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FEW NTP 2023: Process Improvements Boost Productivity

Posted on by FEW Web Team

Streamlining the procurement process could save the Federal government billions.

But that’s not the only process that could use improvement. There are thousands of processes among various agencies that could use a second look.

Cynthia D. Dunn,Director of the Tax Exempt and Government Entities (TE/GE), Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the Internal Revenue Service, will teach “Process Improvement: Identify, Analyze, and Improve” on Tuesday, 7/11, 1:15 – 2:30 P.M. at Federally Employed Women’s (FEW) National Training Program (NTP) in Columbus, Ohio, scheduled for July 10-14. The training benefits will include: 1. Understand barriers that may interfere and how to overcome them. 2. Learn the benefits of Process Improvement and 3. Walk away with ideas to incorporate into your organization to eliminate waste and implement a continuous process improvement plan.

FEW’s NTP offers more than 110 classes in five tracks that include professional development, office technology and administration, leadership and culture, employee experience, as well as mindfulness and wellness. All courses align with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Executive Core Competencies (i.e., leading people, leading change, business acumen, result driven and building coalitions).

Register today for training in the Office Technology and Administration education track:

Evolution of Cybersecurity and Data Analytics in Today’s Workforce. Monday, 7/10, 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. Register Today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) Join us for a discussion as we explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity and data analytics. We will discuss how these two career paths intersect and answer questions about when, or if, it is too late to change your career and whether or not you have the right skillset. What else might you need to be successful in these areas? We hope you will join us to find out! Instructor Dr. Lutheria “Lu” Peters, PhD, MS, MPH, CSPO, CSM, of ODEEO/Affirmative Employment Division will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1104)

Adaptability: A Leader’s Guide to Pivoting with Grace and Helping Others Do the Same. Monday, 7/10, 2:45 – 4:00 P.M. Register Today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) Leaders who struggle with change or refuse to adapt to new ways of thinking, doing and being are in for a rude surprise and a lot of trouble. The more rapid the pace of change, the direr the consequences of stubbornly sticking to old ways. Like most things in business (and in life), change is a two-edged sword—a threat and an opportunity. Leaders who adapt to rapid change better than their peers very often are able to achieve great things, while leaders who ignore changing circumstances or struggle to “go with the flow” can expect to go the way of the dinosaur. Adapting may be difficult, but it is not impossible. Learn how to overcome your (and other’s) resistance to change to become a more flexible, resilient and successful leader. Instructor Glorimar Maldonado, Diversity Officer, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1101)

Impactful Presentation Skills. Monday, 7/10, 4:15 – 5:15 P.M. Register Today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) “Do you want to pursue better communication skills with your vendors, colleagues, and your boss(es)? Do you feel that your presentation skills are lacking and need to improve them for the next project you are assigned? At the root of it…do you still feel unsure about what you are doing when you need to project confidence and be able to accomplish what you have been tasked with? More than ever before, there is a need for good presenters who can not only engage an audience, but provide better communication, whether it is written or verbal. In this session, you will learn to: 1. Discover strategies that translate into your project management, teamwork, and leadership skills in a wide-ranging variety of scenarios; 2. Cultivate a working framework through mind exercises and practice changing old-style habits into high-performing activities; and 3. Create more confidence overall in your daily activities, translating into more personal and professional reward.” Distinguished Toastmaster Joshua D. Smith will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1105)

Data Analysis Using Excel. Tuesday, 7/11, 8:00 – 9:15 A.M. Register Today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) One of the most widely used programs for carrying out statistical examination is Microsoft Excel. Because they come with pivot tables that are built in, they are without a doubt the most in-demand analytical tool that is currently available. You can easily import, explore, clean, analyze, and visualize your data with this all-in- one data management software. It also allows you to explore and clean your data. In this piece, we will go over the various approaches to data analysis that can be carried out in Excel. In this session you will learn how to utilize data analysis in excel. Dr. Lutheria “Lu” Peters, PhD, MS, MPH, CSPO, CSM, of ODEEO/Affirmative Employment Division will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1102)

Maximize Your Minutes: The Value of Time Management. Tuesday, 7/11, 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Register Today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) Effective time management involves discipline and making good choices about the way you spend your time. In this session, we will identify ways to increase your time’s value and stay focused on key priorities. Beneatha Barkley, MBA, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Southern New Hampshire University, will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1113)

Data Visualization: Infographics. Wednesday, 7/12, 9:30 – 10:45 A.M. Register Today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) This session assists professionals in achieving success in environments where Big Data and metrics are critical. We will discuss information design, data analytics and filtering, best practices in visualization, and programming basics taught by industry experts enable you to bring complex statistics to life for a wide range of audiences. Instructor Dr. Lutheria “Lu” Peters, PhD, MS, MPH, CSPO, CSM, of ODEEO/Affirmative Employment Division will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1103)

