WWLF News and Annoucements

South Carolina Harvest Hope Food Bank

In 2024, WWLF members shattered our previous record for the number of volunteer events held.  This effort showcased our unwavering commitment to personal growth, community engagement and networking opportunities.

Here is how we made an impact together during National Volunteer Week:

* Pittsburgh: Cleaned Allegheny Commons Park for Earth Day
* South Florida: Hosted a beach clean-up to preserve our coastline
* Georgia: Partnered with The Empty Stocking Fund to assemble school supply kits
* Louisville: Supported Wayside Christian Mission with volunteer efforts
* Houston: Packed 100 non perishable lunches for Kids Meals Houston
* South Carolina: Sorted and packed boxes at Harvest Hope Food Bank
* San Diego: Packed snack bags for those in need at San Diego Rescue Mission
* Chicago: Cooked and served meals for the homeless community at San Lucas United Church of Christ in Humboldt Park

This success would not have been possible without the dedication  of our Executive Director of Events, Regional Directors, City Representatives, Treasurer, countless volunteers and sponsors!

If you’d like to join us in  volunteering, help plan an event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Events@wwlf.org

Together we are building connections, fostering growth and giving back.

We look forward to setting a new record in 2025!

South Florida Beach Clean Up Day

Photo by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash

In honor of October 10, 2024 as World Mental Health Day, WWLF hosted their second annual “Carrying a Heavy Load” panel to discuss mental health and the distinct challenges and issues that face women as they navigate multiple roles. The panel featured Lynn Whitcher, Kim Montgomery, Lauren Glockner-Goff, and myself, Ashli Fuselier. WWLF was thrilled to have Mahnaz Kolaini, PsyD., LPC-S on the panel to bring professional guidance. Each WWLF panelist brought their personal stories and insights and touched on their version of a heavy load; such as being a caregiver, dealing with a health journey, navigating grief, and working through loneliness. The virtual audience attendees chimed in on how a book, feeling, or phrase touched their heart with their own “Heavy Load” journey. The openness and sharing created a supportive atmosphere of caring.

For me, it was an incredibly tough panel to get through, but well needed as I admitted faults, soft spots, and weakness to fellow professionals. At the end of my sharing, my “Heavy Load” felt a little lighter. Having other WWLF members support me, and tell me "these things do not make you weak or at fault - it makes you human” was a blessing. Here is a reminder, everyone has a burden - some carry it quietly, but a well-timed check in from another might make it lighter. Think about how you can reach out to a friend or colleague. Also, please feel empowered to reach out if you need a friendly ear. I'll leave you with my mantra that has gotten me through a difficult 12 months, in hopes it gives you pause to reach out to take care of your community - while also taking care of yourself: “Hug your loved ones, call your friends, go to your annuals.”

Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum “WWLF” was thrilled to co-sponsor and participate in the Global System for Mobile Communications Association’s “GSMA” Tech4Girls workshops during Mobile World Congress Las Vegas.  Sponsors included T-Mobile for Business and Verizon Business.  This was the second year GSMA organized this successful initiative, which is dedicated to supporting, inspiring, and encouraging young women to pursue careers in  the telecommunications sector.  Tech4Girls is committed to fostering gender diversity and empowering the next generation of women leaders.  Attendees included current students aged 18 and above from local schools, universities, and colleges.

The dynamic workshops took place over two days, October 9th, and 10th.   Day one focused on an overview of the world of wireless telecommunications and exploration of various career paths within our industry.  Sessions were led by current industry leaders and role models, including participation from GSMA and event sponsors.  WWLF Representatives included Lynn Whitcher, President, and Beth Yglesias, Co-Director.  Lynn and I were honored to share our personal experience and perspective relating to building successful careers in telecom, as well as emphasize the vast variety of career paths to include business management, finance, sales, legal, engineering, project management, real estate, construction, project control, supply chain, etc.

Asisat Oshoala, a successful Nigerian Professional footballer served as a special guest and speaker.  She is known for being one of the best female players in the sport.  Asisat shared her current work running a program to empower young Nigerian girls to not only train them in football but how to positively utilize technology for good and personal improvement, stressing education.  Day one wrapped up with a guided tour of the MWC showroom floor, providing a special overview of the latest innovation and technologies.  Attendees were enthusiastic, engaged, and inspired.

The second day focused heavily on career development.  Sessions included insights from professionals on navigating job searching.  Speakers shared practical advice on crafting a digital presence and brand, as well as how to prepare for interviews.  Attendees were given examples of typical questions that are asked during interviews and then participated in real time practice with professional advice on best ways to answer.  To round off the workshop, GSMA provided a professional photographer for headshots to enhance the student’s LinkedIn profiles.  

