Exchange Earns Five DoD Awards for Recruitment Efforts of Associates with Disabilities
The Exchange and four associates have been recognized by the Department of Defense for outstanding contributions to the advancement of the employment of individuals with disabilities.
The Diversity Management Operations Center presented the 2020-2021 DoD Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) Awards for Outstanding Contributions during a virtual ceremony late last month.
Exchange 2020-2021 DoD Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) Awards winners, clockwise from top left: Bee Persaud, EEODI specialist; Mike Steier, IT intern; Jordan Prasifka, IT data analyst; and Valerie Wagoner, associate EEODI officer.
The WRP connects federal and private-sector employers with college students and recent graduates with disabilities for placement in internships or permanent jobs.
“We know from experience that recruiting individuals with disabilities yields great results for the Exchange and the communities we are honored to serve,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull. “The Exchange serves a diverse customer base. We’re stronger when our workforce reflects that diversity.”
The Exchange was recognized in each of the four WRP award categories:
- Outstanding WRP Component Award: Army & Air Force Exchange Service (2020)
- Judith C. Gilliom Outstanding WRP Participant Award: IT intern Mike Steier and Data Analyst Jordan Prasifka (2021)
- Outstanding WRP Coordinator Award: Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion & Affirmative Employment Specialist Bee Persaud (2020)
- Outstanding WRP Recruiter Award: Associate Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer Valerie Wagoner (2020)
“The Exchange’s participation in the WRP is a great opportunity for those with disabilities. The program, coupled with the Exchange’s strong and continuing focus on inclusion, provides great support,” said Prasifka, who has worked for the Exchange since 2018, when he was recruited for an internship while in college. “I enjoy collaborating across the many different teams in the company.”
Watch the awards ceremony here.
