About WID Liberty Chapter.

Mission
The mission of WID Liberty Chapter is to empower and advance women in all areas of the defense industry, academia, government, and the US Armed Forces. Women in Defense provides a dynamic environment for personal and professional growth through networking, mentoring, career development and educational programs.
Vision
The vision of WID Liberty Chapter is to be the leading organization that connects, develops, and inspires professionals in all areas of national defense.
Our Story
Women in Defense (WID), a National Security Organization, is an affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), which was established as a non-profit organization in 1985. Through the efforts of several women leaders, the Liberty Chapter was established in 2017 to enable members of the greater Philadelphia defense community to participate locally in this unique organization. WID Liberty Chapter is comprised of defense professionals in all stages of their careers, from senior to entry level, members of the military, Department of Defense contractors and government employees.
WID Liberty Chapter Operating Principles
Click on the links below to find out more about WID National and NDIA:
WID National
NDIA
Leadership

President
Margaret “Margot” Margle
Margaret Margle is a senior executive with 25+ years of experience working in the defense industry specifically in cyber, enterprise information technology and engineering services. She is the Sr. Executive Director, Business Development for Sabre Systems, Inc., a mid-sized software and systems engineering company that specializes in providing mission critical solutions for defense, civilian and commercial customers in the areas of Cyber, C5ISR, Business Intelligence/Data Analytics, and Digital Transformation. Margaret is responsible for creating new business opportunities through strong customer relationships, while also providing value to executive decision makers and influencers. Margaret is responsible for defining business strategies; identifying strategic pursuit opportunities; and developing and managing client accounts to maintain and build favorable relationships to meet the operational needs of the organization. She is also the IDIQ Program Management Officer overseeing the company’s GWAC and IDIQ capture and management activities. Previously, Margaret was the company’s Marketing Communications Director responsible for developing and managing the company’s marketing communications policies, strategies and execution, both internally and externally. She was responsible for spearheading multiple employee engagement activities as well corporate giving campaigns focused on supporting U.S. military, veterans and their families including Project Hero, Wreaths Across America and Soldiers Angels. She is a founding member, and currently serves as the President of Women in Defense Liberty Chapter and is secretary of the Lakehurst Small Business Roundtable.

Vice President
Jeannie Whitfield
Jeannie Whitfield is the Director of Market Insight and Business Intelligence for three leading organizations in the defense industry: Parts Life, Inc. and Deval Lifecycle Support. Jeannie holds over 10 years of diverse executive experience. Once a business development specialist, Jeannie quickly climbed the corporate ladder and has been instrumental in the success of all three organizations. In her current role, Jeannie uses her firsthand knowledge of the industry to identify growth opportunities for Parts Life, Inc. and Deval Lifecycle Support. Jeannie has utilized her coach-style leadership to empower and develop employees within the workplace. Jeannie serves on the Lakehurst Small Business Executive Steering Committee and is currently a Board Member for Women and Defense Liberty Chapter.

Secretary
Grisel Velazquez
Grisel Velazquez is currently serving as a Contract Specialist at Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division since February 2018. In the Contract Department, she is responsible for providing the highest quality acquisition products and services on a timely basis while simultaneously satisfying public policy objectives. Grisel also served in Contracting positions at Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support from February 2011 to February 2018. In her position at the Subsistence Directorate, she was responsible for procurement and customer support activities within the United States (CONUS) including, but not limited to, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, and exported product to Honduras and Cuba. Prior to joining the Federal Government, she worked as an Industrial Engineer in the pharmaceutical industry at Johnson & Johnson in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. She is currently the Vice President of Education of the Toastmasters Sub and Surface Club where she develops her communication and leadership skills. Grisel is also a member of the Women in Defense Chapter Division Board.

Treasurer
Candice Fawley
Candice Fawley serves as the Treasurer for WIBLIB
In her role, she is charged with overseeing the management and reporting of the chapter's finances.