Southern Pacific Aero-Defense Alliance
Powering the next era of Southern California aerospace and defense
SPADA unites industry, government, academia and community across the region to drive innovation, build a resilient workforce and shape the future of aerospace and defense.
Partnership announcement
SPADA announces partnership with global aerospace and defense leader HEICO Corporation
HEICO's commitment sends a powerful message: Southern California's aerospace and defense future is worth investing in.
Building on the region's legacy as a global leader in aerospace innovation and defense manufacturing, SPADA brings together visionaries, innovators and industry partners to connect, collaborate and grow a stronger, more unified aerospace community for Southern California and beyond.
Read the mission- Based in
- Santa Clarita, CA
- Board
- 12 directors
- Status
- 501(c)(3), EIN 39-5124675
34.39 N 118.57 W
Aerospace Valley
Greater Los Angeles
Ways to take part
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Members
A seat at the table.
Students, professionals and companies: event invitations, roundtables, supply chain opportunities and the member portal.
Membership levels -
Sponsors
Fund the pipeline.
The Corporate Circle puts your brand in front of the region's manufacturers, innovators and policymakers all year.
Sponsorship levels -
Events
Where introductions become partnerships.
Facility showcases, business forums, an awards evening and a year-end gathering.
What's coming up
What the alliance has already done
Since launch, SPADA has put students in the same room as the people who run the industry, and put regional manufacturers in front of the programs that fund their next contract.
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Launch event
Congressman George Whitesides and OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, took questions from students and members on aerospace policy and career pathways.
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Machina Labs showcase
Industry, government and academia toured the robotics floor, and Major Whitney Hessler of SpaceWERX explained how to engage with U.S. Space Force programs.
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Aerospace Valley Career Fair
Students met more than 50 exhibitors at Boeing Plant 1 with a SPADA board member on the floor to turn what they saw into next steps.
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Student mentorship
One-on-one meetings with Congressman George Whitesides and OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Skunk Works, led to recommendation letters and introductions.
Join the mission.
Membership starts at $50 a year for students. Company and premier levels bring your leadership team in with you.