New ‘Women In Defense’ Group Based In Harford County Ssells Out First Event

From Joan Michel, Women In Defense Mid-Atlantic | Aberdeen Communications Chair:

EDGEWOOD, MD — Over 100 people attended the inaugural luncheon Thursday, 8 October, 2009, of the newly-formed Mid-Atlantic chapter of the national organization Women In Defense.

“We literally sold every seat the restaurant had available for us,” said Tamera Rush, Mid-Atlantic Chapter Vice President. “I think the overwhelming turn-out speaks to the need women who work in the defense sector have for networking and professional development opportunities.”

The luncheon, held at Vitale’s in Edgewood, featured guest speaker Michelina LaForgia, Project Director, Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) and Women In Defense Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey Chapter President. Ms. LaForgia is responsible for developing, implementing and managing requirements for commercial Information Technology solutions for the Army.

Women In Defense is a national networking and professional development organization for women working in the national security sector. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter consists of two groups — the newly formed Aberdeen group and the Ft. Monmouth group. Aberdeen’s alignment with the Ft. Monmouth organization is intended to ease the transition of women moving to Maryland because of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) changes. Membership is open to military personnel, civilian employees and contractors who supporting national security.

Created just a few months ago, the Aberdeen group of Women in Defense’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter plans to hold an event every month, alternating between lunch-time and after-work activities to accommodate the busy schedule of today’s professional woman. The next event is planned for 12 November 2009, and will be an after-work networking event held at Bliss Coffee and Wine Bar in Riverside, MD.

“We’re here to provide women opportunities to enhance their careers and learn from each other,” said Rush. “The defense sector needs more talented well-trained women. Women In Defense can help foster more women going into defense-related careers and support those who have already done so. We want to continue to build a strong community of women here at Aberdeen.”

For more information, contact Joan Michel, WID Mid-Atlantic | Aberdeen Communications Chair, at 410-652-4456 or joan.michel@profilellc.com.