Implicit Bias: Conscious Decision Maker. Tuesday, 7/11, 9:30 – 10:45 A.M. Register Today—only 36 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) Become aware of your inner storyteller. We must understand that in the absence of details our unconscious minds will fill in the gaps with information based on our life experiences. In this session, participants will learn that we all have an inner storyteller (aka biases) that should not be viewed as good or bad. We just need to become more conscious of the story that is being told is still relevant, helpful, and positive. The training will deliver five key takeaways: 1) Discover what Implicit Bias entails, 2) Understand various types of biases, 3) Break down biases to understand how they show up in the workplace, community and home, 4) The effects of implicit bias on self and others, and 5) How to address implicit bias as an individual and organization as a whole. Kenston Henderson Sr., Founder and CEO, Live With Lyfe, LLC, will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1312)

TSP Pre-Separation. Wednesday, 7/12, 1:15 – 2:30 P.M. Register Today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) This course is designed to give late-career participants the tools they need to make smart decisions with their TSP savings as they prepare to retire. The agenda includes the TSP distributions, death benefits and other separation concerns regarding their TSP account. This is a 2½-hour session. Instructor Arvella Collins, who is a TSP Training & Liaison Specialist at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1107)

TSP Early to Mid-Career. Wednesday, 7/12, 2:45 – 4:00 P.M. Register Today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) This webinar focuses on what early and mid-career employees and service members can do to take full advantage of the TSP. You’ll learn how TSP contributions work, the difference between traditional and Roth contributions, and how to manage your TSP account throughout your career. This is a 2½-hour session. Instructor Arvella Collins, who is a TSP Training & Liaison Specialist at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, will lead the training. (Office Technology and Administration 1108)

FEW helps more than one million women in the military and civilian workforce become strategic leaders with its four-pillar program: training, legislation, diversity, and compliance. Since 1968, the nonprofit has advocated for equity and diversity for women. FEW works toward advancing women in the government with cutting-edge training, nationwide networking, and invaluable insight. For more information, please visit FEW.org.

NTP 2023: Lean Six Sigma Reduces Waste

Posted on by FEW Web Team

How can Federal agencies and other organizations reduce and eliminate waste? How can these same organizations increase efficiencies to promote innovation and growth? According to Forbes Magazine and American Transparency: Open the Books, the Government wasted almost $33 million between 2017-2019. The Festivus Report 2022 paints a grimmer picture, citing more than $482 billion in Government waste.

Sheryl Vogt, President of Vogt Consulting Inc., has the solution to address the issue of waste while improving productivity for all our organizations. Vogt will instruct Project Managers, Supervisors, Data Analysts, and others interested in learning how to implement process improvement into their everyday work.

Vogt will teach a three-part Lean Six Sigma Series at Federally Employed Women’s (FEW) National Training Program (NTP) in Columbus, Ohio, on July 10-14. She has more than 24 years of hands-on experience in quality and engineering and 17 years of Lean Six Sigma experience. Vogt was a Master Black Belt of Six Sigma at the General Electric Company before starting her consulting company.

Interested participants and managers who want to learn more about the practical application of Lean Six Sigma may look no further than the public interest story about logistics specialist, Kevin Joyce, who saved the U.S. Army almost $10 million over five years. When Joyce scrutinized how computers were reset within Army Warfighter Information Network Tactical units, he saw how the U.S. Army could save money by doing the work themselves. “I knew the cost savings would be big, but I didn’t know it would be that big,” said Joyce, who came up with the idea as part of a Lean Six Sigma project. “It was expensive to ship the computers out and have a contractor reset and clean the laptops, but it also brought equipment accountability back to the unit.”

FEW’s NTP offers more than 110 classes in five tracks that include professional development, office technology and administration, leadership and culture, employee experience, as well as mindfulness and wellness. All courses align with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Executive Core Competencies (i.e., leading people, leading change, business acumen, result driven and building coalitions).

Register today for the Lean Six Sigma courses with Vogt:

  • Lean Six Sigma Course 1 – Introduction to Lean Six Sigma and Waste Identification. Monday, 7/10 from 1:00- 4:00 P.M. Register today—only 40 seats. Not a member? Click here.) This introductory course provides an overview of Lean Six Sigma, explains the five phases of a Six Sigma Project and introduces a quick tool that can be used to start identifying opportunities for process improvement. Participants will: 1) be introduced to Lean Six Sigma and understand the common language used, 2) learn a tool for starting process improvement in their organization and 3) actively practice identifying opportunities for Process Improvement. (Professional Development 1222)
  • Lean Six Sigma Course 2 – Using Voice of the Customer to Define Problem Statements. Tuesday, 7/11 from 1:00-4:00 P.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member? Click here.) This course is a follow-up to Introduction to Lean Six Sigma and Waste Identification. It will delve more deeply into the key tools for understanding customer requirements and scoping Lean Six Sigma projects to meet them. Participants will:         1) gain an overview on collecting and using Voice of the Customer, 2) learn tips and tools to collect and use Voice of the Customer to craft a problem statement, and 3) practice creating a plan for collecting and translating Voice of the Customer. (Professional Development 1223)
  • Lean Six Sigma Course 3 – Using Process Maps in Lean Six Sigma. Wednesday, 7/12 from 1:00-4:00 P.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member? Click here.) This course builds on the first two LSS Courses and takes the first step in a Lean Six Sigma project by using process maps to understand the current situation and identify root cause issues. Key questions and tips will be shared to ensure the process map is used correctly to guide the process improvement team. Participants will: 1) gain an overview of the uses of process maps, 2) learn tips and tools to build a process map to understand current situations and issues and 3) practice creating a process map. (Professional Development 1224)

