Vice Adm. Jan Tighe to Serve as Keynote for Women In Defense HORIZONS Scholarship Dinner

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 18, 2016 -- Women In Defense (WID), a national security organization and affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) that cultivates and supports the advancement of women in all areas of national security and defense, will hold its 2016 Women In Defense Annual HORIZONS Scholarship Dinner at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA on Tuesday, March 8, 2016.

The annual HORIZONS dinner highlights senior leaders from government and industry who are playing roles in national security, and serving as inspiration for the next generation of leaders. Vice Adm. Jan Tighe, Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, will serve as keynote speaker. Additionally, three 2015-2016 HORIZONS scholarship recipients will be recognized, all of whom are pursuing careers in the national defense and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors.

"I am tremendously honored to have been selected to receive the HORIZONS scholarship, and grateful for the generosity of the WID community and its commitment to supporting women pursuing careers in national security," said Elizabeth Irwin, graduate of Georgetown University and a 2015-2016 HORIZONS scholarship recipient. "This scholarship will fund my graduate education in security studies and military operations, allowing me to advance in my defense career."

Through its HORIZONS scholarship, established in 1988, WID encourages women to pursue careers related to the national security and defense interests of the United States and to provide development opportunities to women already working in national security and defense fields. The scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to further educational objectives of women who are employed or planning careers in STEM and defense or national security areas.

"We are honored to have so many inspiring and forward-thinking individuals join us for the dinner year after year," said Maj Gen Amy Courter, WID National President. "It's imperative that all have a seat at the table when it comes to driving innovation, and we are pleased this event continues to help propel careers in the defense and national security areas."

A silent auction and raffle will take place during the networking hour to raise funds for the HORIZONS Scholarship.

The WID annual dinner is open to the public. For more information and registration details, please visit: http://bit.ly/HORIZONSdinner.

About Women In Defense

As a 501(c)3, Women in Defense (WID), A National Security Organization, WID's mission is to cultivate and support the advancement and recognition of women in all areas of national security and the defense industry. WID provides many educational programs, professional networking opportunities, career development, awards and STEM scholarships. Membership is open to professional women and men whose professional activities relate to national security. WID has nearly 4,000 members and now prides itself on having 20 Chapters in key geographic locations.

WID is a proud affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), America's leading non-profit defense industry association promoting national security.

CONTACT: Ashley Saunders
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