Message From Our Treasurer
Claire Hughes
More Than a Network. A Growing Community.
One of my favorite things about Women in Defense Central Florida is that the connections we make often become so much more than professional relationships. WID brings together women and men from across the defense community, creating opportunities to meet new people, exchange ideas, and build friendships along the way.
Some of the most rewarding parts of being involved with WID happen outside of the formal networking moments. Getting to know someone over coffee, sharing a laugh at an event, checking in with one another, or discovering that a professional connection has grown into a genuine friendship. Those relationships are what make our chapter feel like a community rather than simply an organization.
As Treasurer, I’m proud to be part of a chapter that makes it easy to connect, get involved, and feel welcomed. If you haven’t joined us recently, I encourage you to come to an upcoming event, bring a colleague or friend, and take the opportunity to meet someone new. You never know when a simple introduction might turn into a valuable connection or a lasting friendship.
I’m grateful for the men and women who make WID Central Florida such a special community, and I look forward to continuing to build those connections together.
Spotlights
Student $500 Scholarship Opportunity
September 2026
September is the last month for students to be entered for a potential $500 scholarship when joining WID CFL. By joining, students gain opportunities for personal and professional growth, introduction into the U.S. defense and security arenas, industry news and policy updates; engagement with industry events and activities; leadership development; mentoring by professionals; scholarship programs; community involvement; and recognition for achievements.
Students (age 16-26) will receive details qualifying for the $500 scholarship opportunity once they join using the Code: WIDCFL.
Lindsey Spalding Receives Debbie L. Berry Legacy Award
August 6, 2026
Congratulations to Lindsey Spalding for receiving the Debbie L. Berry Legacy Award based on her leadership in STEM education and her work building Florida’s Modeling & Simulation (M&S) talent pipeline from DoD STARBASE Central Florida through college internships and entry‑level certification to shape the future of our defense workforce.
Her dedication to expanding STEM access, strengthening community partnerships, and aligning WID’s mission with long‑term workforce development is exceptional.
The WID CFL Chapter is proud to celebrate her impact across Central Florida and the national security community with this recognition.
2026 Florida WID Chapter Retreat
August 6 - 7, 2026
The WID FL Chapters meet yearly in August for a WID Florida retreat. This year WID Space Coast hosted the event on August 6-7 at the Vertex Applied Research Center at Florida Technology University in Palm Bay.
DAY 1
The first evening was a Salute to Speakers and Awards Evening open for all WID Florida members. The Debbie L. Berry Legacy Award was presented to WID CFL Board Member, Lindsey Spalding. Other nominees included Mona Stevenson, WID Space Coast, and Dr. Sarah Spradlin, WID Greater Tampa Bay.
WID CFL Vice President, Dr. Diane Diaz, was nominated for the Mentor of the Year Award along with Angela, Neal, WID Space Coast, and Dr. Stephanie Sherby, WID Greater Tampa Bay.
DAY 2
A joint session of WID FL chapter board members included chapter briefings, guest speakers, and a leadership roundtable to share best practices, challenges, membership growth, sponsorships, programming and statewide collaboration. Guest speakers included:
- Debbie Berry, Founder of Zephyr Blue, and Susie Glasgow, CEO of Lehman Inc. and WID Space Coast Chapter Board Advisor led session on succession planning
- Elizabeth Medema, Founder and ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC), led session on career coaching and professional growth
- Kim Bode, Founder of 8THIRTYFOUR, led a marketing session on building a stronger WID brand across Florida
- Julie Bolton, ChFC, First Vice President of Bolton Mannino Group, led a chapter financial sustainability session
The afternoon session also included a field trip to Larsen Motorsports at Florida Tech University. A special thank you to Chris and Elaine Larsen and Josette Roach for the behind-the-scenes tour.
Note: Florida is the only state with four WID chapters: Central Florida, Space Coast, Greater Tampa Bay, and the newly established South Florida Chapter.
September Coffee and Connections
September 8, 2026
It was an exciting Coffee and Connections at the UCF Incubator with over 30 in attendance. Special thanks to C2 Technologies for sponsoring this event and catering a delicious breakfast. Our next Coffee and Connections will be in November.
WID CFL Expands Summer Impact Through STEM Leadership Development
Summer 2026
This summer, WID Central Florida contributed $3,000 to support more than 2,050 hours of professional development for high school and college students, fueling hands‑on learning, leadership growth, and STEM exploration across the region.
The 2026 GEMS Leadership Camp centered on the theme “Outer Space in Our Everyday Lives.” A cohort of 64 high school students discovered how STEAM shapes critical industries including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, energy, communications, and defense.
After “crash‑landing” on a foreign planet, students were challenged with the ultimate mission: survive and lead. Through immersive scenarios designed to strengthen critical thinking, risk mitigation, communication, and collaboration, each crewmate put their new leadership skills into action.
From negotiating with aliens and coordinating with fellow crewmates, to operating drones, maneuvering Martian rovers, and securing neural networks, teams worked to gather the assets needed to return home. Those who survived but didn’t make it back to Earth faced a new challenge, pioneering a future off‑world.