FEW helps more than one million women in the military and civilian workforce become strategic leaders with its four-pillar program: training, legislation, diversity, and compliance. Since 1968, the nonprofit has advocated for equity and diversity for women. FEW works toward advancing women in the government with cutting-edge training, nationwide networking and invaluable insight. For more information, please visit FEW.org.

‘Leveling Up For Success’: Power Communications Rules

Posted on by FEW Web Team

Communication between genders is fraught with difficulty.

Communication methods must be both intelligent and adaptable for the high-stakes games of senior management. As part of the Leveling Up for Success Training Series, Angela Kochuba, Managing Director with the Federal Training Academy, will facilitate Leveling Up for Success Training Series; Session II – The Importance of Powerful Communicationat the Federally Employed Women’s (FEW) annual National Training Program (NTP) in Columbus, Ohio, on      July 10-14.

This practical and insightful training, based on research and the experiences of working people, explains the fundamental distinctions between the ways men and women think. It also examines how men and women differently convey job dedication, management experience, leadership, and other promotion-related skills.

Leveling Up for Success Training Series; Session II – The Importance of Powerful Communication will be held Monday, July 10 from 2:45-4:00 P.M.  Register today; 36 seats are available. (Not a member yet? Click here.)

FEW’s NTP offers more than 110 classes in five tracks that include professional development, office technology and administration, leadership and culture, employee experience, and mindfulness and wellness. All courses align with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Executive Core Competencies (i.e., leading people, leading change, business acumen, result driven and building coalitions).

Register today for other Leveling Up for Success Training Series sessions:

  • Maintaining an Inclusive Culture in the Modern Workforce. Monday, 7/10 from 1:00-2:15 P.M. Register Today—only 36 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) Pandemic and economic shutdowns have made working from home widespread. Overall, 22% of Americans will work remotely by 2025, an Upwork study says. After all the progress enterprises have made to adapt to remote work and the technological advantages tech startups have, you may expect an easy transition. Many companies struggle to sustain an inclusive work-from-home culture. Lack of diversity and cultural knowledge can create toxic work environments, even remotely. Employers, HR professionals, and remote teams must promote diversity and maintain a healthy culture. Tech, engineering, and similar businesses are growing. (Professional Development 1701)
  • The Importance of Being Resilient and Taking Strategic Risks. Tuesday, 7/11 from 9:30-10:45 A.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) As to why some women achieve well in their careers while others are passed over for promotions, think about the following. The inability to bounce back from setbacks and the fear of failure are common explanations. Learning how to “bounce back” from setbacks and being more confident taking calculated risks are particularly vital for women. Fortunately, the ability to view setbacks as opportunities for development and to maximize one’s leadership strengths are both teachable. In this session, you will learn effective strategies for rethinking ambiguity, embracing healthy conflict, adjusting to difficult circumstances and stepping outside of your comfort zone to pursue novel avenues of professional growth. (Professional Development 1703)
  • The Influence of Allies on the Development of an Inclusive Culture. Tuesday, 7/11 from 1:15-2:30 P.M. Register today—only 36 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) An ally is someone who takes the time to learn about diversity and inclusion issues, who actively seeks common ground with others and who provides support to members of marginalized communities. Organizational allies are crucial to the success of diversity and inclusion programs because of the positive impact they can have on the success rate of those programs. They take action when they witness discrimination and stand by those who are marginalized and could need their help. There is a need for all members of your organization to be allies who work to create a community where everyone feels safe, respected, valued and accepted. (Professional Development 1704)
  • Connecting in a New Reality Using Strategic Networking.  Tuesday, 7/11 from 2:45-  4:00 P.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) As a result of recent events, professionals are in a “wait and see” frame of mind as they adapt to new work situations. This, of course, also causes a substantial amount of lingering unsuitability. This webinar, created for working professionals who wish to find a way out of their current rut, explores innovative strategies for building professional relationships in the face of challenging market conditions. If you want to be a more effective leader, you’ll learn how to increase your agility and embrace strategic networking. You will learn about new success factors, methods for stretching your comfort zone and other useful techniques. (Professional Development 1705)
  • Maintaining Team Resilience Through Change & Uncertainty. Wednesday, 7/12 from 9:30-10:45 A.M. Register today—only 36 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) How are you managing during these uncertain times? Join us for an interactive overview of personal resilience concepts, strategies and tools to help manage stress. This session will provide an opportunity to share some of the concerns and challenges we are all facing and learn how we can strengthen both personal and team resilience. Take a Personal Resilience Inventory and follow a Daily Resilience Countdown. Learn ways to Rest Your Brain and build your resilience during times of stress and uncertainty. Benefits: 1. Gain an overview of personal resilience concepts and how they impact managing stress and performance. 2. Identify the five factors of resilience. 3. Learn strategies to strengthen both personal and team resilience. (Professional Development 1706)
  • Creating a Meaningful Mentoring Partnership: G.R.O.W. Wednesday, 7/12 from 1:15- 2:30 P.M. Register today—only 36 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) Finding someone at work who will support, encourage and challenge you is one of the best ways to advance your career and develop your skills. Typically, this type of relationship involves mentoring. The advantages of having a mentor have been extensively documented. To reap the benefits of mentorship for oneself or one’s organization, the mentor-mentee relationship is crucial. This training will explore how to create effective and meaningful mentor relationships using the G.R.O.W. (Goal), Current Reality, Options (or Obstacles), Will (or Way Forward) model and how it helps define the goals for the mentor-mentee relationship. (Professional Development 1707)

