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.
