Yellow Tub Creative

What began as a blank cowgirl hat from Cavender's became a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art with a purpose.

Using vibrant Jacquard Products Lumiere paints, I hand-painted this custom hat for the auction at the Women In Defense - Tennessee Valley Chapter chapter’s Boots & Buckles Wild West Spring Soirée.

This hat wasn't just about fashion—it was about opportunity. Proceeds from the auction help support STEM scholarships, empowering the next generation of female innovators, engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers.

As an artist, Navy/Seabee veteran, and believer in the impact of community, projects like this remind me that art can do more than decorate a space. Creativity can help create pathways for others. My work often explores connection, resilience, and the human experience, and this piece was an opportunity to bring those ideas to life in a new way.

Thank you to the incredible team at the Women in Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter for the invitation, and for creating an event that blends leadership, service, education, and a little Wild West fun.

Boots, buckles, scholarship winners, industry leaders, and one unforgettable night.

Women In Defense - Tennessee Valley Chapter 2026 Boots & Buckles: Wild West Spring Soirée delivered far more than a themed celebration—it showcased the power of a community committed to developing the next generation of defense and aerospace leaders. WID-TVC exists to engage, cultivate, and advance women through professional development, mentorship, networking, and STEM initiatives, and that mission was on full display throughout the evening.

Among the evening’s highlights were scholarship presentations honoring Khlood Yafai and Stephanie Manasterski, two exceptional graduate students pursuing aerospace engineering and helping shape the future of our nation’s defense and aerospace workforce. The chapter also recognized outstanding professionals whose leadership, service, and community impact continue to strengthen the Tennessee Valley.

Colonel Danielle Medaglia, Program Manager for U.S. Army Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), challenged attendees to lead boldly, serve purposefully, and continue investing in innovation and mission success. Her remarks set the tone for an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration.

Hosted at the Trilogy Hotel, the soirée blended meaningful recognition with memorable moments—from great food and drinks to line dancing, networking, and a mechanical bull that quickly became the center of attention.

If you are looking for an organization that invests in leadership, mentorship, STEM education, and the future of the defense community, Women In Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter continues to set the standard.

Women In Defense - Tennessee Valley Chapter is doing it again, and we’re proud to be part of it!

Yellow Tub Creative will be contributing original artwork from select creatives to the silent auction at this year’s "Boots & Buckles: Wild West Spring Soirée", and this is one you’ll want on your radar.

This Friday, Women In Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter brings together leaders across defense and aerospace for a high-impact evening of connection, recognition, and celebration. From honoring 2026 award winners and scholarship recipients to building meaningful relationships across the region, this event delivers both purpose and presence.

The evening will also feature Colonel Danielle Medaglia, Program Manager for U.S. Army Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), as the keynote speaker—bringing insight from one of the most critical and evolving areas in defense.

If you’re in the Tennessee Valley and serious about this space, this is where you need to be.

Friday, June 5 at the Marriott Bonvoy's Trilogy Hotel downtown Huntsville.
Boots & Buckles: Wild West Spring Soirée
Awards. Scholarships. Networking. Leadership.

We’ll see you there.

The power of intention is real, according to the Law of Attraction. When we focus our thoughts and actions, we can achieve our goals. Rich Brown of put this philosophy into practice when went forward with his design of the Boss base, aiming to make pottery more accessible. This artist's testimony is a beautiful manifestation of that vision. Unfortunately, we missed her name, but if you know her, please share it with us so we can send her some love and support for her artistic endeavors.