JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct.12, 2022) – The Prestigious Women of Color STEM Awards recently recognized Tracye E. Thrash, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Budget Officer, Resource Management Office, from the Jacksonville District for 2022 Women of Color STEM Rising Star Award for Career Achievement.
Thrash serves as the district’s senior budget analyst providing leadership, oversight, and direction to team members in the day-to-day activities of budget execution and funds accountability. She is the proven subject matter expert for the district’s annual operating budget and provides direction, guidance, and mentorship on budget development to all the junior level analysts. Thrash says she takes ownership of the budgeting process and holds herself accountable for the execution.
“I am happy to accept this award and I’m thankful to everyone that contributed to my success during my career,” said Thrash. “I initially felt like there were other women of color who had done some really awesome things, but after hearing of the award read, I thought, wow! This is cool and exciting.”
The Women of Color Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Conference Technology Rising Star award is given to women, with approximately one to 22 years of experience in the workforce, who are helping to shape technology for the future.
The annual Women of Color STEM Conference—A Multicultural Event is produced by Career Communications Group Inc. (CCG), a leader in workforce diversity. For 26 years, the Women of Color STEM Conference has been a leading event for professional development and networking. CCG works with big and small employers to promote multiculturalism and equity in STEM fields.
BJ Fagan, Jacksonville District, Chief of Staff worked with Thrash for nine years and observed her accomplishments daily. She says Thrash never misses a milestone, has superior analytical skills, and accomplishes all her tasks through relationship building, communication and collaboration with others.
“She is a perfect ambassador for raising awareness of the Corps of Engineers as an employer that recognizes and rewards its minority female talent,” said Fagan. “Her dedication, loyalty and selfless service has never changed.
Col. James Booth, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Commander lauded Thrash for her leadership, expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence and execution.
"She exemplifies the Army’s values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage,” said Booth. “She is the epitome of a public servant and she is well deserving of this award and the district applauds her accomplishments.
Thrash’s nomination for this award not only raised the visibility of her contributions at the district level but at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters level as well because her nomination was endorsed by the HQUSACE Commander and Chief of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon.
Thrash was selected because she was among an extraordinary group of forward-thinking people in STEM," said Monica Emerson, National Chair of the Women of Color in STEM Conference.
"This year, the nominees represented the most diverse collection of executive professionals we have had the pleasure of evaluating. From managers to vice presidents, they stand out as superior authorities in their respective fields," said Emerson.
Since 1995, awards presented at the Women of Color Conference have honored excellence and underscored the under-representation of women at senior levels. For 26 years, employers committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion have chosen the conference as the place to share best practices and strategies to attract and keep women in scientific and technical fields.
“Receiving this award “is a testament to my personal growth, and it has pushed me to go even further and see what other goals I can achieve for myself,” Thrash said.
(The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District on the district’s website at https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JaxStrong.
www.womenofcolor.net.