Women In Defense Space Coast Hosts Tri-Chapter Networking Reception at SPACECOM 2025
Women In Defense (WID) Space Coast, in collaboration with the Central Florida and Greater Tampa Bay chapters, successfully hosted a Tri-Chapter Networking Reception on January 28 during SpaceCom 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. This event was part of SpaceCom 2025, a premier conference focused on advancing the commercial space industry by bringing together professionals from the defense and space industries to foster connections and discuss the evolving landscape of space defense.
Keynote Address:
The reception was honored to feature a keynote address by Dr. Christyl C. Johnson, Deputy Director for Technology and Research Investments at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Dr. Johnson delivered a forward-looking vision on the next frontier of space exploration, emphasizing NASA’s strategic initiatives to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by 2040 and lay the groundwork for future Mars colonization. She highlighted the technological advancements and global partnerships required to achieve these ambitious goals, inspiring attendees to think boldly about the future of space defense and exploration.
Awards & Recognition:
The evening celebrated outstanding achievements within the defense and aerospace community. Canaveral Council of Technical Societies (CCTS) Scholarship Awards were presented to recognize promising individuals pursuing careers in national security and space innovation. A special tribute was given to Carol Ann Logue, Director, Central Florida Tech Grove, UCF Research Foundation in recognition of her retirement.
Panel Discussion:
The event featured an engaging fireside chat and leadership-focused panel discussion, moderated by Jennifer Kennedy-Ness. The discussion underscored the essential qualities of leadership in space innovation and the importance of mentorship. Panelists included:
COL Mandi Fuller, Headquarters Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Kim Crider, Founding Partner, Elara Nova
Kelle Wendling, Former President, Space Systems, L3Harris Technologies
Carol Craig, CEO, Sidus Space Inc.
Networking Session:
Attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations in a lively networking environment. The Tri-Chapter Networking Reception demonstrated the continued commitment of WID chapters to facilitating impactful interactions within the defense and space sectors, reinforcing WID’s mission to foster professional development and meaningful industry connections.
About SpaceCom 2025:
SpaceCom 2025, held from January 28-30, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, is a transformative conference and expo dedicated to advancing the commercial space industry. The event features conference programs, an expo, and co-located conferences such as the Space Mobility Conference and the GSA Spaceport Summit.
For more information, visit https://www.spacecomexpo.com/.
Women In Defense Space Coast Chapter Celebrates Success of Empower & Elevate Event, Welcoming New Leaders and Community Partners
The Women In Defense Space Coast Chapter (WIDSC) gathered on October 29th at the Courtyard Marriott in Cocoa Beach for the highly anticipated Empower & Elevate event, bringing together local professionals, inspiring speakers, and key community partners dedicated to learning, networking, and growth. The event delivered powerful insights, unveiled new chapter leadership, and strengthened the mission to empower women in defense.
“The Empower & Elevate event is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering growth and supporting the aspirations of professionals on the Space Coast,” said Sirena Ozzello, WIDSC President. “It provides a forum for networking, learning, and sharing, which is critical to such a dynamic industry. We’re excited to see so many talented professionals come together to strengthen our community and further the mission of diversity in defense.”
The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Chad Lau, captivated attendees using magic and stagecraft. Unique and fun, his ‘Tricks of the Trade’ professional development presentation provided invaluable strategies for career advancement, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills in professional settings.
David Bragg, PMP, CISSP, ITIL v3 Expert, SMSP, facilitated the official installation of the chapter’s incoming 2024-2025 Board of Directors, marking a momentous step forward for the organization. This transition celebrates fresh perspectives and strengthens WIDSC’s commitment to supporting women in the defense industry.
In recognition of the new Board of Directors, WIDSC welcomed: Sirena Ozzello, President; Jennifer Kennedy-Ness, Vice President; Catherine Wright, Secretary; Kathy Emerson, Treasurer; David Jackson, Membership; Leslie Tibbets, Awards & Recognition; Tina Christensen, Historian; Gail Hart, Communications; Elizabeth Huy, Past President.
The program also recognized past presidents, Susie Glasgow, Sandy Pfrimmer, and Chapter Founder, Karen J. Gregory. Gregory provided special remarks highlighting the chapter’s ongoing mission to build a more inclusive, diverse defense community and reaffirmed WIDSC’s dedication to professional development, leadership, and unity within the Space Coast defense community.
