11 a.m.
During lunchtime attendees visited vendors and participated in the giveaways.
First time attendee Jo Cozby, an engineer with Research, Development and Engineering Command, said she appreciated the chance to network with other women.
"I work in a male dominated profession, so I don't get the opportunity to network with women very often," Cozby said. "It is encouraging to share stories with other women, and see what they are doing in their professions and get ideas from them."
The FWP committee is seeking volunteers from APG organizations and units. Call 410-278-0799 for information. To view or download photos from event, visit www.flickr.com.
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