Fort Wainwright welcomes new EEO manager

Equal employment opportunity is the law and Tora Henry has joined the Fort Wainwright garrison as the new EEO manager. She will oversee the EEO program, advise the command about specific concerns and ensure that the garrison is in compliance with federal EEO laws.

Henry recently moved to the Interior with her husband about a month ago from Redstone Arsenal. Although a little taken aback by the lack of Lower 48 shopping and restaurant staples such as Macy's and Olive Garden, "We have been captivated by Alaska's beauty and (we're) ready to delve into what this state is all about." she said. "I have been sent here for a purpose and I am absolutely glad that I took this position. I don't want to look back and say I was afraid of changes or challenges in my life."

With a bachelor's degree in social psychology from Park University and a master's in counseling and development from George Mason, her 17-year career of federal service experience includes five years with the EEO office. Prior to Henry's civilian work, she served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years. Her husband, Cledis Henry Jr., also a former Marine, served for 25 years. They will have been married 18 years this November. Since they are recent empty-nesters, both are excited about this new adventure in Alaska and are willing to try new experiences together. To overcome her fear of dogs, Henry is planning to learn how to ride a dog sled this winter. She also would like to become a more proficient golfer once the course opens next season.

Henry is also a force to be reckoned with on the volleyball court. She received a 2-year scholarship to Armstrong University before turning it down to join the Marines.

"I keep kneepads in my gym bag just in case the opportunity arises to play a game," she said.

Although she and her husband are still in the process of moving, Henry has already actively sought ways to be more involved in the community. Recently she signed up to volunteer for the 2014 Arctic Winter Games taking place in Fairbanks in March and is diving right into the work she does for breast cancer awareness.

As far as Henry's position with the Equal Employment Office, she is excited about her new role and the challenges that come along with the job. There are some misconceptions about EEO Henry would like to change. "EEO is not just open to complaints but also open to mandatory and individualized requested training," she said. EEO offers a variety of instruction regarding EEO and civilian employment issues, Henry said. "Training is important because it helps to broaden your horizon, extends your knowledge base, and to grow as a person. The more knowledge you have, the more power you have to create opportunities for yourself," she said. EEO training includes Prevention of Sexual Harassment, EEO for managers and employees, EEO counselor training, mediation training, Special Emphasis Program training, and newcomers briefing. In support of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's agenda, Henry would also like to focus on specific issues regarding women, Hispanics, and individuals with disabilities because they are the most underrepresented groups in the civilian workforce.

"In order to build a more resilient organization, it's important to make sure the workplace has a diverse group of people, not just based on ethnicity or gender, but a work environment that also supports a varied talent pool," Henry said.

The EEO office is designed to assist all civilian employees and some contractors in discriminatory matters that have to deal with a workplace issue. These matters can include: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. Personnel who believe they've been discriminated against have 45 days from the time of an incident to report it to the EEO office.

Located on the first floor of Murphy Hall, building 4500, Henry encourages anyone to stop by during her office hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday with any questions or issues. For more information about the EEO office, call 353-6917.