The Army's Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, was presented a Federal Women's Program Award for Activity Most Supportive of FWP Goals on Aug. 23 during the Women's Equality Day Awards Program hosted by Aberdeen Proving Ground Commander Col. Orlando Ortiz.

The award recognizes APG employees and organizations that are exemplary in their support of the Army FWP objective, which is to achieve a civilian workforce in which women are employed at all grade levels and in all occupations equal to the relevant civilian labor force.

Suzanne Milchling, ECBC director of program integration and newly inducted member of the Senior Executive Service, accepted the award with William Klein, ECBC's associate director of engineering.

"I am honored to be here today and accept this award with my ECBC colleague," Milchling told the audience, according to a press release. "ECBC strives to provide opportunities to excel, and the women in our workforce have taken every opportunity presented and exceeded all expectations."

The center won the award for its work during National Women's History Month in March. ECBC sponsored a series of events to develop and recognize women in the organization. Activities included a leadership panel event, a guest blog series, online discussion forums and a newsletter that was focused solely on "Women in Science & Engineering."

"We are very proud to be here today," Klein said at the ceremony. "We saw there was a need to connect members of our workforce with the knowledge, experience and career lessons of our senior female leaders. We believe this dialogue is the key to bringing out the best in our workforce."

ECBC supports women and their accomplishments. In 2010, 44 percent of the new hires were women, a 6 percent increase from 2009. Women make up one-third of ECBC's workforce offering diverse expertise that enables the center to cover a full spectrum of chemical and biological research, engineering and operations support for the nation and the warfighter.