Chapter Manual
National WID Manual
Operating Procedures
Our chapter governance
The Women In Defense Space Coast Chapter (WIDSC) was founded January 21, 2013. Since then, we have grown substantially thanks to our members and community partners who have made a commitment to supporting this high-impact organization.
WIDSC provides networking and professional development opportunities to promote the role of women in national defense and security, to support military service members, and to encourage partnerships within the local contractor community, defense industry and military personnel.
The Space Coast is a gateway to the wonders of science and unending possibilities. We are home to industry leaders with significant operations. Our military presence includes Patrick Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the Naval Ordnance Test Unit (NOTU) as well as many private companies, such as SpaceX.
Our diverse economy is comprised of private space and defense companies with lucrative government contracts. We excel in intelligence, surveillance, aircraft, reconnaissance, missiles and launch assets. We also provide combat capabilities through launch, range and expeditionary operations.
We are considered the world’s premier gateway to space and we have seen great growth in the space and defense economy. Our production includes vehicle, satellite, missile and aircraft manufacturing. We also test missiles and assemble and launch vehicles.
The Space Coast is booming thanks to space and defense companies that offer high-paying tech jobs, a rich supply chain and talent pool that are key drivers in our industry businesses.
Since starting the Space Coast STEM Scholarship Fund, WIDSC has awarded more than $90,000 in scholarships to women in the community who have pursued studies to advance their careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
To learn more about WIDSC and our STEM Scholarships, please contact one of our Board Members below.
Board of Directors
Connect with our 2024-2025 WIDSC volunteer board of directors.
Sirena Ozzello
President Email
Sirena Ozzello is President & CEO of Atrax Technologies, specializing in accounting and bookkeeping for small businesses. Prior to starting her own company, Sirena gained valuable work experience in government accounting and finance at 8-koi where she began her career as an intern while in high school. Sirena is QuickBooks Certified and earned several professional certificates from Eastern Florida State College to include Accounting Technology Management, Accounting Technology Operations, Accounting Technology Specialist, and Business Management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Central Florida. After successfully completing weVENTURE’s IGNITE 360 mentoring program, Sirena says she feels more confident in helping other business owners with their accounting needs so they can focus on running their business.
Jennifer Kennedy-Ness
Vice-President Email
Jennifer is the President and CEO of Kennedy Solutions Group (KSG), a government contracting firm based in Melbourne, FL. Her extensive expertise includes considerable depth serving the small business community along with many achievements serving Fortune 100 companies that expand across military, law enforcement and tech fields.
Jennifer is an active member of International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) and National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). In the local community. Jennifer serves as Program Director for Space Coast Women in Defense (WID). She’s a member of the Space Force Association (SFA) and is an active participant in WeVenture at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).
Catherine Wright
Secretary Email
Catherine Wright is the Founder and CEO of Indigo Strategic Consulting. Indigo provides strategic marketing and communications expertise for clients experiencing significant business transformation. Prior to founding Indigo, Catherine served as the senior director, communications, for corporate headquarters at L3Harris Technologies. She started her career at Harris as a mechanical engineer, designing deployable reflectors for space. From there, she moved into roles of increasing responsibility including project engineering, engineering management, business development, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. Catherine earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in business management from the University of Florida. She currently serves as a Mentor in Residence at the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech and is an Ambassador for the Melbourne Regional Chamber.
Kathy Emerson, CPA
Treasurer Email
Kathy’s career includes Corporate Controller, Financial Analyst, Auditor and Retail Regional Manager. Customer service continues to be a top priority for internal and external customers, no matter what the job. Her approach is to staff talent and let them use their abilities, while supporting them with training and by removing obstacles. To work and cross-train in a supportive environment is essential to timely, accurate financial reporting and business success. I keep the team on track.
