She’s Fighting to Save Women in Defense from a DEI Backlash with Jessica Gronert

In this episode of The ChoinqueCast, host Jim Emerick sits down with Jessica Gronert, Senior Business Development Manager at Leidos, about her unique career journey across the Air Force, intelligence, education, and business development. The conversation focuses on her leadership role as President of Women in Defence Greater Tampa Bay and how the organization supports professional growth, community engagement, and STEM education. Jessica shares how purpose, service, and adaptability have shaped her career and how Women in Defence is evolving to support the broader defence community.Jessica Gronert is a Director, AFSOC ISR Operations in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. With a background in intelligence and Middle Eastern studies, she has served in multiple roles within Air Force Special Operations Command. Jessica is also the President of Women in Defence Greater Tampa Bay, where she leads efforts to support professional development, strengthen industry connections, and expand STEM opportunities for youth.Expect to Learn:How Jessica transitioned from aspiring fighter pilot to intelligence and leadership rolesThe mission and evolution of Women in Defence and its impact todayWhy community, networking, and service are critical in the defence industryThe challenges nonprofits face with funding and public perceptionHow STEM programmes and early education shape the future workforceEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Teaser[01:13] – Welcome & Introduction to the ChoinqueCast with Jessica Gronert[07:12] – The Most Rewarding Job: Teaching CENTCOM at the Schoolhouse[14:02] – What is Women In Defence? Mission, Evolution, and Professional Development[20:01] – The Tampa Reach: Three Florida Chapters and a Sprawling Membership[28:58] – A Message to Sponsors: "We Are More Than Just Our Name"[34:27] – 2025 Impact: The STEM Lending Library and Every Middle School in Hillsborough[40:28] – Closing Remarks and How to Connect🔗 Connect with the Guest Jessica Gronert:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesszgronert/👉 Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leidos/👉 Company’s Website: https://www.leidos.com/👉 U.S. Air Force Reserve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airforcereserverecruiting/👉 U.S. Air Force Reserve Website: https://www.airforce.com/ways-to-serve/air-force-reserve🔗 Connect with the Host Jim Emerick:👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimemerick/🔗 More from Choinque:👉 Website: https://www.choinque.com/blog👉 Facebook: https://facebook.com/918903204639744👉 Instagram: https://instagram.com/choinquecast👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@choinque👉 X: https://x.com/choinque👉 Email: [email protected]🔗 More about Leadership Courses:👉 Schedule: https://www.academyleadership.com/Emerick/🔗 Follow the Podcast:👉 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/choinquecast/id1290927745👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56oY3glVaoTXmmcWWGQGry?si=69f1cd525a5d4be5👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAA4czS4aI7V5g3i2Sd4bUQ