Pictured (from left to right): Director of Special Projects – Kathleen Boyle, Vice President – Katie McDowell, Director of Communications – Gabrielle Diemand, President – Paulina Todd, Historian – Jennifer Coykendall, Community Liaison – Melissa Rutledge, Director of Memberships – Jessica Price, Secretary – Kirsten Arnold, Treasurer – Jennifer Silanoe)
January 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter Announces 2026 Board of Directors
Women in Defense (WID), a nonprofit organization affiliated with the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), has announced its 2026 Board of Directors for the Greater Los Angeles Chapter. The newly appointed Board reflects a continued focus on strengthening leadership, expanding mentorship, and advancing opportunities for women across the aerospace, defense, and national security sectors.
The 2026 Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles Board includes:
Officers*
- President: Paulina Todd
- Immediate Past President: Joanna Speed
- Vice President: Katie McDowell
- Secretary: Kirsten Arnold
- Treasurer: Jennifer Silanoe
- Director of Membership: Jessica Price
*Officers serve a two-year term.
Board Appointed and Approved Positions
- Director of Marketing: Ruth Garcia
- Director of Communications: Gabrielle Diemand
- Director of Sponsorship: Julie Sims
- Director of Events: Pennie Burnham
- Director of Programs: Amanda Meeks-Turner
- Director of Special Projects: Kathleen Boyle
- Director of Special Projects: Carol Marinello
- Director Community Relations: Melissa Rutledge
- Military and NDIA Liaison: Alanna Sakamoto
- Historian: Jennifer Coykendall
- STEM Chair: Jackie Hoofring
“As we welcome our newly elected Board, I am grateful for the talent, commitment, and passion each member brings to Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles,” said Paulina Todd, President of Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter. “Together we are building a stronger community that supports, develops, and elevates women across all sectors of aerospace and defense. I am excited for the year ahead and all that we will accomplish together.”
As the chapter moves into 2026, the Board of Directors will focus on sustaining growth, deepening member engagement, and supporting programs that advance women in aerospace, defense, and national security.
For more information or to join the Women in Defense Greater Los Angeles Chapter, visit: www.widla.org.
Media Contact:
Gabrielle Diemand
Director of Communications