Women In Defense Space Coast Awarded $16K in STEM Scholarships to Space Coast Students on June 15th in Cocoa Beach
A total of $16,000 in STEM scholarships was awarded to twenty-one Brevard County students on Thursday, June 15th at the Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach. The event featured Krista Dawson, PMP, Executive Director of Engineering Services for Axient, as guest speaker.
The 2023-24 WIDSC STEM Scholarships varied from $325 to $1,000 in unrestricted cash awards for exceptional Brevard County women seeking to further their education in STEM studies who’ve demonstrated an interest in starting and furthering a career that supports the national defense industrial base. Awards are based on academic achievement, field of study, work experience, statements of interest, and recommendations. Applications for 2023 awards closed April 23rd.
“We had an overwhelming response for scholarships this year,” says WIDSC STEM Chair Leslie Tibbetts of Community Credit Union. “It’s an honor to lend support to students in our local community and help to build a more diverse and stable workforce on the Space Coast.”
The recipients are as follows:
- Emma Aiken, Palm Bay, Forensic Science at University of Florida
- Ashleigh Antaloci, Palm Bay, Nursing at Eastern Florida State College
- Willow Ash, Merritt Island, Biology at University of Central Florida
- Deztynee Bryan, Melbourne, Meteorology at Florida Tech
- Elizabeth Eskildsen, Cocoa, Business Management at Eastern Florida State College
- Gianna Fernandez, Rockledge, Computer Science & STEM at University of Florida
- Nuha Haque, Melbourne, Behavioral-Cognitive Neuroscience at University of Florida
- Emma Havel, Melbourne, Actuarial Science at University of Central Florida
- Kayla Havel, Melbourne, Baccalaureate at New College of Florida
- Lydia Hinkle, Melbourne, Education at Florida Atlantic University
- Alexis Linder, Rockledge, Mechanical Engineering at Florida Tech
- Lena Martinez, Palm Bay, Health Sciences at University of Central Florida
- Amira McKaige, Titusville, Computer Engineering & International Affairs at Florida State University
- Chloe Nason, Mims, Sports Management at Eastern Florida State College
- Taylor Rendina, Titusville, Health Sciences at University of Bridgeport
- Marisa Ricks, Cocoa Beach, Biology at University of Florida
- Josette Roach, Melbourne, Organizational Management at Eastern Florida State College
- Victoria Scabarozi, Cocoa, Associate of Arts at Eastern Florida State College
- Abigail Shepard, Indian Harbour Beach, Neuroscience & Interdisciplinary Mathematics at Florida Atlantic University
- Christina Souvannala, Patrick AFB, Library & Information Science at University of Illinois Ubrana-Champaign
- Paulina Tawrel, Melbourne, Environmental Engineering at University of Florida
WIDSC established the Space Coast STEM Scholarship Fund in 2013 to encourage women in Florida to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related to the national security and defense interests of the United States. Since its inception, WlDSC has now awarded over $90,000 in scholarships and contributed to numerous STEM-related events in partnership with local businesses, non-profits, and Federal agencies such as Patrick Space Force Base.
Event guests were invited to bid on an array of silent auction items generously donated by local businesses to include ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Buds & Bows Floral Design, Chick-fil-A, Costco, Cloud 9 Real Estate Group, Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach, Etc. Shoppe, Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach, Mister Car Wash, Pint & Pistol, Suntree Country Club, to name a few. A full list of sponsors and donors supporting the WIDSC STEM Scholarship Fund can be found here.
Fundraising efforts are conducted throughout the year to include sponsored events such as the most recent 6th Annual Sandbagger Invitational Golf Tournament held at Baytree on May 19th and the Tenth Anniversary Celebration held at L3 Harris in January. Donations are accepted year-round.
Networking and professional development events are organized to help connect individuals and local companies to opportunities for workforce and business development. WIDSC currently has over 100 members. Details for upcoming events can be found here.
If you would like more information about WIDSC STEM scholarships and awards, please contact Leslie Tibbetts at STEM@scwid.org or 321-258-8504.
6th Annual Sandbagger Invitational Golf Tournament Raises $10K for STEM Scholarships
Sold out sponsorships provided hospitality for enthusiastic golfers on the greens at Baytree National Golf Links on Friday, May 19th for Women In Defense Space Coast’s 6th Annual Sandbagger Invitational Golf Tournament. The event raises funds for STEM scholarships that will be awarded to Space Coast students on June 15th.
The event was organized by WIDSC volunteers with 15 people giving their time to work throughout the day to keep the golfers happy and hydrated, and the action moving smoothly. A total of $10K was raised from sponsorships, entry fees, mulligan packages, and raffles.
“We are very pleased with the turnout and level of support the community showed to our golf tournament this year,” stated WIDSC Chapter President Inga Young of 8-koi, “Our volunteer board works hard all year long to develop and deliver value-added programming to our membership. Raising money to award STEM scholarships is very meaningful and just one way our organization can contribute to creating a more diverse and stable workforce on the Space Coast.”
