AFCEAN of the Month, August 2024

In May, during the AFCEA NOVA DOD Enterprise IT Day 2024, hosted by the Small Business Committee, the Small Business Committee volunteers were each acknowledged with a Certificate of Appreciation for their time, effort and service in support of the Northern Virginia Chapter and AFCEA International. Shaunté Russell, vice president of membership, AFCEA International, presented the awards.

The members of the chapter’s Small Business Committee began working together after the restrictions from the pandemic eased up in the summer of 2022. The Small Business Committee created a place for people to come together and support each other professionally and personally at a time when many felt very isolated. Their cohesiveness has allowed them to do many great things.

Over the last two years, the Small Business Committee has:

1. Hosted 12 Small Business Breakfasts.
2. Led, planned and managed two IT Days.
3. Coordinated small business panels for Army IT Day and Naval IT Day.
4. Hosted the first Veteran Owned Small Business and Military Happy Hour.
5. Hosted the first Dulles Honor Flight Event.
6. Produced articles, videos and social media to promote chapter events.

On average, Small Business Committee members donate six to 10 hours of service per month to support committee activities, which generates revenue for the chapter’s STEM scholarships and grants.

In recognition of the members’ dedication to the chapter and the association, AFCEA proudly names the Small Business Committee AFCEAN of the Month.