BOSTON, June 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Greater Boston Chapter of Women in Defense (WID-GBC) today announced its first board of directors. Formed in October 2017, the WID-GBC will promote networking, collaboration, and mentorship among local women in the defense industry. Fifty women leaders in defense applied for and received a charter to start this chapter because of Boston’s position as a stronghold for emerging technologies. The new organization already boasts 85 members and is one of the fastest growing chapters in the country.
Massachusetts is the top defense contracting state in New England and the sixth, in terms of contracts won, in the United States. Companies and institutions like Raytheon, MIT, General Dynamics, MITRE, and Draper make Massachusetts a hub for defense-related technological research and development. The growth of the defense industry in Massachusetts has led more women into these fields. As their presence grows, so does their desire to be heard.
“We saw a need on the local level,” said Amie Cafferty, President of the WID-GBC. “National conferences are pulling from regional chapters to find subject matter experts and national companies are searching for candidates to fill positions. Forming this chapter gives women in Boston more and better opportunities to appear on the national stage. This benefits their field, companies, and careers.”
The 2018 Board of Directors:
Officers
- President: Amie Cafferty, Raytheon, Head of IDS Talent Acquisition
- Vice-President: Karen Krause-Bencal, K2C Associates LLC, Managing Director
- Secretary: Diane Phillips, JRAD, VP Boston Operations
- Treasurer: Denise Cabral, Raytheon, Director of Program Management
Committee Chairs
- Membership: Dr. Ioana Biloiu, MITRE, Lead Systems Engineer
- Sponsorship: Erin Fopiano, Raytheon, Supplier Quality Strategic Sourcing
- Marketing: Nadja Adilovic, Draper, National Security and Space Program Manager
- Scholarship: Emily Flewelling, UTC Aerospace Systems, Senior Contracts Administrator
- Event Planning: Michelle Coyle, Raytheon, Senior Principal Software Engineer
- Military and Veteran's Outreach: Josephine Lewis, Raytheon, Executive Assistant
“Each of these individuals has a strong background in the defense industry and a dedication to advancing the careers of women,” said Karen Krause-Bencal, Vice-President of WID-GBC. “These are the best people possible to promote the advancement of women in national security and harness the intellectual assets of the Boston area.”
About Women in Defense
Women in Defense (WID), a National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) affiliate, engages, cultivates, and advances women in all aspects of national security. Incorporated in 1985, Women in Defense is a dynamic, forward-thinking community enabling members to develop their careers through strategic networking, education, and mentoring. We welcome women and men from industry and defense organizations, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, government agencies, academia, think tanks, associations, and professional services.
The Women in Defense Greater Boston Chapter (WID-GBC) is a new chapter serving Greater Boston, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. To learn more visit: www.widgbc.org. WID-GBC collaborates with the NDIA New England Chapter on regional initiatives and programs. To learn more visit: www.ndianewengland.org.
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