FEW helps more than one million women in the military and civilian workforce become strategic leaders with its four-pillar program: training, legislation, diversity, and compliance. Since 1968, the nonprofit has advocated for equity and diversity for women. FEW works toward advancing women in government with cutting-edge training, nationwide networking and invaluable insight. For more information, please visit FEW.org.

Leading With Empathy: Making 2023 About Me

Posted on by FEW Web Team

Historically, leadership for women has been challenging.

In fact, a record number of C-Suite women terminated relationships with their employers in 2022. Burnout, being overwhelmed, and stressors are just a few indicators of why women have become disenchanted with leaders and leadership. What does this mean for women in leadership roles today and tomorrow?

Dr. Andrea Diese, President of American Management and Leadership by Design, will address leadership roles for women in today’s workplace during her series at Federally Employed Women (FEW)’s National Training Program (NTP) in Columbus, Ohio, on July 10-14. With her years of executive leadership experience, Dr. Diese helps women realize and actualize their leadership and executive potential. Before transitioning to a career in education, Diese worked as a training and development manager for the U.S. Army, where she developed training strategies and organizational assessments involving succession planning, knowledge transference, reengineering and change initiatives.

Dr. Diese’s leadership session, Leading with Empathy: Making ’23 About Me, will be held Tuesday, 7/11 from 9:30 -10:45 A.M. Register today; only 40 seats are available. (Not a member? Click here.)

FEW’s NTP offers more than 110 classes in five tracks that include professional development, office technology and administration, leadership and culture, employee experience, and mindfulness and wellness. All courses align with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Executive Core Competencies (i.e. leading people, leading change, business acumen, result driven and building coalitions).

Register today for other courses with Dr. Diese:

  • Leading the Next Generation. Tuesday, 7/11 from 2:45-4:00 P.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member? Click here.)  Leadership, as it relates to being acknowledged, respected, professionally developed and more, especially for women has been historically challenging. In fact, a record number of C-Suite women terminated relationships with their employers as of the fourth quarter of 2022. Burnout, being overwhelmed and stressors are just a few indicators of why women become disenchanted with leaders and leadership. What does this mean for women in leadership roles today and tomorrow? (Leadership and Culture 1310)
  • Leadership and Self Care. Who Takes Care of the Leader? Wednesday, 7/12 from 9:30- 10:45 A.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member? Click here.)

To Climb or Not to Climb? That is the question. Wednesday, 7/12 from 2:45-4:00 P.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member? Click here.)

FEW helps more than one million women in the military and civilian workforce become strategic leaders with its four-pillar program: training, legislation, diversity, and compliance. Since 1968, the nonprofit has advocated for equity and diversity for women. FEW works toward advancing women in government with cutting-edge training, nationwide networking and invaluable insight. For more information, please visit FEW.org.

A Jumpstart Series: Leadership Begins With You

Posted on by FEW Web Team

Conflict consists of stories and perceptions.

First is the “story” of what happened—“Just the facts, ma’am.” And then there are “stories” we tell each other about what happened. These are two very different things. So, in today’s highly divisive and diverse environment, how do leaders manage and resolve conflict to create an environment where we can each be successful and reach our goals?

