Equal employment opportunity focus of regional training

VICENZA, Italy - When Magda Figueroa looked out at the classroom of 14 students recently she knew her lessons would help them oversee equal employment opportunities across Installation Management Command - Europe.

The weeklong Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor's certification course, that concluded in mid-September was held in Wiesbaden, Germany. Figueroa, U.S. Army Garrison Italy's EEO Manager, was one of two facilitators. The other was Mrs. Caroline Becks, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart.

Employees who took part "collateral duty counselors," the first line of EEO that will assist EEO officers throughout Europe in the processing of EEO cases, Figueroa said. Megan Webster, Community Ready and Resilient Council Coordinator, was one among those who took part.

"I really enjoyed the training, and I am looking forward to assisting Magda and other EEO officers," Webster said.

EEO is designed to promote a diverse environment. By having a strong EEO program that promotes inclusion regardless things like race, gender and religion, said Figueroa, who previously served as Vicenza's EEO officer from 2016 to 2022. She supports civilian employees and contractors for Southern European Task Force - Africa, USAG Italy and all tenant units throughout the Italian peninsula.

However, being an "office of one," makes it hard, at times, to assist everyone in a timely manner. Teaching the course enables Figueroa and others to get help in processing EEO complaints and assist employees, she said.

"Nothing makes me happier than being able to find a mutual agreement between two parties when dealing with a dispute," Figueroa said.

Col. Scott Horrigan, the commander of USAG Italy, relies upon Figueroa to improve the work garrison work environment with her EEO expertise.

"She is a professional staffer that will be able to provide quality service independently of what the issue is and will attempt to resolve whatever issues come her way with dignity and respect," Horrigan said.

Figueroa was thrilled to return to Vicenza this past summer. When asked what brought her back, Figueroa mentioned the love for the country and the people. She also said that on her first tour in Vicenza she was really impressed by the workforce resiliency. The team spirit during the COVID-19 pandemic made her want to be part of that team again.

The garrison EEO office is located on Caserma Ederle in Bldg. 395, next to the Arena. For more information on the EEO program visit the EEO webpage.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.