Federal Women's Program

The Federal Women’s Program (FWP) is a special emphasis program that was established in 1963 to enhance employment and advancement of women. Executive Order 11478, signed in 1969, brought the FWP into the overall Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and placed it under the stewardship of the Director of EEO.

The Program Seeks To:

• Ensure that Federal agencies institute, plan, and take affirmative steps to provide equal opportunity to women applicants and employees in all areas of employment (recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and awards); 
• Provide a means for women to communicate their concerns to management; and
• Encourage the participation of women in all NRCS-sponsored programs and activities.

To ensure that agencies meet the requirements of the EEO laws, Executive Orders, and EEC guidelines, the Federal Women’s Program Manager (FWPM) position was established to advise management of their FWP responsibilities, the status and progress of the program, and the concerns of women in their organization.

East Regional Federal Women's Program

There are 11 Federal Women Program Managers in the East Region. The twelve states in this region include: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Vermont. Each state is assigned an FWPM, with the exception of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island sharing one Manager, and New Hampshire sharing served by two Co-Managers. In support of FWP activities, a Regional Federal Women's Program Manager is also assigned.

For additional information about the Federal Women's Program you may contact Susan Arrants, East Region FWPM, at:  USDA NRCS, 967 Illinois Avenue - Ste. 3, Bangor, Maine 04401; Phone: 207-990-9100, extension 3; Fax: 207-990-9599; E-mail: susan.arrants@me.usda.gov.  You may also contact the NRCS East Regional Civil Rights office at: 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-5410; Phone: 301-504-2308; Fax:301-504-2291. 

These documents require Adobe Acrobat  or Microsoft Excel 

East Region Federal Women's Program Fiscal Year 2003 Directory

East Region Federal Women's Program 2003 Business Plan

East Region Federal Women's Program Annual Activity Report - 
August 2002-June 2003

National Awareness Observances

Detailed information may be viewed at the National FWP Homepage.