The tournament’s first place team was Robbie Blubaugh, Reid Hart, Ryan Holloway, and Jacob Vetter. The second-place team was Mark Klenck, Steve Lindsley, Danny Renfro, and Bob White. The last place fun prize went to Craig Berry, Wayne Grimes, and Bob Pine.
Advanced Management Group, Kegman, and SCIS provided Gold Sponsorships, and Unified Solutions was the Silver Sponsor. The Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar was sponsored by WhiteBird Law, Lunch was sponsored by Cole Engineering, and Leonardo DRS was the Coffee Sponsor. Tee Box Sponsors were 8-koi, Acuity International, Alluvionic, AVET Appeals, Cloud 9 Real Estate Group, Coldwell Banker Paradise, Frazier Engineering, Hedrick Brothers Construction, and Professional Specialty Insurance LLC. Longest Drive Sponsors were Poseidon and UES. Geiger YourLogo.com and Republican Liberty Caucus of Florida sponsored Closest to the Pin. Other event support was provided by Allegra, Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach, Gillespie Services, Intracoastal Brewing Company, Moon Golf, Rockledge Country Club, Target, and WaWa.
The 2023 STEM Scholarship Awards Ceremony for students on June 15th will be held at the Courtyard Cocoa Beach. Krista Dawson, PMP, Executive Director of Engineering Services for Axient, will be the featured speaker, and guests will be invited to bid on a selection of silent auction items to kick off the 2024 scholarship fund. See more information and register to attend.
Next year’s tourney will be held on Friday, May 10th, 2024.
WIDSC Featured on WFIT’s ‘Coastal Connection’
On March 27th, WFIT aired an interview with host Terri Wright and WIDSC Communications Director Gail Hart on the Coastal Connection program.
Produced by WFIT’s General Manager, Terri Wright, Coastal Connection serves as a spotlight on the community. Each 5- min edition of Coastal Connection showcases a special event and/or not-for-profit organization in Brevard County, Florida. Read more at WFIT.org.
Terri and Gail talked about the mission of Women In Defense Space Coast and about the upcoming Sandbagger Invitational Golf Tournament on May 19th that will raise money for STEM scholarships. WIDSC supports the advancement and recognition of women in national security by providing networking, education, and career development opportunities.
Since 2013, WIDSC has given over $75,000 in scholarships to female Space Coast students who are pursuing STEM studies with an interest in national defense and security careers. The 2023 scholarship awards will be presented on June 15th in Cocoa Beach. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 23rd.
Registration for the golf event is open to the first 100. Players can join the game for $85 to include lunch and cart. There will be prizes and contests on the greens. Event sponsorships are available.
To hear the full WFIT Coastal Connection interview, visit https://www.wfit.org/podcast/coastal-connection/2023-03-27/women-in-defense-space-coast-offers-scholarship-to-women-in-stem-and-hosts-a-fundraiser-golf-tournament.
STEM Scholarship Awards Ceremony – June 15, 2023
Event sponsorships are available.
Since 2013, WIDSC has awarded over $75,000 in scholarships to women in Brevard County who have an interest in careers supporting all aspects of national security and defense. See more about STEM Scholarships.
More about our Featured Speaker…
Krista Dawson, PMP, is the Executive Director of Engineering Services with Axient‘s Civil Air and Space Segment. In this role, Krista provides program management support for multiple NASA and NOAA contracts at Goddard, Wallops, Johnson, and Armstrong Flight Research Center. She practices operational problem-solving for process improvement and efficiencies in support of Axient’s corporate development and strategic growth, as well as mentoring for students obtaining STEM degrees. Prior to this position with Axient, Krista worked in intelligent transportation systems for Roadway, in addition to electrical design and systems engineering for Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center.Krista earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of North Florida and her Master’s of Science in Industrial Engineering/Engineering Management at the University of Florida. She is a member of the National Space Club, Project Management Institute, and Women in Defense Space Coast Chapter. She also lends support to her local community as a volunteer with events such as Cocoa Beach Operation Surf, Surfers for Autism, beach clean-ups, and Space Coast Little League. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends, especially fishing with her husband and son.
10th Anniversary Celebration Raises Over $10K for Scholarships and Honors STEM Leaders
The Space Coast Chapter of Women In Defense (WIDSC) celebrated its tenth anniversary on Thursday, February 2nd at the newly renovated L3 Harris Global Innovation Center in Melbourne where over $10K was raised for STEM Scholarships and the annual STEM Education Innovator Awards were presented. Susie Glasgow, CEO of Kegman Inc, was also given special recognition as one of the longest-serving officers.
L3Harris generously sponsored the venue and refreshments while the event’s Gold Sponsors included Cromulence, Kegman, and SCIS. Indigo Consulting was Silver Sponsor, and Reception Sponsors included AVET Appeals, Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses, and Rock Paper Simple. The Raffle Sponsor was Progressive Specialty Insurance.
WIDSC Past President and long-term member Sandy Pfrimmer served as the event emcee and Elizabeth Kreft Brienza, Vice President of L3Harris Communications, gave a welcome to the group that included an overview of the high-tech facility. Eighty guests attended the interactive event where Elaine Larsen from Larsen Motorsports was presented with the chapter’s STEM Mentor of the Year Award and Erin Rice, a teacher from Audubon and Tropical Elementary Schools, was named the STEM Educator of the Year. The STEM Leadership Star Award was given to Diana Wehrell-Grabowski, PhD who was the special guest speaker.
