NEW MICHIGAN CHAPTER OF WOMEN IN DEFENSE
November 19, 2007 - Sterling Heights, Michigan - The newly formed Michigan Chapter of Women In Defense, A National Security Organization (WID), has now been certified as an affiliate of the 47,000-member National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). WID provides its members with opportunities for professional development and networking, cultivating the advancement of women leaders in government and industry professions, The Michigan chapter is the 10th to be certified nationally, and boosts national membership in WID to more than1,400 members. WID, a nonprofit organization, was formed in 1985 and has seen membership double every two years.
"Michigan's Defense base is growing rapidly, with millions of funds being appropriated by our State officials for military base facility upgrades, Defense Technology R&D, State Homeland Security and University support to Michigan. Local Defense Suppliers are expanding their capabilities and drawing an even greater technology pool of workers to the State, attracting more and larger government contracts for Michigan businesses. Our existing talented Scientific and Engineering workforce continue to expand their expertise through our Universities' cutting and bleeding edge R&D and educational programs. WID-MI has many opportunities to provide professional development and networking for women in this important industry, particularly here in MI, and can grow to be the Premier Chapter of this important National Security Organization," says Julie Stackpoole, president of the new WID-Michigan chapter.
WID Michigan's first membership meeting will be Tuesday, November 27, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy, Michigan. Ms. Stackpoole says, "We encourage everyone interested in membership to attend and learn what WID Michigan has to offer and to have input towards WID events they would like to see the MI Chapter host. We will introduce our board who collectively have more than 100 years of technical and defense experience: Julie Stackpoole, President; Janet Iwanski, VP Community Liaison; Susan Williams, VP Communications; Jennifer DeWalls, VP Professional Development and Secretary; and Roxanna Bundy, Treasurer."
For information about this first WID-Michigan membership meeting, please contact Julie Stackpoole at julie.stackpoole@gmail.com. Reservations should be made no later than Tuesday, November 20. Cost is $10.00 for members and $15.00 for non-members.
Membership in WID Michigan is open to all defense and industry related businesses and organizations in the state. For membership information, contact Janet Iwanski at iwanskij@gdls.com. To learn more about WID Michigan and the NDIA, visit http://wid.ndia.org.
Local contacts:
Susan Williams
VP Communications
WID Michigan
248-931-9748
saw@intrepiddefense.com
Julie Stackpoole
President
WID Michigan
248-880-0072
Julie.stackpoole@gmail.com