A Note from the President
Tracy Gregorio
President, WIDGHR
Spring is a season for fresh energy, new connections, and renewed focus on growth. Across Hampton Roads, the defense community continues to move forward as organizations adapt to new technologies, evolving missions, and an ever-changing workforce landscape.
For Women in Defense Greater Hampton Roads, this season brings opportunities to reconnect, strengthen professional relationships, and support one another’s development. Whether through networking events, mentoring conversations, or industry collaboration, every interaction helps build a stronger community.
The strength of WIDGHR has always come from the members who show up, share knowledge, and create space for others to grow. By staying engaged and supporting one another, the chapter continues to foster a network where leaders, emerging professionals, and small businesses can learn from one another and discover new opportunities.
As the months ahead bring new events and conversations across the region, continued participation and collaboration will help ensure that Hampton Roads remains a place where innovation, leadership, and partnership thrive within the defense community.
AI Tip of the Month
For professionals in the defense and business community, LinkedIn is often one of the most powerful tools for visibility. The challenge is that many struggle to consistently create posts that highlight their expertise and attract engagement. AI can help simplify that process.
Instead of starting with a blank page, use AI to turn ideas, notes from events, or industry observations into structured posts. It can suggest stronger headlines, organize key points, and refine your message so it reads clearly and professionally.
AI can also help improve engagement by recommending questions to ask your audience or helping you repurpose content from presentations, meetings, or conference takeaways.
Think of AI as a content assistant turning experience into professional visibility.
National Security Insights
The New Era of Maritime Defense
Autonomous Innovation in Hampton Roads
As of March 2026, the Department of War is no longer just experimenting with autonomous systems; it is aggressively fielding them. By accelerating investments in unmanned platforms, the U.S. military is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of maritime operations, reconnaissance, and logistics. From high-endurance Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) to AI-driven intelligence platforms, these technologies have become the bedrock of American strategic advantage in an era of contested global waters.
Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) concept renderings from shipbuilder Austal USA. Photo Credit: Austal USA
The Pentagon’s Autonomous Pivot
The Pentagon has transitioned its focus from niche testing to a multi-domain integration of unmanned technology. These systems provide a level of persistence that human-crewed vessels cannot match, patrolling vast maritime corridors and monitoring shipping routes with 24/7 reliability. However, the military's "Human-in-the-Loop" doctrine remains the gold standard. While automation optimizes efficiency and minimizes risks to personnel, it is designed to supplement human judgment, not replace it. Military leadership maintains that the final call remains the sole responsibility of experienced commanders.
A New Horizon for Hampton Roads
For the Hampton Roads region, this technological surge is a generational opportunity. As home to the world’s largest naval installation and a massive shipbuilding workforce, the region is uniquely positioned as the “Silicon Valley” of maritime defense. The ripple effects of this modernization are already being felt across the local economy: Engineering & Maintenance: Companies specializing in naval architecture and maritime engineering are pivoting toward autonomous integration. Cybersecurity & Tech: The demand for secure, AI-resilient software has turned local tech firms into critical defense partners. Economic Vitality: Regional research institutions and contractors are evolving into a central hub for unmanned maritime innovation, ensuring that Virginia remains the vanguard of naval power. As the Navy modernizes, the Hampton Roads community continues to serve as the vital link between traditional maritime strength and the next generation of autonomous technology.
Featured Spotlight
Dr. Barbara H. Smith
Founder & CEO, BHS & Associates
Leadership Transformation and AI Integration Strategist | International Speaker | Author | Media Authority Host, The Empowering You Show | #1 Amazon Best-Selling International Author | Multi-Award-Winning TEDx Speaker | Global Voice on AI & Leadership
Women in Defense Greater Hampton Roads welcomed a powerful voice in leadership development during the 2025 Professional Development Day, where Dr. Barbara H. Smith served as the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies.
As CEO of BHS & Associates, a leadership strategist, and author of Lead Like You Mean It, Dr. Smith works with organizations across corporate, government, and academic sectors to help leaders move from overwhelm to clarity, confidence, and strategic alignment.
Dr. Smith’s leadership philosophy was shaped early in her career while working in technology and engineering environments where she was often one of the few women in the room. Despite arriving prepared with data, strategy, and solutions, she sometimes found her ideas overlooked. Rather than allowing those moments to diminish her voice, she used them to refine it.
“My philosophy was built in rooms where I had great ideas but was not always heard,” she explains. “That will either make you shrink, or it will make you sharpen your leadership. I chose to sharpen.”
Those experiences ultimately inspired her to develop practical leadership frameworks designed to help professionals think clearly under pressure and communicate their expertise with confidence. Through her STRATA Method, Dr. Smith helps leaders create structure around decision-making, align their values with execution, and navigate change with greater clarity. She also created Rep Your Brand, a framework that helps professionals articulate their value and strengthen their executive presence.
