Women In Defense - Tennessee Valley Chapter

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Women In Defense - Tennessee Valley Chapter

WID-TVC exists to provide women a supportive environment for professional growth and career development in the defense community.

06/01/2026

🚀 Big News for Small Businesses and Innovators at Innovate 2026!

One of the most exciting additions to the upcoming Innovate 2026 Tech Forum is the newly confirmed SBIR Pavilion—bringing together government agencies actively seeking to engage with small businesses developing advanced technologies and innovative solutions. The forum is expected to bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, and the small business community to accelerate technology transition and strengthen the defense innovation ecosystem.

We're excited to announce confirmed participation from:

✅ Small Business Administration (SBA)

✅ DoW SBIR/STTR

✅ DARPA

✅ Army

✅ SMDC

✅ NASA

✅ DMEA

✅ DLA

✅ SOCOM

✅ MDA

✅ AFWERX

✅ SPACEWERX

Whether you're exploring your first SBIR opportunity, looking to transition technology into defense applications, or seeking direct engagement with government innovation leaders, the SBIR Pavilion will be a must-visit destination.

📅 July 21–23, 2026

📍 Von Braun Center | Huntsville, Alabama

Innovate 2026 continues to grow as a premier gathering focused on advancing innovation, fostering collaboration, and connecting the organizations shaping the future of defense technology. We look forward to seeing you there!

🔗 Learn more and register: Innovate 2026 Tech Forum

05/27/2026

We are proud to recognize Stephanie Manasterski as one of the 2026 scholarship recipients for Women in Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter! 🎉

Stephanie is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and we are honored to support her academic journey and future contributions to the aerospace and defense community.

She will be formally recognized and presented with her scholarship award during our upcoming Boots & Buckles: Wild West Spring Soirée on June 5 at the Trilogy Hotel in Huntsville. We look forward to celebrating Stephanie alongside our other award recipients and distinguished guests for an evening of connection, recognition, and community.

Registration is still open and we have a few tickets remaining: https://lnkd.in/eQKFRkJJ

Congratulations, Stephanie — we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish! 🤠🌟

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05/22/2026

WID-TVC had the honor of participating as judges for the regional Mission to Mars competition among Huntsville City Schools students, hosted at the beautiful new Huntsville Technology Center.

What began four years ago with a single iSchool at Chapman Middle School — led by the passionate and dedicated STEM educator Briana Moncur — has grown into an impressive regional competition involving schools across the district.

We are incredibly proud to have supported Ms. Moncur and this initiative over the years and to witness the impact it continues to make. The creativity, collaboration, and innovation displayed by these students was inspiring, and the future of STEM is clearly bright here in Huntsville. Thank you, especially, to our very own Gayla Suddarth, Dr. Debra Straniero, DBA and Terrell Suddarth for volunteering their time to support this event.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and for continuing to invest in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. 🌎✨

05/21/2026

We’re excited to celebrate the incredible leaders, volunteers, and changemakers who help make Women In Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter such a strong and impactful community.

At our upcoming Boots & Buckles: Wild West Spring Soirée, we will officially recognize this year’s WID-TVC Chapter Award winners for their dedication, leadership, and contributions to our chapter and the defense community. 🤠✨

These awards represent the heart of what makes WID-TVC special — service, mentorship, collaboration, and commitment to advancing opportunities across the defense industry.

Join us on June 5 for an evening of celebration, networking, and recognition as we honor this year’s outstanding award recipients alongside our members, partners, and supporters. Interested in attending? Registration is still open: https://events.humanitix.com/boots-and-buckles-wild-west-spring-soiree

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Chapter Award winners — we look forward to celebrating you at the Soirée! 🌵⭐

WID-TVC Professional of the Year: Gayla Suddarth

WID-TVC Young Professional of the Year: Jaden Pointer

STEM Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Tarkowski

Member of Excellence Award: Cynthia Bryce

Community Impact Award: Lauren Fenley - PMP, RMP

Honorable Mention: Connie Cummings, SHRM-CP

05/15/2026

This month’s Thirsty Thursday is live! 🍻✨

Join us on May 28 from 4:30–6:00 PM at The Wine Cellar for another great evening of networking, conversation, and connection with the incredible professionals of the Tennessee Valley defense and technology community. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to WID-TVC, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your network in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Bring a colleague, invite a friend, and come connect with fellow industry professionals over appetizers and beverages. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here: May 2026 WID-TVC Thirsty Thursday Networking Social

Interested in membership? Visit our page and use code WIDTVN when signing up! https://www.wid-tvc.org/join-now

05/14/2026

🚨 Another exciting addition to Innovate 2026! 🚨

Pleased to welcome Dr. Christopher Vergien as a featured speaker!