Mallary Tytel, Ph.D., MBA, President and Founder of Healthy Workplaces, will answer many questions during her leadership series at the Federally Employed Women’s (FEW) National Training Program (NTP) in Columbus, Ohio, on July 10-14.

Dr. Tytel’s session, GETTING UNSTUCK: Simple Tools for Managing Complex Conflict Workshop, will be a highly interactive presentation identifying your personal and professional perspectives, introducing two new tools for recognizing and understanding the multiple “truths” in any situation, and providing ways to successfully move forward towards resolution. At the end of this interactive presentation, participants will be able to: (1) Identify hot button issues and potential sources of disputes. (2) Recognize the multiple “truths” in any situation. (3) Demonstrate and practice using two new tools for managing conflict, which can be used immediately.

Dr. Tytel is the former CEO of an international nonprofit behavioral health and human resource development corporation. She has served as a key advisor to senior-level civilian and military personnel within the U.S. Department of Defense and provided oversight for three Congressionally mandated pilot programs in 16 communities across the country. Tytel has delivered innovative leadership training programs in more than 40 communities worldwide.

GETTING UNSTUCK: Simple Tools for Managing Complex Conflict Workshop, will be held Monday, 7/10 from 2:45-4:00 P.M.  Register today; only 40 seats are available. (Not a member yet? Click here.)

FEW’s NTP offers more than 110 classes in five tracks that include professional development, office technology and administration, leadership and culture, employee experience, and mindfulness and wellness. All courses align with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Executive Core Competencies (i.e. leading people, leading change, business acumen, result driven and building coalitions).

Register today for other courses with Dr. Tytel:

  • CREATING MEANINGFUL WORK: How Purpose Can Change Everything. Monday, 7/10 from 1:00-2:30 P.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) Employee engagement has long been an issue of contention in our workplaces; and recent upheavals in our workplaces and communities, health and well-being have left us with more questions than answers. More than “just paying the bills” do we truly feel a connection between what we do and our values, interests and moral compasses? This presentation will dive into the nature of meaningful work and how to effectively communicate, translate and promote your organization’s goals and vision to your team through what you do. It will also share action steps to support and maintain engagement and motivation for a healthy, productive and diverse work environment. (Leadership and Culture 1320)
     
  • STRETCH AND FOLD: Kneading a Strategy for Resilience. Tuesday, 7/11 from

9:30-10:45 A.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) The simplest and most familiar methods are often the most effective. For example, think about making bread, and how you stretch and fold the dough. If you don’t knead the bread, it breaks down; and there also must be a flexible structure holding the bread together in its shape. So, what does that mean in building resiliency in our organizations when every day brings a new challenge? This simple metaphor and powerful tool for leaders and planners, offers us cycles of learning and growing as we build strategies for our organization’s success, while meeting the needs of today and tomorrow. At the end of this interactive presentation participants will be able to: (1) Review the four basic components of organizational strategy. (2) Articulate and demonstrate the principles of stretch and fold as a path to resiliency. (3) Identify opportunities to apply strategic “stretch and fold: in their own teams, organizations and communities. (Leadership and Culture 1323)

  • SIMPLE RULES FOR ORGANIZATIONS: Getting Back to Basics. Wednesday, 7/12 from      8:00-9:15 A.M. Register today—only 36 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) How can you develop clear and sound options for action that help you to achieve success while making a difference for yourself and your team? With a short list of Simple Rules. Simple Rules are the organizational DNA that provide the framework for what you do and how you do it. They create the culture of your organization and the fundamental yardstick that enables you to do your work. They also exist whether you know them and agree with them or not. Do you know the simple rules in your organization? How do those rules support your own beliefs, values and priorities? Finally, how do the simple rules help you contribute effectively to your organization?
  • LEADERSHIP REBOOT 2023: Thriving Through Individual and Collaborative Success Today. Wednesday, 7/12 from 2:45–4:00 P.M. Register today—only 40 seats. (Not a member yet? Click here.) Sometimes, we get so caught up in old patterns and behaviors that we start to take our lives, our work, other people and situations for granted. Even after finishing a tough project or reaching a significant milestone, we can still feel stuck and stale. Not the same as stress or having a frustrating day at the office, there is a time when we need to reset ourselves to move forward with renewed clarity and motivation. It may be time for a Leadership Reboot. This presentation will start with a simple self-assessment, offer tips and tools to refresh your strengths and abilities and create a template to move forward with clarity and motivation.

FEW helps more than one million women in the military and civilian workforce become strategic leaders with its four-pillar program: training, legislation, diversity, and compliance. Since 1968, the nonprofit has advocated for equity and diversity for women. FEW works toward advancing women in government with cutting-edge training, nationwide networking and invaluable insight. For more information, please visit FEW.org.

