INCOSE Orlando Monthly Meeting - January 2026 (NEW LOCATION)

About this event Monthly meetings are open to everyone; you do not have to be an INCOSE member to attend. Dinner is provided by the INCOSE Orlando Chapter and there is no cost to attend. If you are not a member, we invite you to become a member of the Orlando Chapter of INCOSE (http://www.incose.org/about/Membership/Join). About the Presentation: As systems become increasingly software-intensive, there is a growing need for professionals who can effectively integrate software, systems engineering, and organizational processes. To address this demand, NICET has introduced the Systems Software Integrator (SSI) certification, validating competencies critical to modern systems integration roles. This presentation introduces the SSI certification and a professional-focused course currently under development at the University of Central Florida (UCF) designed to prepare industry practitioners for certification and applied systems integration challenges. The session will highlight how key SSI competencies—such as systems thinking, lifecycle integration, requirements management, verification and validation, and software–systems alignment—are translated into practice-oriented learning experiences. Attendees will learn how professional certification and targeted education can help close workforce skills gaps in software-intensive systems, and how industry and academia can collaborate to develop future-ready systems professionals. About the Presenter: Dr. Anna Szopa is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems at the University of Central Florida. She specializes in systems engineering, software-intensive systems, innovation, and responsible integration of emerging technologies. Dr. Szopa teaches graduate and professional courses in systems engineering, research methods, innovation, and systems software integration, with a strong emphasis on applied learning and industry relevance. She is actively engaged with INCOSE and NICET to align academic and professional education with workforce certification pathways, including the development of a professional course supporting the Systems Software Integrator (SSI) certification. Her work focuses on bridging academia and industry, advancing systems thinking in practice, and preparing engineers to operate effectively in complex, interdisciplinary environments.