WINS: Building National Security Leaders for Tomorrow
Anderson University’s Women in National Security (WINS) organization is giving students a voice and opportunities to lead in one of the country’s most traditionally male-dominated sectors. WINS, founded last year, offers a friendly and inspiring atmosphere for students, particularly women, interested in careers in intelligence, law enforcement, cybersecurity, diplomacy, environmental security, and related disciplines.
“Everyone has a place in national security,” said Casey Davidson, a senior and the president of WINS. “We are here to support women, but we’re also here to support anyone who wants to enter the field. Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do.”
WINS meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:00 p.m. in Decker 377, and proudly proclaims, “WINS is winning — especially on Wednesdays.”
Davidson plus vice president and fellow senior Jennifer Ei Singer lead the club, while Dr. Connor Sutton serves as faculty advisor. Dr. Michael Frank also played an early role in promoting the club’s growth.
Creating Community in a Male-Dominated Field
WINS was developed out of personal experience. One of the founding members stated that she became motivated after discovering she was the only woman in her class.
“It can be jarring when you’re the only person with a certain perspective,” she said. “That moment made me realize how important a club like this could be.”
Singer, who previously studied welding, shared a similar experience.
“I was used to being the only girl in male spaces,” she said. “The way you’re spoken to is different. That’s why WINS matters. It gives you a space where others understand your experience — and it builds confidence.”
Professional Development in Action
WINS is still a young organization, but its leaders have already built programming around career readiness, including workshops on:
- Professional communication
- Resume and LinkedIn development
- Workplace red flags and green flags
- Leadership and confidence-building
- Networking and internship strategies
“Just running the club has pushed us to take leadership roles,” Davidson said. “We’re learning how to send professional emails, organize meetings, communicate effectively, and build something meaningful.”
Members have completed high-level internships, including:
- Indiana State Police
- Customs and Border Protection in Washington, D.C.
- The Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine (state government)
“We want to help the next person get where we’ve been,” Singer added. “Internships are important, but so is having someone who believes you can do it.”
Taking on Stereotypes and Creating Visibility
While progress has been made, stereotypes remain common.
“The biggest assumption I face is that I’m fragile,” Singer said. “Men will rush over to lift a table for me—but I’m a varsity thrower. I lift almost every day. I can do it. I don’t need help unless I ask for it.”
Davidson added, “A lot of us have heard comments that imply we don’t belong — or that we’re only here because we’re women. But once you realize their opinions don’t define you, you grow. And WINS is here to help you get there.”
A Christ-Centered Foundation and Ethical Awareness
Although AU is a Christian university, WINS intentionally maintains space for all students, including those from different or no faith backgrounds.
“Not everyone in our club is Christian,” Davidson explained. “We’re supportive of each other’s values and beliefs. A lot of AU courses include scriptural or ethical reasoning, but we also prepare for professional environments where not everyone shares the same worldview.”
Club discussions often include topics such as ethics in intelligence, workplace conduct, and moral decision-making.
Looking Ahead
The club is working toward expanding programming, increasing campus visibility, and building partnerships with national security professionals. The leaders note that nearly any major can intersect with national security — from business and agriculture to communications, engineering, and even theology.
“If you sit down long enough, it’s hard to come up with anything that isn’t connected to national security,” Davidson observed. “That’s why we want people to know they are welcome here. No matter their major or gender, there is a place for them at WINS.”