Throughout her career, Dr. Smith has worked with organizations including Capital One, Blue Cross Blue Shield, SHRM affiliates, and universities across the United States and internationally. Her work integrates leadership psychology with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and workforce strategy. As organizations navigate rapid technological change, she believes leadership expectations are evolving.
“AI is accelerating everything. Information is instant, systems are automated, and decisions move faster than ever. The expectation now is discernment. AI will not replace strong leaders, but it will expose weak leadership habits.”
For Hampton Roads, she sees significant opportunity. With its concentration of defense organizations, contractors, higher education institutions, healthcare systems, and entrepreneurs, the region sits at a powerful intersection of industries that will shape the future workforce. “Hampton Roads has the potential to become a national model for leadership agility and workforce resilience,” she says. “If we intentionally invest in developing leaders who can navigate change with clarity and stability, the impact will extend far beyond our region.”
At the center of Dr. Smith’s work is a message she shares with leaders across every sector: growth requires confidence, visibility, and intentional development. Her advice to emerging professionals is simple: stop shrinking, invest in your growth, and lead with intention. Because playing small was never part of the plan.
Legislative Outlook
March 2026 Water Cooler
As the United States navigates an increasingly complex global landscape in early 2026, national defense continues to be a central focus of strategic planning, congressional activity, and national security discussions. Among the key issues shaping the conversation are the nation’s defense budget and appropriations process, recent U.S. military operations in the Middle East, and the potential need for additional funding to replenish munitions and sustain operational capabilities.
In December 2025, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA 2026), a comprehensive law that sets defense policy and authorizes billions for military activities, construction, and funding priorities. The NDAA serves as the annual framework through which lawmakers outline strategic priorities and allocate resources, including provisions affecting procurement, personnel, and emerging domains such as space and unmanned systems. Beyond authorizing spending, the broader defense appropriations process and reconciliation supplemental funding have together pushed overall defense outlays beyond the $1 trillion mark for FY 2026, representing a significant increase over prior year totals.
Recent global developments have also prompted discussions in Washington regarding future defense funding requirements. Recent U.S. military operations in the Middle East have involved substantial use of munitions and advanced air defense interceptors. Pentagon officials have publicly stated that stockpiles remain sufficient, while ongoing conversations between the White House and defense industry leaders are exploring ways to strengthen weapons production and expand industrial base capacity. These developments have led some policymakers to consider the possibility of supplemental appropriations to ensure adequate resources for replenishment and sustained readiness. While the Department of War has not formally submitted a request, reports indicate that additional funding may be considered to support munitions replenishment and operational needs.
Chapter Programming
Upcoming Events
AFCEA Maritime Operations & Information Warfare Summit
Hilton Main – Downtown Norfolk
The Maritime Operations & Information Warfare Summit brings together Fleet operators, information warfare leaders, and industry innovators to discuss the future of maritime operations in a data-driven battlespace.
View Event DetailsWIDGHR Industry Day 2026
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Ferguson Enterprises – Newport News, VA
Industry Day provides professionals with direct insight into government contracting, procurement policies, and industry best practices. Attendees will hear from experienced contractors and government representatives while networking with decision-makers.
Event Sponsors
Sponsored by Ferguson and HII Newport News Shipbuilding.
WIDGHR Lunch & Learn Summer Series
June 17, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Atlantic Office Technologies – Norfolk, VA
This Lunch & Learn session features insights from industry and government leaders sharing practical guidance for companies working in government contracting.
Government Perspective
Paul Staley, Deputy Director, OSBP, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk
Agency Forecast, Acquisition Priorities, and Lessons Learned
July 15, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Insperity – Norfolk, VA
July’s Lunch & Learn focuses on leadership strategy and compliance.
Leadership Spotlight
Jenniffer Minks, CISSP, Joint Staff J6
Her Story – From Air Force to SES Leadership
August 18, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Chesapeake Economic Development
Exploring marketing strategy and financial readiness for companies operating in the federal contracting space.
Communications
Susan Long-Molnar, Managing Communications
Marketing in GovCon Isn’t Loud—It’s Strategic
Financial Guidance
Selden Richards, Bank of America
What Banks Look for Supporting GovCon Businesses
Immediate Event
WIDGHR 3rd Annual Speed Mentoring Event
Women in Defense Greater Hampton Roads is partnering with The Mustard Seed Place and the ODU Women’s Business Center to host the 3rd Annual Speed Mentoring Program.
Register TodayChapter Sponsors
Become a WIDGHR Fleet Partner
Annual Engagement Opportunity
Fleet Partners support WIDGHR through annual engagement, gaining consistent exposure while supporting our mission.
- Website & Signage Logo
- LinkedIn Highlights
- Annual speaking opportunity
- Marquee Event Tickets
Questions? sponsorship@widghr.org