Join FEW in celebrating NDEAM 2022

Posted on by Web Maintenance

Each of us knows someone who inspires us by overcoming obstacles we may question whether we ourselves would have the strength to overcome. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and FEW celebrates our members and colleagues in the government workforce who contribute so much to this great country by overcoming some challenge, seen or unseen. The 2022 theme – Disability: Part of the Equity Equation – speaks to FEW’s Diversity Focus.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month calls attention to the issues people with disabilities face, particularly in employment. The month is sponsored by President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. Congress passed Resolution No. 176 in 1945, designating the first week in October of each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, a change in terminology replaced “handicap” with “disability” and “physically” was removed from the name to
recognize the employment needs of all persons with disabilities. In 1988 Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
In his Presidential Proclamation recognizing NDEAM 2022, President Biden noted this: This month, let us acknowledge workers with disabilities who make our communities, our economy, and our Nation stronger. Let us continue the legacy of generations of disability rights activists who have
fought for equal employment opportunities, integrated workplaces, and equal pay for equal work. Let us deliver the promise of America to all Americans.
I encourage each of you to Level Up your support and engagement with our colleagues that NDEAM was established to recognize and to join FEW in celebrating their contributions and accomplishments.

Level Up for Good Health

Posted on by Web Maintenance

Did you know that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer and it is important to be proactive about your health.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. FEW reminds everyone to use self-examination to fight against breast cancer and we support a healthy schedule of mammograms with your health care provider based on your family history and risk factors. Every person should know the symptoms and signs of breast cancer, and any time an abnormality is discovered, it should be investigated by a healthcare professional.

By performing monthly breast self-exams, you will be able to more easily identify any changes in your breast.  Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.

Talking confidently about breast health can be an important – though sometimes awkward— step in supporting breast cancer awareness. FEW wants to make sure you are aware of what breast cancer is and that you know your body and check often for changes.  We also want you to know that you can control some factors and we highly encourage you to do the following:

Maintain a healthy weight

Stay physically active

Eat fruits and vegetables

Do not smoke

Limit alcohol consumption

Most people who have breast cancer signs and symptoms will only notice one or two initially, and the presence of these symptoms and signs do not automatically mean that you have breast cancer. The key is prevention and FEW encourages you to Level Up your prevention game. You’ll find even more information at https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/healthy-habits

How to Pick the Best College Courses to Advance Your Federal Career

Posted on by fewadmin

Looking for reasons to go back to school and advance your career in the federal workforce?

Here’s one: Education pays.

Workers with a bachelor’s degree make, on average, $15,000 more than those with an associate degree. Federal workers with a master’s degree or higher do even better, federal statistics show.

There’s more.

Beyond a salary boost, an advanced degree is an effective bargaining chip. Hiring managers in the federal workforce traditionally make higher offers and grant more promotion opportunities to those with more education. Also, many federal positions, including those in law, medicine or the military, require constant recertification and retraining.

FEW knows this well.

We have helped more than one million women in the military and civilian workforce become strategic leaders with a four-pillar program that emphasizes the importance of continuing education. Our Virtual Leadership Summit is our showcase event underscoring our commitment to leadership training.

And this is just one of many scholastic options at your immediate disposal. Here’s another: Continuing your education at an award-winning university.

Here are some proven tips to get your started. 

Utilize Your Career Services Office

While it’s important to study a subject you enjoy, the main reason you’re back to hitting the books and racing to make it to class is because of your career progression.

You want to take it someplace it hasn’t been yet: higher.

The best colleges and universities offer a range of subjects and courses to help you reach new career heights, so it’s essential to research what’s right for you.

And you don’t have to go at it alone.

Career services at colleges and universities help students align their coursework with the specific job positions that match their career direction. These services also help you:

  • Make connections with industry leaders that can be more difficult to make on your own.
  • Find mentors who can offer guidance about a chosen career field.
  • Speak with an executive employed by a business in your desired industry.

Career services let you know the specific skills hiring managers want from job candidates like you.

Think About the Topics You Need to Study

It’s important to enroll in classes that touch on the topics you need to master to work in the federal department you desire.

For instance, for public administration positions in the federal workforce, enroll in classes that teach public budgeting, financial administration, public policy and community analysis, experts advise.

Alternatively, if you want to extend your career in public health (one of the fastest-growing areas for employment in the federal government following the pandemic), you should enroll in specialized classes that discuss occupational health and safety. Examples include courses in comparative healthcare systems, environmental health and epidemiology.

Consult your career services office to get detailed insight into the specific course curriculum you need to take.

Research Converting Work Experience into College Credit

Many colleges and universities offer nontraditional students, such as working federal employees, class credit for vocational experience.

There’s often a credit cap limit, which varies by school. But, the benefits of converting your work experience into much-needed college credit cannot be beaten. You can skip unnecessary courses, graduate faster than your peers and often pay less than they do.

And, credit might not just be limited to how many years you’ve been on the federal payroll. You can also reportedly receive credit for specific career accomplishments, professional certifications, military training and even volunteer work, depending on the college or university.

