SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Upstate New York Chapter of Women in Defense hosts an impressive speaker. Admiral Carol Pottenger, a Commander with the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, was the keynote speaker at an event hosted by WID and the National Defense Industrial Association.

Pottenger was one of the first women selected for sea duty and currently manages more than 40 thousand sailors. WID is an organization that provides professional development and networking opportunities for women by connecting military with industry.

"It's about readiness. It's about being a top 50 employer, it’s about wanting the best and keeping the best and the brightest. So, in order to put that capability forward for our combat commanders, we need to have the opportunity for women to succeed across every field, across every career field,” said Admiral Carol Pottenger.

The Upstate chapter of WID was founded in 2007 and is the only one in the state.