In addition, WIDSC welcomed community partners Stephanie Robinson from CareerSource Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, Teresa Moon from Parabilis, and Erin Minta from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. These partners joined the celebration, sharing valuable resources to support WIDSC’s mission and enhance the value offered to members.
WIDSC Seeks Nominations for 2024-2025 Board of Directors
The Women In Defense Space Coast Chapter (WIDSC) is currently taking nominations of persons to serve on the Board of Directors (BOD) for the term which runs October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. The WIDSC BOD consists of four (4) Officers and seven (7) Directors. We seek the most qualified candidates that are WIDSC members in good standing for each of the board positions. Each nominee is expected to attend monthly board meetings and all membership meetings. Responsibilities will be as indicated below.
Instructions:
WID SPACE COAST CHAPTER – ELECTIONS
- Nominating Committee
- At least three months prior to Board turnover, the Chapter President and/or Chairman of the Nominating Committee, with the approval of the Chapter Board, shall appoint a nominating committee of at least three members. The Nominating Committee shall present its slate at a Chapter meeting or electronically.
- The election of Officers and Directors may take place by mail or electronic vote unless otherwise specified by the Board of Directors and shall pass by a simple majority of the members that choose to participate in the voting. Directors will be elected for a set term of one or two years (October 1-September 30).
- Approximately one-half of the Directors shall be elected each year. Director vacancies may be filled at any time during the year by a majority vote of the remaining directors.
Officers will be elected for a period of one or two years (October 1-September 30).
- No one shall serve more than two consecutive terms as any one Officer position, unless approved by the Chapter Board of Directors. In the absence of the President, those duties shall devolve upon the Vice Presidents in their order of seniority of service, and in their absence, Treasurer, and, in turn, Secretary; in the absence of any Officer, upon a member of the Board of Directors in order of seniority.
- WID encourages inclusiveness and diversity on its Chapter Boards. Chapters should also use Board or Committee positions as opportunities to mentor future leaders.
Review the position descriptions here. Nominees need to forward 1) a resume to the Election Committee along with 2) a statement of intent indicating the office/director seat that they seek and 3) their vision for WIDSC.
The nominee’s resume, statement of intent and WIDSC vision must be sent via email no later than August 16, 2024. Questions can also be sent to president@widsc.org or vicepresident@widsc.org.
Women In Defense Space Coast Names 2024 STEM Education Innovator Award Recipients and Awards $17K in STEM Scholarships to Space Coast Students
The Women in Defense Space Coast Chapter (WIDSC) recently announced the winners of its 2024 STEM Education Innovator Awards and the recipients of its 2024 STEM scholarships on Thursday, June 20, at the Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach. These accolades underscore WID’s commitment to foster STEM educational opportunities and careers and to promote the role of women in national defense and security.
The Education Innovator Award recipients included:
• Dr. Theresa E. Watson, Deputy Chief Scientist of the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) at Patrick Space Force Base, as the STEM Leadership Star of the Year for serving as champion for the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) conference – a two-day event where local students take part in STEM activities and learn about STEM opportunities.
• Chris Larsen, co-founder of Larsen Motorsports, as the STEM Mentor of the Year for turning a passion for high-speed racing into a unique and powerful educational platform while mentoring over 250 students during the past 20 years.
• Colleen Anderson, Surfside Elementary, as the STEM Elementary Educator of the Year for her dynamic teaching methods and her role in coordinating science fairs that connect students with STEM professionals.
• Rebecca Allen, Palm Bay Magnet High School, as the STEM High School Educator of the Year for her dedication to expanding student access to industry expertise and resources.
In addition to recognizing these distinguished educators and leaders, WIDSC awarded $17K in scholarships ranging from $1250 to $500 for exemplary students pursuing STEM disciplines.
