Shaped by a deep commitment to breaking barriers and empowering others, Beth Wadle’s journey is an inspiring one. As a young woman, fields like math and science were not considered a traditional career path. Nevertheless, she pressed on, and her determination earned her two engineering degrees. She went on to a more than 30-year career as one of the few women in her field of choice, the intelligence community. Although she was often the youngest person in the room during that time, Beth used her standing to encourage other women to follow in her footsteps and pursue STEM careers.
Aside from her professional endeavors, Beth’s philanthropic journey took an important turn with her increasing involvement with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA). After they became aware of the Foundation’s work, Beth and her husband, Jim LeBlanc, became familiar with it thanks to a meeting with former CFNOVA President and CEO, Eileen Ellsworth. The opportunity to set up a fund in perpetuity resonated with Beth and Jim, solidifying their decision to engage with the community and sparking their admiration for the organization’s sustainable structure.
Beth and Jim also share a long history with the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and the CFNOVA-managed Kilberg Scholarship Fund, which supports women pursuing STEM-related higher education. Their friendship with former NVTC President and CEO Bobbie Kilberg spans nearly 30 years, during which Bobbie mentored Jim while the latter served on the NVTC Board. Together, Beth and Jim championed Bobbie’s vision for the Kilberg Scholarship, designed to honor her legacy while helping twenty young women (and counting!) pursue careers in STEM. When she saw the scholarship’s impact, Beth realized that encouraging future generations of women in STEM was crucial, as her career path had proven.
When Jim eventually asked Beth what she wanted her legacy to be, her choice was clear: helping others pursue STEM careers. In December 2024, the Northern Virginia Technology Council announced the Elizabeth Ann Wadle Designated Legacy Fund, named in honor of Beth, as an endowed fund to support the Kilberg Scholarship Fund. Jim reflected, “It was fate that NVTC developed the scholarship in Bobbie’s name because it represented everything Beth had gone through in her career.”
Although Beth admits it’s uncomfortable to think about legacy, she is proud to advocate for the next generation of women in science. Jim, her biggest supporter, agrees wholeheartedly: “I’m happy and comfortable with Beth’s decision to do this. I think it will benefit a lot of young women down the road, and I’ll walk in her legacy's shadow with great pleasure.”
Together, Beth and Jim hope their story will inspire others to consider their legacy and the impact they can have on not just their children but also the broader community. They encourage others to carve out a piece of planned giving toward an existing fund or start one of their own. “You can pass that on to your kids, but you can also give it to others.”
Beth and Jim’s journey testifies to the power of resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the deep belief that we all play a role in encouraging future generations to dream big and achieve even bigger. Together, they are paving the way for young people to not just envision a future in STEM but also to live one.
NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund
The NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund supports women pursuing higher STEM education who demonstrate leadership potential. Established by Bobbie Kilberg, former President and CEO of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the fund embodies her enduring dedication to community service. In particular, the scholarship directly addresses the gender gap in STEM careers, given the substantial underrepresentation of women in disciplines like software engineering and computer science. Five scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded annually, with a dollar-for-dollar match from Marymount University for full-time, degree-seeking students. Inspired by the achievements of local women in tech, Bobbie Kilberg is proud to empower the next generation of female leaders in the industry.
How would you like to be remembered in our community?
The Community Foundation team is here to guide you and your family in creating a legacy plan that aligns with your values and ensures lasting support for future generations. We provide personalized support to help you establish charitable funds and endowments that will make a permanent and positive impact on the causes you care about.
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