A graduate of California State University, San Marcos, Kathy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Kathy received her MBA from Webster University. She is a CPA in California and Florida. A member of Toastmasters International for fifteen years, Kathy is a Distinguished Toastmaster and as a skilled presenter has served in many officer positions in her district and club. Kathy is also an Adjunct Accounting Instructor at Keiser University, Melbourne, FL campus, and at Florida Tech in Melbourne.
Kathy and her husband Mark own and operate Pineapple Manor in Melbourne Beach, Florida. These are fully furnished vacation apartments and have a loyal following. “All you have to do is make yourselves at home” when staying at www.PineappleManor.com.
David Jackson
Membership Email
David Jackson currently serves as the Director of Community Relations for U.S. Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL 8). As Director of Community Relations he acts as liaison to District 8 constituents, state and local elected officials, and business and community leaders. He began working for Congressman Posey on January 3, 2011, and previously worked for three years as Economic Development Specialist for the City of Cocoa, Florida, and for Brevard County’s Pretrial Release Program for nearly nine years. David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University and a Master of Arts degree from the George Washington University both in Washington, D.C.
Leslie Tibbetts
Awards & Recognition Email
Leslie joined WID, Space Coast Chapter in 2015 and has held various roles on the Board of Directors over the last 5 years. She joined Community Credit Union of Florida as Vice President of Commercial Services in August, 2019, proudly supporting the CCU mission to “Always improve the financial well-being of our members and make a positive difference in the community.” Having previously served the community for 18 years as part of the Bank of America Consumer and Small Business organization, Leslie has volunteered for numerous community causes, including serving as a small business mentor with WeVenture powered by FL Tech, and supporting the United Way of Brevard, Junior Achievement of the Space Coast, and the Melbourne Regional Chamber. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Whittier College and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.
Leslie and her husband, Tim, live in Suntree and have three sons.
Open Position
Sponsorships Email
The Director of Sponsorships is responsible for finding sponsors for the monthly meetings and to draft and update the Sponsorship level package(s). They help with sponsorships for the golf tournament that funds STEM Scholarships. They work with the Program Director and the Awards and Recognition Director to promote funding for programs. Nominees should be a member in good standing for at least one year.
Open Position
Programs Email
The Programs Director will solicit a committee of members to facilitate the planning and execution of chapter sponsored events. This will include, but not be limited to, monthly meetings, speaker engagements, fundraisers, scholarship programs, conferences and support to local/national events. The nominee should be a member in good standing for at least one year.
Gail Skinner-Hart
Communications Email
As a senior level practitioner, Gail understands the critical importance of communication plans that support business objectives, increase branding awareness, and effectively engage internal and external audiences. She possesses keen business and financial acumen, diverse project and people management capabilities, and a professional-level technical skill set. With extensive experience in business development, internal and external communications, and corporate marketing, advertising design, and brand management, Gail excels in building effective teams, managing successful projects, and communicating skillfully.
Tina Christensen
Historian Email
Tina Christensen welcomes all who cross her path to serve as a solution partner and being facilitating support is her motto. She has worked in a wide range of industries, including government contracts, aerospace, legal, hospitality, and currently commercial real estate. She serves her clients in selling, investing, purchasing and leasing commercial space to meet their requirements.
She has lived and worked on the Space Coast since 1991 so she can attest to the growth in the Central Florida area. While she has been a member of WIDSC for several years, she now is a part of our board as she desires to continue to make a difference.
Because she also enjoys journalism and documenting happenings on the side, with this background, she brings solid experience as the Historian to WIDSC.
Tina’s educational background includes earning a Bachelor’s in Contracts and Acquisitions from Strayer University and continues her education through CCIM towards her designation. She is always learning as real estate markets and regulations are always changing.
She is 4th generation military and has lived in Europe and traveled globally. She enjoys learning history of our nation and other countries.
You will find her at the WIDSC events taking photos, videos and interviews to continue to document the evolution of the development and growth of our mission serving our chapter. When you see her with camera in the room, please don’t be shy!