The scholarship winners included:
• Abigail Shephard, Florida Atlantic University, BS/MD Cellular Neuroscience/Mathematics
• Aki Densmore, Florida Tech, Chemical Engineering, Minor in Aerospace
• Alexa Mason, Florida Tech, Physics
• Ann Hough, University of Florida, Pharmacy
• Cassandra Stanish, Florida Tech, Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Sustainability
• Christina Souvannala, University of Illinois, Master of Library/Information Science
• Deztynee Bryan, Florida Tech, Meteorology
• Elizabeth Eskildsen, Eastern Florida State College, Business Sustainability, Minor -Environmental Science
• Ella Benson, Virginia Tech, Architecture
• Emily Prins, University of Florida, Biochemistry
• Erin Kohler, University of Florida, Microbiology and Cell Science
• Gianna Fernandez, University of Florida, Computer Engineering
• Grace Peters, University of Florida, Mechanical Engineering
• Jayda Holman, University of Miami, Environmental Engineering
• Jody Junek, University of Florida, Biomedical Engineering
• Katherine Wade, Florida Tech, Ocean Engineering
• Kathryn Burgess, Florida State University, Nursing, Minor in Business
• Lillian Paquette, University of Florida, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
• Madeline Biggs, Florida State University, Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Computer Science
• Mallory Jeancake, Samford University, Nursing
• Marisa Ricks, University of Florida, Preprofessional Biology, Minor Org. Leadership
• Ryleigh Renedina, University of Florida, Biomedical Engineering. Minor in Animal Science
WIDSC also announced the recipient of the 2024 joint WIDSC – AFTAC WiSE scholarship.
• Melissa McGuire, Rollins College, Executive MBA
Elizabeth Huy, President of the Space Coast Women in Defense, commented, “This year’s awards and scholarships highlight the incredible talent and dedication within our community. Our goal is not only to recognize excellence but also to inspire the next generation of women to explore STEM fields and consider careers in national defense. ”
Since its inception in 2013, WIDSC has awarded $94,000 in scholarships to women in the community who have pursued studies to advance their careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
If you would like more information about WIDSC STEM scholarships and awards, please contact Leslie Tibbetts at STEM@WIDSC.org or 321-258-8504.
7th Annual Sandbagger Invitational Golf Tournament – Great Day for STEM Scholarship Fundraiser
In its seventh year, the Sandbagger Invitational Golf Tournament, organized by Women In Defense Space Coast, delivered a fun filled day on the greens at Baytree National Golf Links while growing the STEM Scholarship Fund for Space Coast students.
Over 60 golfers embarked on foggy greens to tee off at 7:30 am, but the skies cleared for a beautiful finish to the day which included lunch, drinks, goodie bags, and awards at the Baytree Clubhouse. First, second, third and last place golf teams received top prizes. Additional contests for longest drive and closest to the pin awards were acknowledged for both men and women golfers. Other prizes included items for winning raffle tickets plus a 50/50 drawing.
“Last year, we awarded $16,000 in scholarships, most of which was raised at the golf tournament,” stated WIDSC President Elizabeth Huy. “This event enables us to share our mission and connect with the community while raising funds, and being held on Military Spouse Appreciation Day and during May’s National Military Appreciation Month, we celebrated the many military spouses and veterans that joined the tournament.”
This year’s golf event sponsors included 8-koi, Acuity International, All Points, Alluvionic, AVET Project Inc., Cloud 9 Real Estate Group, Coldwell Banker Paradise – Steven Natschke, CRI, Desapro, Elizabeth Brienza for Nana’s House, Erdman Motors, Frazier Engineering, Geiger/Your Logo.com, Hedrick Brothers Construction, Indigo Strategic Consulting, KBR, Kegman Inc., Keyes Coverage, Merrill Lynch, Professional Specialty Insurance LLC, Rolle IT, SCIS, Turtle, and WhiteBird Attorneys at Law.
WIDSC members, supporters, and volunteers also helped to make this year’s event a huge success, including Allegra Printing, Baytree National Golf Links, and Courtyard Marriott Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach.
On Thursday, June 20, STEM scholarship awards will be presented to selected female students in Brevard County at the Courtyard Marriott in Cocoa Beach. Scheduled to speak at this year’s awards event is Jackie Rodriguez-Valdes, Chief Executive Officer at Summit Healthcare Services. STEM scholarship awards event registration will open on May 17.
If you would like more information about WIDSC programs and fundraising for STEM scholarships, please contact Elizabeth Huy by emailing President@WIDSC.org.
