Women In Defense Space Coast Awards $15K in STEM Scholarships and Recognizes STEM Education Mentor and Business of the Year

With contribution by Emria “Vailit” Casey

At the awards reception held at Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach on June 21st, Women In Defense Space Coast (WIDSC) gave out $15,000 to women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Twelve aspiring college students received anywhere between $500-$1,500 to go towards their education.

WIDSC has awarded over $60,000 since 2013 and gave out the highest amount of scholarship money in 2022 to these high achievers thanks to the generosity of over forty sponsors and donors. The 2022 scholarship recipients are Phoenix Boggs, Mckenna Caban, Eilish Fuller, Haley Gemmell, Nuha Haque, Alexis Linder, Taylor Redina, Brenna Row, Alexandra Rowe, Sydney Sharp, Kiera Sullivan, and Katherine Wade.

WIDSC STEM Scholarship recipients with WIDSC Chapter President Inga Young (far right)

WIDSC also presented the STEM Education Innovators Awards to include Janielle Ziegler who was awarded “STEM Mentor of the Year” for her volunteer work as a mentor with the Melbourne High School Robotics team. Janielle is at the school nearly seven days a week mentoring the students and has dedicated a lot of time to helping young teens and adults looking to build a career in STEM.

Janielle Ziegler receiving her WIDSC STEM Mentor of the Year award alongside her guests and WIDSC Board Member Susie Glasgow (far right)

Not present at the event was the WIDSC “Business Innovator of the Year” Awardee Michelle Peters of Zero-G.

The guest speaker for the event was Carol Taeker-Sluzky. Carol is the director of STARBASE Academy at Patrick Space Force Base. She shared her background and her own journey of her career in STEM career to include her work helping others grow into their own.

Alexandra Rowe, a scholarship recipient studying Aviation Human Factors at Florida Tech says, “I’m so excited, and so grateful!” Alex is the youngest student and only female in her aviation group.

STEM Scholarship Recipient Alexandra Rowe, holding up her $1,500 check from WIDSC

See more about the scholarships at https://widsc.org/scholarships/. If you would like more information about WIDSC programs and fundraising for STEM scholarships, please contact Susan Glasgow at 321-614-5930 or sponsorships@scwid.org.