Martinsburg VAMC announces Federal Women of the Year

“Women represent over 61 percent of the total VA workforce, 67 percent of the Martinsburg VA workforce and over half of our Martinsburg supervisors are women,” said Kishia Alford, Equal Employment Opportunity Assistant at the Martinsburg VA. “All of that information means that we have a lot of resources to look up to, build each other up with and empower each other to succeed.” 

Five women were chosen from among 49 nominations in categories that represented diversity, innovation and inspiration. 

The Inspiration Award is given to a woman who inspires others through her work ethic, leads by example and is a role model who makes a difference in the lives of others. This year’s recipient is Anna Coffinbarger, who lives in the Eastern Panhandle of W. Va. Coffinbarger is a Registered Nurse in the Medical-Surgical Unit. 

The Trailblazer award is for a visionary woman who has made significant contributions at work and in her community, comes up with new ideas and has a positive influence on others in the workplace. This year, the award went to Jennifer Roderick of Clearville, Pa. Roderick is a supervisor in the Veteran Experience Office and a Master Sgt. in the West Virginia Army National Guard.  

The Woman to Watch Award is for a woman who has had significant accomplishments or achieved notable success in her field in a non-supervisorial role and is considered an up-and-coming star in her profession. This year’s winner is Jessica Fisher from Inwood, W. Va. She is a supervisor in Medical Supply.

The Diversity and Inclusiveness Award is for a woman who has committed to developing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive cultural work environment. This year’s recipient is Katie Files from Berkeley County, W. Va. Files is a Registered Nurse and has worked for the VA for eight years. 

“I am so honored to have won this award,” said Files. “I am a firm believer in making ethical decisions and advocating for every patient, regardless of their backgrounds.”

The Amazing Addition award is for a female employee who has been at Martinsburg VAMC for less than a year and has made a difference in her department, reflecting how the VAMC takes care of Veterans. This year’s winner is Stephanie Jones, a Medical Supply Technician. 

            The Federal Women of the Year program is born of the VA initiative to lead the effort in building a diverse workforce through the development and implementation of policies and programs that ensure the VA’s workforce is continuously poised to support the current and future needs of our Nation’s Veterans. 

Lona Lozinski, Public Affairs Specialist

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