In her professional life, she is a consultant and advisor to clients under SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler in expanding their real estate portfolios, presenting an analysis of properties that meet their goals and will support their capture manager from proposal phase for successful site selection through due diligence and beyond closing.
When Tina is not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, taking their two yellow English Labrador dogs on outings and beach days. She is also an advocate for natural eating, healthy environments and supports community charity events such as Second Harvest, Harbor House and St Vincent DePaul that contribute to making a difference to make the world a better place.
Khalilah Filmore
Special Projects Email
Khalilah Filmore, LPN BSHA CPBI, is a seasoned healthcare professional with an impressive career spanning more than two decades. Her extensive expertise in the healthcare field and related industries makes her a valuable asset in her field.
Throughout her career, Khalilah has ventured into various sectors, including Long Term Care, Acute Care, End of Life Care, Managed Care, Private Practice, and the Pharmaceutical industry. She has embraced diverse roles, ranging from Sales and Clinical Liaison to Case Management and Utilization Review. Khalilah has also held leadership positions at renowned Fortune 500 and 5000 organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, VITAS Hospice, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Her vast knowledge encompasses areas such as managed care, long-term care, sub-acute/acute care, private practice, and hospice.
In addition to her nursing qualifications, Khalilah has undergone rigorous training in marketing, program development, and data analysis. This unique blend of medical proficiency and business acumen enables her to approach healthcare challenges from multiple angles, finding innovative and practical solutions that benefit both patients and organizations. She holds a Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma, a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration, a Master Certificate in Business Intelligence from Villanova University, and is a 2015 graduate of Leadership West Orange.
In 2016, Khalilah embarked on an exciting new journey by founding MEDkeen Solutions®️, where she currently serves as CEO. MEDkeen Solutions® offers a wide range of strategic consulting and operational services to a diverse portfolio of healthcare and healthcare-adjacent organizations, whether in the private or public sector. MEDkeen Solutions specializes in developing strategies that embrace emerging technologies while ensuring quality care, improved clinical outcomes, and an exceptional customer service (CX) experience. They do all this while maintaining the crucial human touch in today’s ever-changing digital landscape.
As an Emerging Technologies Champion, Khalilah is driving the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as VR, AR, blockchain, and AI into healthcare and education. Her dedication to leveraging emerging tech to enhance mental health care and education exemplifies her forward-thinking approach. Through her various roles and her current position as CEO of MEDkeen Solutions®️, Khalilah continues to make significant contributions to the healthcare industry, positively impacting both organizations and individuals alike. Khalilah’s unwavering commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of her work, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in healthcare and emerging technologies.
Elizabeth Huy
Immediate Past President
Elizabeth Huy serves as the VP of Services Lines at Alluvionic, an 8a certified, WOSB & EDWOSB. In this capacity Elizabeth leads service line strategy and development efforts and cybersecurity compliance client engagements, specializing in project management and organizational change management.
Prior to joining Alluvionic, Elizabeth led manufacturing and technology industry support services for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and served as founding manager of the region’s manufacturing association. She is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing, a Cyber-AB Registered Practitioner (RP), and a Project Management Professional (PMP).
Elizabeth serves on the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, the Melbourne Regional Chamber, the City of Melbourne’s Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB), and she is a sustaining member of the Junior Leage of the Space Coast.
Because of speakers like you, our participants gave this event an impressive 90% overall satisfaction rating, with some of our speakers receiving a 95% rating in appreciation for their motivating and engaging presentations. Your individual ratings and feedback comments are attached for your review. Bottom line: This event was possible because of your support. We thank you for sharing your expertise and passion with other STEM professionals
We truly appreciate your efforts in supporting our extraordinary science teachers. This is the 16th year that we have been able to honor our exemplary science teachers in Brevard County, and our hope is that we will be able carry on this tradition for many more years. We were delighted a representative could attend the event. Thank you again and we look forward to partnering with you in the futures.