Women In Defense, A National Security Organization.

• Position: 2005 MEGA DIRECTORY - Company Profile

Women In Defense, A National Security Organization (WID), cultivates and supports the advancement and recognition of women in all aspects of national security. A non-profit organization, WID was established to provide women a formal environment for professional growth through networking, education and career development. Members of this professional organization, including men and women, have careers related to the defense of the United States and national security.

Established in 1985, Women In Defense is an affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). WID members automatically become members of NDIA.

Members represent three main categories: large and small defense companies and other businesses, all branches of the armed forces, plus federal government agencies; and academia, associations, and professional services.

Members receive:

* A forum for expanding professional networks and for mentoring.

* Educational and professional development opportunities.

* Entree to distinguished government and industry officials in open discussions.

* A source for scholarships.

A board of directors governs this volunteer-run organization, which is elected by the membership. Appointed committees help carry out the

associations mission.

Chapters give members access to defense and national security professionals on a local level. As of spring 2005, WID has eight chapters and a relationship with Women In Defence & Security Canada. Chapters represent a local means of serving members and the defense community and fulfilling the association's mission. Chapters host programs in cooperation with local military installations, provide professional development for members through leadership opportunities, and support community-based charitable endeavors, members of the armed forces, and defense-related educational pursuits. To learn about starting a WID chapter, visit http://wid.ndia.org/chapters.

Some chapters have developed around military installations. The Iowa/Illinois Chapter is centered around Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., and the Picatinny Chapter attracts employees from Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. Also in New Jersey, WID members have formed the Monmouth Chapter around Fort Monmouth. The majority of members in these chapters are military or government. In southern Maryland, industry representatives make up the majority of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter, which draws participants from the Naval Air Station Patuxent River and supporting defense...