Braudrick named public information officer for city of Cocoa

Braudrick named Cocoa public information officer

Jaime Curtis Braudrick recently joined the staff of the city of Cocoa as its public information officer.

Braudrick previously was a marketing manager for Cardonex Inc., a software and scheduling firm.

Braudrick received her associate’s degree from Eastern Florida State College, and then her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Central Florida.

Braudrick was a social media coordinator for Pure Barre in Viera, and then the events coordinator at Eastern Florida State College.

To learn more about the city of Cocoa, go to cocoafl.gov

Holder opens Brightway Insurance agency in Rockledge

Preston Holder recently opened Brightway Insurance – The Preston Holden Agency in Rockledge.

Holder is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and relocated to Brevard County in 2021. He previously had experience as an auto representative for State Farm.

Brightway, which started in 2008, is considered one of the nation’s largest privately owned property and casualty insurance distribution companies, with more than 350 agencies in 35 states. It has more than $1 billion in premiums.

For more information about The Preston Holder Agency, go to BrightwayPrestonHolder.com or call 321-710-2090.

Women in Defense announces awards, scholarships

The Women in Defense Space Coast Chapter recently announced the winners of its 2024 STEM Education Innovator Awards and the recipients of its 2024 STEM scholarships.

"This year's awards and scholarships highlight the incredible talent and dedication within our community,” said Elizabeth Huy, president of the Space Coast Women in Defense. “Our goal is not only to recognize excellence, but also to inspire the next generation of women to explore STEM fields and consider careers in national defense."

WIDSC’s Education Innovator Award recipients were:

• Theresa E. Watson, deputy chief scientist of the Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Space Force Base, as the STEM Leadership Star of the Year for serving as champion for the Women in Science and Engineering conference.
• Chris Larsen, co-founder of Larsen Motorsports, as the STEM Mentor of the Year for turning a passion for high-speed racing into a unique and powerful educational platform, while mentoring over 250 students during the past 20 years.
• Colleen Anderson, Surfside Elementary, as the STEM Elementary Educator of the Year for her dynamic teaching methods and her role in coordinating science fairs that connect students with STEM professionals.
• Rebecca Allen, Palm Bay Magnet High School, as the STEM High School Educator of the Year for her dedication to expanding student access to industry expertise and resources.

WIDSC also awarded $17,000 in scholarships ranging from $1,250 to $500 for exemplary students pursuing STEM disciplines.

The scholarship winners included:

• Abigail Shephard, Florida Atlantic University, BS/MD cellular neuroscience/mathematics.
• , Florida Tech, chemical engineering, minor in aerospace.
• Alexa Mason, Florida Tech, physics.
• Ann Hough, University of Florida, pharmacy.
• Cassandra Stanish, Florida Tech, mechanical engineering, minor in sustainability.
• Christina Souvannala, University of Illinois, master of library/information science.
• Deztynee Bryan, Florida Tech, meteorology.
• Elizabeth Eskildsen, Eastern Florida State College, business sustainability, minor in environmental science.
• Ella Benson, Virginia Tech, architecture.
• Emily Prins, University of Florida, biochemistry.
• Erin Kohler, University of Florida, microbiology and cell science.
• Gianna Fernandez, University of Florida, computer engineering.
• Grace Peters, University of Florida, mechanical engineering.
• Jayda Holman, University of Miami, environmental engineering.
• Jody Junek, University of Florida, biomedical engineering.
• Katherine Wade, Florida Tech, ocean engineering.
• Kathryn Burgess, Florida State University, nursing, minor in business.
• Lillian Paquette, University of Florida, mechanical/aerospace engineering.
• Madeline Biggs, Florida State University, mechanical engineering, minor in computer science.
• Mallory Jeancake, Samford University, nursing.
• Marisa Ricks, University of Florida, preprofessional biology, minor in organizational leadership.
• Ryleigh Renedina, University of Florida, biomedical engineering, minor in animal science.

WIDSC also announced the recipient of the 2024 joint WIDSC, Air Force Technical Applications Center and Women in Science and Engineering scholarship was Melissa McGuire, Rollins College.

Since its inception in 2013, WIDSC has awarded $94,000 in scholarships to women in the community who have pursued studies to advance their careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

To learn more about the organization, go to widsc.org.