The defence industry depends on strong people, clear skills, and constant learning. Technology moves fast, and global security challenges keep changing. So, organizations must grow leaders, build networks, and support new talent.
However, many professionals still ask a simple question. How do people build long careers while helping the wider defence community grow? Groups such as ‘Women in Defence’ help answer that question.
They connect government teams, defence companies, and professionals who share knowledge and support each other. Moreover, they invest in the next generation through STEM programmes and educational initiatives that reach young students.
Jessica Gronert offers a clear example of how that path can develop. She is a defence professional, an intelligence officer, and an industry leader.
Today, she works at Leidos as a Senior Business Development Manager in the C5ISR division. She also serves in the United States Air Force Reserve and recently earned promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Earlier in her career, she commanded a signals intelligence unit within Air Force Special Operations Command. Her background also includes Middle Eastern studies and Arabic language training at the United States Air Force Academy, as well as regional immersion in Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Oman.
In this article, we look at how Jessica Groner built her career step by step. We also explain how ‘Women in Defence’ supports professionals, strengthens industry connections, and invests in future STEM talent.
Jessica Gronert’s Path to Women in Defence Leadership
Jessica Gronert’s career did not follow a straight line. Instead, it grew through several course changes. Each step added new skills and a new focus.
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Early Dream of Becoming a Fighter Pilot
As a child, she believed she would become the first female F-22 fighter pilot. She loved the aircraft and still attends F-22 air show demos. That dream pushed her toward the U.S. Air Force.
Her mother strongly supported that goal. She helped her join the Civil Air Patrol and later Junior ROTC in high school. Those steps eventually led to a nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
At first, she planned to study aeronautical and mechanical engineering. However, she soon realised something important. She did not enjoy maths, and she did not enjoy flying either. So she changed direction.
Discovering a Talent for Languages
During basic training, cadets took a language aptitude test. The test measured how easily someone could learn a new language.
Her score qualified her for language training. She chose Arabic instead of Chinese. That choice changed her academic path.
She moved away from engineering and focused on:
Middle Eastern studies as her major
Modern Standard Arabic as her minor
She also gained direct regional experience. She studied in Egypt during one summer. Later, she spent a semester in Morocco. The Air Force Language Enabled Airman Programme allowed further immersion.
She trained in Jordan and Oman. Oman became especially meaningful to her. She later wrote her master’s thesis on Omani foreign policy.
Moving into Intelligence Work
After graduating from the academy, intelligence became the most logical career field.
Her first assignment supported airlift and refuelling operations. She worked with intelligence teams supporting C-17 and KC-10 aircraft.
Her second assignment changed everything. At Air Force Special Operations Command, she commanded a signals intelligence unit. The culture focused on competence, trust, and mission reliability.
That environment felt right.
She later left active duty but joined the reserves to remain in the command. Over time, she served in several operational roles and now works at the headquarters level. She recently earned a promotion to lieutenant colonel.
Civilian Work and Defence Community Leadership
Alongside military service, she built a civilian career in the defence industry. She now works at Leidos as a Senior Business Development Lead within the C5ISR division. Her work focuses on intelligence missions and defence customers.
She also leads community work. She serves as President of Women in Defence Greater Tampa Bay, a volunteer organization that connects professionals across the defence sector.
What Women in Defence Does for the Defence Community
Women in Defence is a national group affiliated with the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). NDIA connects government and defence industry partners. Women in Defence works within that same professional space.
The group formed during a time when women rarely worked in defence roles. This applied across the military, government offices, and defence companies. Many women often found themselves alone in meetings or leadership rooms.
So the organization started with a clear purpose. It aimed to support women and help them grow in defence careers.
Today, the mission still supports women, but the scope has grown. The focus now covers the whole defence community.
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Professional Development and Industry Growth
Women in Defence helps people grow their careers and leadership skills. The group has never limited participation to women only. Men also join, contribute, and help support others.
Most chapters run events that bring professionals together and encourage learning. These activities often include:
Leadership training and learning sessions
Networking events that connect defence professionals
Industry discussions that share ideas and lessons
Networking events often lead to real career movement. Someone may mention that they are seeking a new role. Another attendee may know a company that is hiring. A short chat can change someone’s career direction.
Connecting Government and Industry
Defence work depends on cooperation between government teams and industry companies. Women in Defence helps these groups speak more openly and share ideas.
When communication improves, the industry builds better solutions for real mission needs. Government teams also explain where help is most urgent.
That clear exchange saves time, money, and effort across the defence system.
Supporting the Next Generation Through STEM
The organization also supports future defence talent through STEM education. Many defence careers rely on science, engineering, and technology.
Local chapters fund scholarships and youth programmes for school students. These initiatives often include:
Robotics and engineering clubs
After-school STEM learning activities
Support for science and technology education
Across sixteen chapters nationwide, these efforts continue to grow and reach more communities.
How Women in Defence Chapters Operate and Their Challenges
Women in Defence chapters connect professionals across wide areas. In Tampa Bay, members travel from St. Petersburg, Pasco County, Citrus County, and other nearby towns. Some drive nearly an hour to attend events. The strong turnout shows the network’s value for anyone in defence work.