WID CFL is proud to help empower the next generation of STEM leaders and mission‑ready innovators.
NCS MS&T Connect Event
August 21, 2026
WID CFL was proud to be represented at the NCS MS&T Connect Event at Full Sail University! Our members enjoyed an evening of networking, collaboration, and connecting with industry and community partners who are helping drive innovation across our region.
A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to explore Full Sail University’s impressive technology facilities, including the IBM Cyber Defense Range Powered by AWS and Cloud Range and the Full Sail University Drone Innovation Center.
Thank you to National Center For Simulation (NCS) and Full Sail University for bringing our community together and creating opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaboration. WID Central Florida is always excited to show up, connect, and support the incredible MS&T ecosystem we are fortunate to have right here in Central Florida!
Sponsor Spotlight:
C² Technologies
C² Technologies delivers next-gen immersive training, AI-powered adaptive learning, MODSIM, cybersecurity, and digital transformation for defense, federal, and private sector clients. Our Adapt2Learn..ai platform, an LMS + LCMS + Adaptive Learning solution, boosts performance and slashes development time and cost, while Adapt2Bid.ai, the #1 AI Proposal App, brings AI capture and proposal intelligence to GovCon. With 500+ experts across 37 global locations, we support 150+ clients through major contracts and emerging tech. From combat readiness to enterprise transformation, C² empowers America’s heroes to lead, adapt, and win. Headquartered in McLean, VA. Learn more: c2ti.com
Check Out Additional Updates on Our Social Media
2026 UPcoming Events
Event Registration
Thank you message to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose generosity and partnership strengthen the mission of Women in Defense Central Florida Chapter. Your support empowers our programs, fuels scholarship opportunities, and helps us create meaningful connections across the defense, modeling & simulation, and technology community. Because of your commitment, we are able to invest in future STEM leaders, elevate individuals across our industry, and continue delivering impactful events throughout the year. Thank you for standing with us and helping advance a stronger, more inclusive future for Central Florida’s defense workforce.
Closing Message
Thank you for spending time with us in this month’s newsletter and for being part of a community that continues to show up with purpose, generosity, and enthusiasm. July was a month filled with connection, collaboration, and meaningful progress toward empowering the next generation of STEM leaders and none of it would be possible without the support of our members, volunteers, and dedicated sponsors. As we turn the page to June, we’re excited to carry this momentum forward with new opportunities to engage, learn, and strengthen the network that makes Women In Defense Central Florida such a powerful force in our community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing this journey together.
About Women in Defense
Women In Defense (WID) is a national organization dedicated to engaging, cultivating, and advancing women across all sectors of national security. As an affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), WID provides a powerful platform for professional development, mentorship, and collaboration among individuals working in defense, intelligence, homeland security, and related fields. Through its nationwide network of chapters, WID supports career growth, fosters leadership opportunities, and champions initiatives that strengthen the defense workforce. The organization also plays a vital role in promoting education and STEM advancement, helping prepare the next generation of professionals who will contribute to our nation’s security and technological innovation.
About Our Chapter
Women In Defense – Central Florida Chapter (WID CFL) is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to supporting women and men across Central Florida who contribute to national defense and security. Established in 2009, the chapter strengthens and influences the regional defense community by inspiring individuals, cultivating leadership, and fostering meaningful professional relationships. Through strategic networking, educational programs, and community engagement, WID CFL provides members with opportunities for career development, collaboration, and industry connection. The chapter also champions the next generation through its STEM scholarship program, encouraging students across Florida to pursue careers in defense, national security, and related technical fields.
Our Mission
Women In Defense – Central Florida Chapter is committed to strengthening and advancing the defense community by empowering individuals, supporting professional growth, and fostering meaningful connections across industry, government, and academia. Our mission is to create opportunities for leadership development, promote education through STEM scholarships, and cultivate a collaborative network that reflects the innovation and diversity of Central Florida’s defense ecosystem. Through programs, partnerships, and community engagement, WID CFL works to inspire current and future leaders who contribute to our nation’s security and technological advancement.
Become A Member
The momentum is building—and the Chapter Champions Challenge is still on!
There’s still time to be part of something impactful. Join the Women In Defense – Central Florida Chapter and connect with a powerful network of professionals dedicated to growth, leadership, and advancing national security.
Whether you’re expanding your career or looking to give back through mentorship and community, WID is the place to be. Don’t miss your chance to get involved.
Visit WomenInDefense.net/Join and use code WIDCFL to join today.
Under membership information when joining WID, under were you referred? Yes, by a WID Chapter and enter referral code WIDCFL.
Let’s keep the energy going and continue strengthening our community—together.
Are you a student looking to get connected with a professional organization? WID now offers student memberships for $25/year.
Under membership information when joining WID, under were you referred?
Yes, by a WID Chapter and enter referral code WIDCFL.
Time: 8:30am – 7:00pm
Address:
Renaissance Arlington Capital View, 2800 Potomac Ave, Arlington, VA 22208