Cocoa Beach, FL – June 6, 2025 – The Women In Defense Space Coast (WIDSC) Chapter hosted its 2025 Scholarship & Industry Awards on Tuesday, June 3rd, at the Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach, bringing together Space Coast defense professionals, community leaders, and emerging STEM talent for an evening celebrating impact, innovation, and inspiration.
This year’s event, themed “Forging the Future: The Transformative Impact of CMMC and AI in the Defense Sector,” featured a compelling panel discussion with defense industry experts exploring how cybersecurity maturity and artificial intelligence are shaping national security and transforming the defense landscape.
WIDSC President Sirena Ozzello opened the program with welcoming remarks alongside Vice President Jennifer Kennedy-Ness, noting, “This annual event is a powerful reflection of the strength and momentum of our community—honoring professionals driving innovation today and supporting students who will lead the defense mission tomorrow.”
Special guests in attendance included Samantha Miles, Executive Director, VERTEX FIT, who outlined Florida Tech’s applied innovation hub, and Andrew Ness, former Dean of International Education, Humber Polytechnic, who remarked on the important role that WID plays in the Space Coast’s unique innovation ecosystem.
The evening’s panel discussion was moderated by David Bragg, National Security Program Area Lead at the University of Florida, and included the following panelists:
- Regan Edens, Chief Transformation & Compliance Officer, DTC Global
- Elizabeth Huy, Executive VP of Commercial Services, Alluvionic, Inc.
- Cordell Rolle, CEO, Rolle IT
The program recognized 2025 Industry Award Honorees:
- Innovator of the Year: Ricardo Romeu, Vice President of Technology, Alluvionic, Inc.
- Mentor of the Year: Wendy Austin, Regional Director, FIRST
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 STEM Scholarships, supporting 14 exceptional undergraduate and graduate students from Brevard County pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To date, WIDSC has proudly awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to young scholars committed to careers in national security and defense.
The 2025 Scholarship Recipients included Claire Comeaux, Aki Densmore, Ava Dorn, Melina Fernandez, Hadlee Fuller, Ann Hough, Jody Junek, Erin Kohler, Grace Peters, Jolaina Richards, Sophia Ricks, Reese Rosenquist, Cassandra Stanish, and Fredricka Jourdain.
Event attendees enjoyed an engaging silent auction and networking reception with opportunities to connect across industry and academia.
WIDSC graciously extends our appreciation and thanks to the 2025 sponsors and donors, whose generous support made this event possible. Special recognition for event support goes to CUI Supply, Indigo Strategic Consulting, Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach, The Viera Company, and a host of community partners.