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Regional Collaboration Between Chapters
Florida is unique because three chapters operate in one region: Tampa Bay, Central Florida, and Space Coast in Melbourne. These chapters don’t work in isolation.
Leaders attend each other’s events and share insights. Once a year, they hold a tri-chapter leadership retreat.
Here, leaders discuss regional challenges, defence priorities, and ways to strengthen connections across the corridor. This collaboration helps professionals build relationships across multiple cities and organizations.
Membership Growth and National Recognition
Tampa Bay has seen strong membership growth. The chapter recently won a national membership challenge in two categories:
Paid individual memberships
Free government memberships
Government membership stays free. This includes federal civilians, active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard members.
Some members even join the Tampa Bay chapter while living elsewhere, including Washington, D.C. They travel to connect with colleagues, partners, or customers. The chapter provides a platform to link with the right people, no matter where members live.
Key Challenges for the Organization
Like most non-profits, Women in Defence depends on external funding. Corporate sponsorships keep programmes and scholarships running.
Two main challenges exist. First, funding can fluctuate when corporate budgets tighten. Second, the organization’s name can create misconceptions. Some assume it serves only women. In reality, it welcomes everyone and supports co-educational programmes.
Clear communication is critical. Explaining the mission ensures members, sponsors, and partners understand the focus. That clarity allows the chapter to maintain strong support, grow its impact, and continue empowering defence professionals across the region.
How Can Organizations and Individuals Support Women in Defence Initiatives?
Women in Defence focuses on three main areas. It supports workforce growth, STEM education, and local community service. These efforts help both professionals and young students.
Companies, professionals, and community members can all support these programmes. Some people sponsor projects. Others volunteer their time. Both forms of support matter.
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Expanding STEM Opportunities for Students
One major effort focuses on STEM education in schools. A good example is the WID Lending Library STEM programme now active in Hillsborough County.
This programme runs across several school levels.
Middle schools borrow STEM kits and run hands-on learning sessions.
High school students mentor younger students and manage the learning kits.
Elementary schools now use a simpler version of the same curriculum.
The Office of Naval Research accredits the programme curriculum. That gives students recognised certificates for college applications.
High school mentors also gain dual-enrolment college credit through Florida’s state tuition programme. So the programme helps both younger students and mentors.
The next goal is expansion. Plans aim to bring the same system into Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Community Service and Volunteer Opportunities
Women in Defence also promotes direct community service. A programme called ‘Call to Serve’ creates regular volunteer opportunities.
Members can join quarterly service events across the region. One recent project involved building homes for veterans with Habitat for Humanity.
These activities provide a simple way for people who want to help but cannot take on leadership roles. Some people donate funds. Others give time and effort.
Sponsorship and Organizational Support
Corporate sponsorship plays a major role. Donations help fund STEM programmes, scholarships, and education projects.
However, support does not require large funding. Smaller donations and volunteer work also strengthen these efforts.
How to Connect and Participate
People can connect with Women in Defence through several channels.
Website: WIDgtb.com
National directory: womenindefense.net
Social platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook
Anyone interested can also contact chapter leaders directly to learn about events, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities.
Conclusion
Jessica Gronert’s story shows that careers rarely follow a straight path. Plans change, and people adjust. She started with one dream, but chose a better fit when reality set in. She found strength in language, culture, and intelligence work.
Those skills shaped her military career and her work in the defence industry. Today, she serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve. She also works at Leidos in defence business development.
However, her work does not stop with her own career. She also invests time in the wider defence community. That choice shows real leadership. Strong industries grow when people support each other.
This is where Women in Defence plays an important role. The organization connects professionals, supports learning, and helps people grow their careers. Events bring together government teams and industry partners. Conversations start, ideas grow, and sometimes a simple meeting leads to a new job.
Moreover, the mission goes beyond professional networking. STEM programmes help students explore science, engineering, and technology. Young people gain skills early, and the defence sector gains future talent.
However, these programmes need support. Companies can sponsor projects. Professionals can volunteer their time. Even small efforts help.
In short, the message is clear. When professionals connect, share knowledge, and support young talent, the whole defence community grows stronger.
FAQs
How can students join Women in Defence early in their careers?
Students can join Women in Defence through local chapters or student memberships. Many chapters support university students who study STEM or defence-related subjects. Joining early helps students build networks and learn about defence careers.
Does Women in Defence offer mentorship programmes for young professionals?
Yes, many Women in Defence chapters support mentorship connections. Experienced professionals guide early career members and share practical career advice. These relationships help people grow faster in defence roles.
Can small companies benefit from Women in Defence events?
Yes, small companies often gain strong value from Women in Defence networking events. These events connect them with government teams, partners, and potential clients. A short conversation can open new business opportunities.
Why do professionals continue supporting Women in Defence after many years?
Many professionals stay involved because Women in Defence builds real community connections. Members share lessons, support each other’s growth, and help develop future leaders. That sense of purpose keeps people engaged.