Women In Defense gains a Capital Chapter.

Women In Defense closes the calendar year 2003 with considerable growth and success. WID now has more than 700 members and five chapters throughout the nation.

WID continues to promote the professional growth of individuals, and as the individuals align with their organization's strategic objectives, a synergy is created as all work to seek a secure nation.

WID was born from the collective desires of a group of individuals to join for a common purpose--individual and professional growth. While members were located initially in the Washington, D.C. region, the network continued to expand.

As WID membership increased in the Washington area, interest grew throughout the United States, and a network of chapters was created. That network continues to build, with the formation in 2003 of the Capital Chapter, serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Its inaugural board of directors includes:

* President, Merritt Allen, CES Inc.

* Vice President, Terri Merz, Cynergy Group of Baltimore.

* Secretary, Gloria Hubbard, Department of State.

* Treasurer Lois Brand, National Community Pharmacists Association.

* Programs, Michelle Hertz, Holland & Knight.

* Membership, Amy Gaudry Gray, KEI Pearson.

* Sponsorship, Kelli Short, The PMA Group.

* Mentorship, Nancy Margeson, DCS Corporation.

* Communications, Jennifer Black, The Veterans Corporation.

With more than 220 members, the Capital Chapter joins WID chapters in Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.; Lexington Park/Patuxent River, Md.; Huntsville, Ala., and Rock Island, Ill.

The advent of the Capital Chapter enables the WID National Board to focus on strategic objectives, build the institutional capacity and develop strategic alliances that will support the WID vision.

The Capital Chapter board began operations by developing a business plan and conducting a sponsorship drive. In the fall, the chapter held its kick-off reception at the Capitol Hill Club, sponsored by The PMA Group. Attendees included more than 100 people from industry, the military and Congress.

At the reception, the chapter unveiled its Web site, www.widdc.org. The Web site represents a critical collaboration both for the chapter and fur the national organization. The site is provided as an in-kind service by Metamorphosis Consulting and MetroStar Systems. More than 50 people who attended the event signed up to join the chapter or participate on its committees.

The Capital Chapter also has developed a strong professional development program, offering monthly seminars on issues and items pertinent to its members. In October, the chapter held programs on contract proposal development and emerging issues in federal contracting. The chapter also is creating a mentoring program in which volunteers work with individuals who desire to further their professional development through one-on-one dialogue.

"We plan on monthly networking get-togethers, executive dinners, a holiday tea and a White House holiday tour," Allen said. Recognizing that professional development and educational opportunities can align for greater growth, the chapter's programs committee is striving to provide networking opportunities, social settings that foster discussions among members and professional seminars that build upon WID's educational and professional foundation.

Chapter members include government and contractor personnel, small business owners, and consultants. Corporations, small businesses and others have recognized the value of the organization and have signed on as chapter sponsors. These include Battelle Memorial Institute, The Boeing Company, Electronic Warfare Associates Inc., General Dynamics Corporation, Metamorphosis Consulting, MetroStar Systems, ProLogic Inc. and The PMA Group.

In the fall, the chapter helped conduct a fund-raising dinner in support of the HORIZONS Scholarship Foundation. Former U.S. Rep. Tillie Fowler was the guest speaker. HORIZONS is a non-profit foundation created by WID to provide scholarships to selected individuals desiring to pursue careers in national security. Details about HORIZONS and criteria for the scholarship are available at http://wid.ndia.org/horizon.

Janice M. Menker is president of Women in Defense.