Federally Employed Women (FEW) a nonprofit working for the advancement of women in the government, recently hosted its 54th National Training Program in Columbus, Ohio. Themed, “Leveling Up For Success: Ready, Set, Grow!” the organization partnered with the local Ohio Civil Rights Commission and the Columbus Women’s Commission, in addition to a myriad of national partners and sponsors to bring the premiere training event to the Hilton Columbus Downtown.
The week-long networking and training experience kicked off with a “Hot Pink & Jazz Masquerade” Welcome Reception and opened with greetings from Director Angela Phelps-White of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission during its first Plenary Session. FEW National President Pamela H. Richards offered the opening keynote address. The FEW Legislative Luncheon, centering on overcoming policies and practices that create barriers for women at work, featured a warm welcome from Dr. Erika Pryor of the Columbus Women’s Commission and a keynote address from Emily Martin of the National Women’s Law Center.
Other notable events included the Exhibition Hall Grand Opening with healthcare partners such as Blue Cross Blue Shield–Federal Employee Programs, Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental, Aetna, Government Employee Health Association (GEHA), United Benefits, United Healthcare and Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA); women’s health and wellness activities, vendors, recruiters, educators and nonprofit organizations; an elegant awards night ceremony and reception; a president’s reception; sponsor awards; networking activities for various FEW regions; and over 110 training sessions designed to match one or several of the office of personnel management’s executive core qualifications. FEW announced four 2023 national scholarship winners; Management Concepts also offered a 2023 certificate program scholarship to one worthy recipient.
FEW’s training programs have three primary functions:
- To increase participant knowledge of the federal system, rules and regulations.
- To help participants acquire knowledge for career development and planning techniques.
- To enhance participants’ effectiveness and awareness of the broader issues that impact women.
FEW is a private, grassroots organization founded in 1968, shortly after the government issued Executive Order 11375, which added sex discrimination to the list of prohibited discriminations within the federal government. For more information about FEW, visit Federally Employed Women – Women In The Government (few.org).