Incoming and current adult students can start this process by speaking with an academic advisor, visiting the career services office or researching their school’s website. 

It’s a bonus if your school offers such an advantage.

Consider Whether to Attend College Online or Onsite

How do you best learn and work: onsite or online?

And which learning method can your job and personal life best accommodate?

You will need answers to these questions before enrolling – in college to earn your degree, certificate or professional credential.

Some federal employees who return to class learn best in a traditional, on-campus, in-person setting. There are fewer distractions, they say. Stronger focus. And all the tools and space they need to create a tightly focused, hands-on learning experience are front and center.

No kids or barking dogs. No ringing cell phones.

However, with the right online college or university, federal employees returning to school have greater control over their class schedule and work time. Should work responsibilities fluctuate—and for federal employees, they always do—so can study time. Commutes to school are eliminated, saving time and fuel costs. Even your networking opportunities can increase through FEW and the proper college course selection.

It’s all about what works best for you and where you want to take your career in the federal workforce next.

Look Into Ways to Make College More Affordable

For many federal employees, tuition costs determine whether returning to school is right for them. It’s an investment in their budget and time.

There are ways to lighten the financial load. For example, scholarships and grants can be fantastic options to help you pay for tuition and other college-related expenses.

The right online college or university will offer federal employees the academic tools they need to excel professionally in the federal workforce. They will also provide cost-effective tuition rates and plenty of scholarship and federal grant options to help them foot the bill.

For instance, at the University of Arkansas Grantham, military workers, such as members of the Air Force returning to school, can apply for the Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. Resilience Scholarship. In addition, the university offers similar scholarships for federal employees attending courses in criminal justice and several other majors.

Contact your school to learn about the financial aid packages available to you. Your career services department can offer a guiding eye.Federally employed women interested in returning to school and getting the degree, certification and training they need to kick their federal workplace career to the next stage can begin by registering for FEW’s Virtual Leadership Summit III or joining FEW. Contact us today to learn more.

Supercharged Productivity: Advanced Microsoft Tips & Tricks Set for July 18

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Since the pandemic, employee productivity has been a hot topic.

With team members working from home full time or partially, your boss may be thinking about how the workflow could be more efficient.

And this is your opportunity to stand out among the rest.

Jamila Brown Hairston, a leader in delivering custom technology design solutions and custom training services, will present “Tips and Tricks with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint)” on Monday, July 18, 2002, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as part of the Federally Employed Women (FEW)’s Virtual Leadership Summit (VLS) III.

In this course, Hairston will cover advanced tips and tricks to help attendees increase their productivity and make collaboration more efficient. Attendees will also discover how to work smarter, not harder by leveraging easy-to-use shortcuts that can be used across multiple applications. The objective of the course is to help attendees enhance their skills, save time and become advanced power users.

In an article entitled “What Super Productive People Do Differently” in Harvard Business Review, avoiding your computer’s mouse can help you do more with less time. A Brainscape study found that people lose two seconds per minute of work by using their mouse instead of keyboard shortcuts—which comes out to eight days per year.

VLS III instructor Hairston is also co-founder of Cloud Tech Academy, a computer training school based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a distinctive woman of leadership in the technical industry with more than 15 years’ experience in delivering custom technology design solutions and custom training services. She has performed in various engineering, architecture and executive leadership roles, managing enterprise IT budgets for Fortune 10/100 companies. She founded her first IT consulting firm in 2004 where the core capabilities are represented by three divisions: Design & Delivery, Process Automation Services and Training.

Hairston’s key interest is to bring diversity awareness to technology. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Science Degree in Post-Secondary Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology. She is highly certified in the latest cloud certification platforms such as Microsoft, AWS, Google and Salesforce. She also holds various certifications in project management, web and mobile app design and additional supporting systems.

Hairston is a global innovation leader, entrepreneur and published author of her first book Master Your Destiny, which prepares readers with the step-by-step daily principles needed to obtain a full, successful life. Hairston has received several technology awards and has been recently recognized as a finalist for Woman of the Year for her community and leadership efforts in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) community.

Hairston pioneers in enterprise planning services, data migration, implementations, system architecture, training and consulting services. She also holds positions on various nonprofit boards, along with avidly serving as an ambassador to foster new STEM community developments.

As co-founder of Cloud Tech Academy, Hairston helps close the economic gap for underrepresented talent around the globe. The academy prepares students for lucrative high-valued careers in today’s digital economy and has helped to gross close to $50 million in annual salaries for her community to-date. 

About VLS III

FEW will host its third year of virtual training July 18 – 22, 2022, with no per diem or lodging cost required. This training program will help attendees elevate their purpose and passion for leadership and take their career to the next level. At the VLS III, FEW will provide a catalog of courses (100+ specialized courses) on various topics, including Human Resources, Equal Employment Opportunity, Information Technology, Project Management, Management and Leadership. All courses align with the Office of Personnel Management Executive Core Competencies (Leading People, Leading Change, Business Acumen, Result Driven and Building Coalitions). 

