Booz Allen Receives 2004 Human Rights Award

On May 19, 2005, Booz Allen Hamilton was honored with the 2004 Human Rights Award from the Fairfax County, Virginia Human Rights Commission. Booz Allen Senior Associate Heather Lawson, a member of the Commission, accepted the award on behalf of the firm.

For 27 years, the Human Rights Award has recognized individuals, non-profits, and businesses for their exemplary achievements in supporting human rights in the county. Booz Allen received another Human Rights Award from the Commission in 2001.

In 2005, Booz Allen's significant contributions to the community—especially its efforts to expand job opportunities for disabled and at-risk individuals—again qualified the firm for the award. Metro D.C. area initiatives that Booz Allen supported include:

• Emerging Leaders: Booz Allen created this summer internship program in 2001 to bring a greater number of qualified individuals with disabilities into its workforce. The program has earned numerous awards, including the President's New Freedom Initiative Award and recognition as a Best Practice from the U.S. Department of Labor.



• George Mason University's Early Identification Program: A preparatory program for high school students, Early Identification offers events and field trips, tutoring, and a leadership "camp" to encourage and support first-generation college attendees.



• Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG): With 200,000 members nationwide, PFLAG supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons and their families and friends through education and advocacy. Booz Allen continued its longstanding support by sponsoring the D.C. chapter's annual gala in March 2005.

In addition, the firm also supported Northern Virginia Family Services' Training Futures programs, serving unemployed and underemployed individuals, and provided scholarships for Marshall High School students who overcame significant personal obstacles to graduation.

Says Lawson, "Booz Allen stands out in its leadership in human rights and respect for all individuals. Many companies talk about respect, but Booz Allen demonstrates it at every level, every day."

The Human Rights Commission was established in 1974 to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and education.

story posted June 23, 2005