U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
05/03/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/04/2021 05:09
In the Valley: Female Leader Perspectives
VICKSBURG, Miss. - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mississippi Valley Division (MVD) Commanding General Maj. Gen. Diana Holland hosted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Virtual Forum on April 29, 2021. The topic for the forum was 'In the Valley: Female Leader Perspectives', and panelists included the top female Deputy District Engineers for Programs Project Management (DPM) throughout the region; Kim Thomas, Rock Island District DPPM, Susan Wilson, St. Louis District DPPM, and Pat Hemphill, Vicksburg District DPPM.
The forum was one in a series demonstrating the increased diversity and equal opportunities available throughout USACE. This particular discussion focused on women in the workplace and their perspectives. All three female DPPM's explained their leadership roles and the dedication it took to get where they are today. Other topics discussed were:
• COVID
• Difficulties that women have to overcome
• Changes that have already occurred
• misconceptions
• negative stereotypes regarding women
• future workplace recommendations
'It is so important we engage our people, perhaps now more than ever. There have been many misconceptions regarding women in the workplace, and we must try and provide an understanding of our organization and the value that we bring to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,' said Maj. Gen. Holland.
The forum was recorded and will be available as a podcast for future reference.
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