In addition, FEW will hold several after-hour networking events for attendees to share their thoughts and openly celebrate the many successful activities happening within FEW. The VLS III is the connection attendees need to develop their leadership skills, expand their knowledge of the greatness that diversity and inclusion bring and build a stronger partnership for a brighter future. 

The VLS III sessions were designed to target entry-level employees up to senior executive decision-makers and policymakers for both civilian and military employees. Prosperity is the goal as FEW helps attendees reach their fullest potential.   

Register today.

2022 VLS Training: How to Break Bias in the Workplace

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Disengaged employees, hindered by unconscious bias in the workplace, costs U.S. businesses nearly $550 million each year.

And that’s only accounting for loss of productivity.

So, how do we make it stop?

Tony Chatman, a corporate relationship expert, will present “Breaking Bias in the Workplace: Overcoming Unconscious Decisions that Lead to Unexpected Consequences” on July 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. as part of the Federally Employed Women’s Virtual Leadership Summit III.

Chatman says awareness is the first step to fight our unconscious biases. He likens bias to a recipe that we have baked inside all of us. “In our minds, we have recipes for what things should be,” says the author of The Force Multiplier: How to Lead Teams Where Everyone Wins.“We have a recipe for what ‘smart’ looks like, for what ‘safe’ looks like, what ‘trustworthy’ looks like.” We don’t always realize that these things happen, and that they are impacting our decision-making. Based on science, 90% of our decisions originate out of our subconscious. We are not consciously making these decisions. Our brain is doing it for us before we realize it.”

He also works hard to remove the stigma from personal bias, which makes the topic easier to discuss.

“Unconscious bias is not a barometer for morality,” he says. “Unconscious bias is a function of how you were raised, your experiences, your education, exposure to television programming, etc. You are not a good or bad person based on your unconscious bias. I’m saying you’re a person. These are the flaws that keep people from making good decisions. Although it’s a method of diversity, inclusion and equity, what we are really doing by being aware is making better decisions.”

Unconscious bias, which can lead to discrimination, takes many forms, ranging from ethnicity, gender, disabilities and weight.

Consider the research:

  • Resumes that included photos of female job candidates before they had weight loss surgery scored far lower on leadership potential and starting salary. Thinner women earn $19,000 more annually.
  • Candidates who disclosed disabilities were 26% less likely to get responses.
  • Resumes with white-sounding names received 50% more calls for interviews than identical resumes with black-sounding names.
  • A study of identical resumes found that 79% of applicants with a man’s name versus 49% of those with a woman’s name were “worthy of hire.”

There are several tactics that managers can employ to keep their own biases in check.

Chatman says managers must make themselves aware that bias can impact their own decisions. “Being aware will put you on alert,” he says. “It will make you trust your gut less—that’s critical. Your gut houses all your biases.”

The president of Chatman Enterprises advises managers to volunteer, which will put them in the position to meet different people. To take that thought to the next step, managers could also offer to serve as a mentor to team members at the company. “The bigger your circle, the less likely that you will be influenced by biases,” he says. “It’s huge.”

Removing applicant details also can help hiring managers curb their biases. In other words, no names, photos, zip codes or educational institutions—just skills and experience.

“We have a pre-made suit in our mind. We assess people, not based on their talent, but on whether they fit in the suit,” Chatman says. “Most hiring managers hire people like themselves. That’s who makes them most comfortable. That means the people at the top hire ‘themselves’ and then promote ‘themselves’ so you end up with groupthink. You can’t have diversity of thought if everyone is the same.”

Introducing accountability to the mix is a must. And by adding “accountability,” Chatman isn’t talking about quotas. He suggests that hiring managers should 1) develop a predetermined process, 2) make it transparent and 3) review to see if the process was followed.

For employees who need to build connections with a supervisor who may be biased, Chatman has a few suggestions. First, focus on your first impression, especially your appearance and vernacular. “The first impression is an anchor. It reframes everything people do around you,” he says.

At that point, employees should move out of their own comfort zone to put others at ease.

“Make sure you attend company events because you will need social time with decision-makers so they can become more comfortable with you,” Chatman says. “And when the time is right, ask for a mentor. Networking and mentoring are your two greatest resources to fight bias in the workplace.”

Chatman has worked with hundreds of corporations and government agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, The Department of Homeland Security, Chase Bank, Estee Lauder, NASA and Jefferson Health to help people reach new heights of effectiveness by understanding themselves and others better. As a leadership keynote speaker, his passion is contagious, and his messages provide practical, usable knowledge that people implement immediately for business and personal success.

To learn more about all the courses offered at FEW’s Virtual Leadership Summit III, please click here to develop your career.