As the Senior Official for the Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE) Critical Technology Area, Dr. Vergien provides strategic oversight of High-Energy Laser and High-Power Microwave systems, advancing efforts that move these technologies from development to operational capability.

His leadership directly reflects the importance of accelerating innovation and preserving American technological superiority in this critical domain.

Looking forward to his perspective on the future of directed energy and what it takes to deliver real mission impact!

➡️ Registration is open and prices increase on June 1st: https://innovate2026.vfairs.com/en/

05/12/2026

Reminder! Join us tomorrow for the Women in Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter (WID-TVC) Programs Networking Event!

We’re looking forward to an evening of networking, collaboration, and insightful discussion with professionals from across the defense community.

We’re also honored to welcome Ms. Debbie Batson, Sr. Director of Large/Small Business Strategic Alliances at Teledyne Brown Engineering, as our keynote speaker. Debbie’s leadership and advocacy for small businesses across the aerospace and defense industries continue to make a lasting impact throughout our community.

📅 Wednesday, May 13, 2026
⏰ 4:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 Rocket City Tavern (RSA Gate 9)

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! We hope to see you there.

https://events.humanitix.com/women-in-defense-programs-networking-event-may-2026

05/11/2026

We’re excited to announce our featured speaker for Boots & Buckles: Wild West Spring Soirée! 🤠🌼

Please join us in welcoming Colonel Danielle Medaglia as the evening’s speaker.

Colonel Medaglia serves as the Program Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the U.S. Army, and we’re honored to have her join us for this special evening of networking, celebration, and western-inspired fun.

📅 June 5, 2026

🎟 Reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/ewuDfhy8

👉 Join or renew your WID membership: https://lnkd.in/eU8PH2eM

Women In Defense members receive discounted tickets, and don’t forget to use code WIDTVN to be counted as part of our chapter.

Dust off your boots and join us for a memorable night in Huntsville!

05/08/2026

We’re proud to support and celebrate the next generation of innovators through the WID-TVC STEM Essay Contest in partnership with Torch Technologies, Inc. and ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers)! ✨

This week, our Chapter President, Gayla Suddarth, delivered gift cards and recognition items to students at Montview Elementary School and Weatherly Elementary School as part of this year’s STEM Essay Contest.

The top student winners will receive medals, trophies, gift bags, and Amazon gift cards, and will be recognized during their schools’ Awards Day celebrations. 🏆

Programs like this are an important part of encouraging curiosity, creativity, and future interest in STEM and defense-related careers. We are honored to help inspire these outstanding 5th grade students and invest in the future of our community! 💙

05/07/2026

🚀 The agenda for the 2026 Innovate Tech Forum is continuing to grow — and it’s shaping up to be an incredible event!

Hosted by Women in Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter and the National Defense Industrial Association Tennessee Valley Chapter in partnership with the Missile Defense Agency, this year’s forum will bring together leaders across government, industry, and academia to discuss the future of innovation, defense technology, and collaboration.

We’ve recently updated the agenda with additional speakers and session details, giving attendees a more complete look at the exciting conversations planned for July 21–23 in Huntsville, Alabama. From emerging technologies and mission-focused innovation to small business engagement and defense modernization, the sessions are designed to deliver valuable insight and meaningful connections.

Now is the perfect time to explore the agenda, review the speaker lineup, and start planning your experience at the forum.

📅 July 21–23, 2026

📍 Huntsville, Alabama

🔗 View the updated agenda: https://innovate2026.vfairs.com/en/agenda-page

🎟 Register today: https://innovate2026.vfairs.com/en/registration-form

Address

Huntsville, AL
35814

Website

https://wid-tvc.org/

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