Boots, Brews, AND bbq
Boots, Brews, and BBQ was an annual fundraising event hosted by the Women in Defense (WID) Greater Tampa Bay Chapter, bringing together members of the defense community, industry professionals, and supporters to celebrate camaraderie while contributing to an impactful cause: supporting young women in their pursuit of degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
The event provided a unique combination of a relaxed, festive atmosphere and a commitment to meaningful fundraising goals. Over the years, it became a beloved tradition in the Tampa Bay defense community.
Through Boots, Brews, and BBQ, attendees contributed directly to advancing STEM education, making a tangible difference in the lives of young scholars. The event strengthened the defense and local community by fostering support for these vital efforts.
As of 2025, Boots, Brews, and BBQ will transition into a new event: the Salute to STEM Gala, which will take place on November 7, 2025. This transformation reflects the growing impact and vision of WID Greater Tampa Bay Chapter’s mission.
The Salute to STEM Gala will elevate the tradition of supporting STEM education by adopting a more formal, elegant format, while still focusing on the core mission of raising scholarship funds for local young women pursuing degrees in STEM fields. This evolution represents the chapter’s commitment to expanding its reach and further celebrating the incredible contributions of women in defense and STEM industries.