The Women In Defense (WID) is a National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Affiliate established to engage, cultivate and advance women in all aspects of national security. Incorporated in 1985, WID provides members a business environment for professional growth through strategic networking, education, and career development. This national alliance is comprised of women and men from industry and defense organizations of many different sizes, including all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, Government agencies, academia, think tanks, associations, and professional services.
Trudy Daniels, Scholarship Director, and Nancy Fernandez, volunteer
Trudy Daniels, Business Operations Manager of McCormick Stevenson
Trudy is the founding president of the Greater Tampa Bay Chapter of Women In Defense. The Tampa Chapter was established in 2013 and has grown to more than 175 members. The group hosts monthly informational and networking events for professional development. The Greater Tampa Bay Chapter of Women In Defense supports the HORIZONS Scholarship Program, which has made 116 awards of more than $180,000 to deserving recipients pursuing education towards a career in national security. Awards are given based on academic achievement, participation in defense and national security activities, field of study, work experience, statements of objectives, recommendations, and financial need.
Additionally, The Greater Tampa Bay Chapter of Women In Defense hosts an annual fundraiser, Boots, Brews & BBQ, to benefit their local STEM Scholarship Program. Through this program, the chapter supports efforts within the local community to raise awareness and interest in STEM among female K-12 students by providing opportunities to explore STEM concepts through hands on activities. Since its inception, the STEM Scholarship Program has provided more than 45 scholarships and support for these young women to attend events such as STEM summer camps, the John Glenn Academy and Mission Tampa Bay Underwater Robot Camp.
Serving America's Heroes, as Only Engineers Can
At McCormick Stevenson we embrace a simple but noble purpose – to Defend Human Liberty – a mission we execute through service to America’s warfighters.