Photo caption (l-r): David Jackson, Leslie Tibbetts, Diana Wehrell-Grabowski, Elaine Larsen, Erin Rice, Sandy Pfrimmer, Tim Thomas
“We had some exceptional award nominees this year,” says Leslie Tibbetts, WIDSC’s Director of Awards and Recognition. “Elaine started an educational outreach program called Blazing Trails to help K-12 students get excited about STEAM education. Erin provides hands-on STEM learning opportunities for elementary students to compete in the annual Innovation Games. Dr. Diana travels throughout the nation and world conducting science and STEM professional staff development and Family Science events. It’s a real privilege to elevate these women and turn a spotlight on their very important work to encourage girls and women in the STEM fields.”
Dr. Diana’s keynote included an interactive component where guests were asked to manipulate unfamiliar objects and engage in a query-based activity. Retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer Pastor Troy Stanley from First Christian Church of Cocoa Beach lead the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. He was followed by US Army Veteran Lieutenant Colonel Tim Thomas, who is a Melbourne District 1 Council Member and leads the Viera JROTC, who conducted the installation of WIDSC’s 2022-23 Chapter Officers. The newest board members to be installed were Sirena Hendrickson from Atrax Technologies as Secretary, and Kim Cone from AVET Appeals as Historian.
Photo caption: Guests participated in hands-on inquiry during Dr. Diana’s presentation
Photo caption (l-r): David Jackson, Tim Thomas, Gail Hart, Sirena Hendrickson, Elizabeth Huy (courtesy of Adrienne Baughman)
Long-time WIDSC member and Director of Membership David Jackson, Director of Community Relations for U.S. Representative Bill Posey (FL-8), provided celebratory remarks to include such notable achievements for the chapter as organizing nearly 100 professional development and community events around the Space Coast at which notable speakers have included Astronaut Winston Scott, Congressman Bill Posey, and NASA Administrator Janet Petro among others. The chapter has supported Brevard Public Schools Science and Engineering Fairs over the years with judges and prizes, as well as leant support to AFTAC’s Women in Science and Engineering Symposium (WiSE) which is now in its 9th year. On Tuesday, January 24th, the Honorable Rita Pritchett, Chair of the Brevard County Commission from District 1, presented the County Resolution for WIDSC’s 10th Anniversary.
Photo caption (front l-r): David Jackson, Elizabeth Huy, County Commissioner Rita Pritchett, Inga Young, Leslie Tibbetts, Sirena Hendrickson, Kim Cone (rear l-r) Frank Abbate, Rob Feltner
WIDSC was founded on January 21, 2013, and shortly thereafter, Susie Glasgow spearheaded the creation of the group’s STEM Scholarship Fund which has cumulatively awarded over $75K in cash scholarships. The non-restricted scholarships are based on merit and are awarded annually to help further the education of Space Coast women who are pursuing careers that support the national defense and security industry. At the anniversary event, guests bid on silent auction packages donated by businesses and supporters from around Brevard County. In total, over $10K was raised to include the silent auction that will directly fund scholarships to be awarded on June 15th to selected applicants. April 23rd is the deadline for applications that can be found at SCWID.org.
Other WIDSC board members present at the event were Vice President Elizabeth Huy of Alluvionic, Director of Communications Gail Hart of Caliburn International, and Treasurer Kathy Emerson from Kathy Emerson CPA.
“Women In Defense has made an indelible mark on the Space Coast business community,” says WIDSC President Inga Young of 8-koi. “Being able to help the chapter celebrate its achievements over the past ten years is an enormous honor. The real power of this organization is the commitment that its volunteer leaders make to delivering engaging community programs and supporting continuing education for women in the defense industry. I hope to see the next generation of leaders step up to carry on this legacy for another ten years.”
Membership is open to all people looking to support the mission of advancing the role of women in national defense. Government employees are invited to join at no cost while others can join for a $40 annual fee. Women In Defense is an affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) and offers reciprocal benefits to include access to the NDIA Mega Directory, Career Center, conferences and training events, business development resources, and other awards and scholarship programs.
The Call for Nominations for the local chapter board is made in the fall, but a special election can be held to fill open positions such as the current Director of Programs. Nominees must be a member of WIDSC in good standing for at least one year prior to their election. Each year, select members of the WIDSC board travel to Washington DC to attend the Women In Defense National Conference where they speak on behalf of the membership and represent the interests of the local Space Coast community. Prospective members are encouraged to visit SCWID.org for more information and reach out to Director of Membership David Jackson to sign up or volunteer for a committee.
The next WIDSC event is the 6th Annual Sandbagger Invitational Golf Tournament at Baytree National which raises additional funds for STEM scholarships, provides sponsors an opportunity for wide area visibility in the community, and players and volunteers a chance to network and cultivate relationships for business development and career advancement. President Inga Young is the point of contact for the golf tournament.