It is truly inspiring to support and serve young women as they navigate their future, and it is the hope of WWLF they have impactful mentors and role models for guidance throughout their careers.

As we navigate through the dynamic landscape of the telecommunications industry, the concept of a growth mindset becomes increasingly vital. This term, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. It's about seeing challenges as opportunities to grow, valuing the process of learning, and understanding that effort and perseverance are key to achieving mastery.

During the July WWLF Motivation & Mugs event, I had the privilege of leading the discussion on the importance of cultivating a growth mindset. One key takeaway is that even though we might occasionally find ourselves stuck in a fixed mindset, it is crucial to shift towards a growth mindset to facilitate personal and professional development. As leaders, we play a crucial role in modeling and fostering this mindset within our teams and organizations. Our ability to embrace and promote a growth mindset can significantly influence our company culture, drive innovation, and enhance overall performance. It's important to remember that leadership isn't confined to titles; anyone can lead and inspire others.

Platforms like WWLF are instrumental in promoting a growth mindset. Tuning into the Monday morning Motivation & Mugs is an inspiring way to start the month, leading to great conversations that can ignite the spark needed to maintain a growth mindset. Attendees range from industry veterans to first-year members in telecom, all bringing a wealth of knowledge. Personally, WWLF has been an excellent association for me, as I've made many valuable connections and look forward to connecting with members – and Motivation & Mugs is one of the events that I eagerly anticipate each month.

The discussions during our Motivation & Mugs sessions often remind me of the broader industry efforts to foster a growth mindset and continuous innovation. Initiatives like educational workshops, regional events, mentorship programs, and virtual webinars offered by the Women's Wireless Leadership Forum are designed to inspire both current and future generations. These programs provide leadership support and guidance, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. By contributing to these initiatives, we are not only supporting the industry's future success but also embedding a culture of growth and resilience. In the digital age, the ability to continuously develop and adapt skills is paramount. Maintaining a positive workplace culture, setting clear objectives, and fostering transparent communication are all essential strategies for promoting a growth mindset, boosting employee morale, and enhancing productivity.

In conclusion, fostering a growth mindset is essential for both personal and organizational success. By embracing challenges, valuing effort, and learning from setbacks, we can create an environment that promotes continuous growth and innovation. So I encourage you to continue to leverage platforms like WWLF to inspire and support each other in our journeys, driving our industry forward together.

Sign up for the next Motivation and Mugs HERE

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

We all do it. We’re asked to step into the limelight from time to time. Most times we’re asked to give presentations on topics we know a lot about. Sometimes we’re asked to give speeches on topics we’ve led or direction we’ve set. But eventually, the journey for all communicators leads to the hardest topic of all: ourselves.

Nobody wants to give this speech. Everybody shies away from this topic. I think it’s because this is the topic we fear will disappoint a group or not live up to assumptions or expectations. And if you don’t consider your career path an incredible journey, you assume it isn’t worth telling. If your experiences can’t fill a best-selling novel, you assume we don’t want to hear them.

But that isn’t so. Everyone has a story or two within them. Talking about yourself helps people get to know you and trust you. Your stories make you real. They also make you vulnerable.

And that’s another reason people don’t like to talk about themselves. Career journeys aren’t limited to successes. In fact, most journeys have more challenges than successes. They’re crooked paths with dead ends, roadblocks and even a few falls. But that’s what we love about them. The career journey helps us relate to someone and potentially see a glimpse of what we have in common.

So, why is it hard? Because many people worry that sharing more about where you’re from, what you’ve tried and where you’ve failed may not justify the success you have now. It may not add up to the spot you’re in today. It doesn’t matter. It’s your journey, and you are where you are for good reason. What does matter is that you understand how to tell your story in a way that’s interesting to others.

And that’s where most people struggle. They don’t know how to tell their stories.

Case in point:

A few years ago, I was giving a keynote at a conference and was scheduled to follow a well-known business founder. I was intrigued to meet him and actually wondered how I would get a group to shift to my topic after his story. I shouldn’t have worried. Unfortunately, he bombed telling his own story.

Here’s why.

He told his career journey in terms of the big things he had accomplished. And he had accomplished a lot. But instead of talking about the challenges that led to accomplishments, he focused on his heroics. For thirty minutes, he went through step after step of building a very successful business. And not once, did he relate anything he said to the people sitting in the ballroom. It felt like a canned speech, and it sounded like a homage to a hero.

The reason to share your story is to make it relatable to a listener. The people sitting in his audience didn’t relate to him as a successful founder or entrepreneur. And I kept thinking that within his glory, there must have been some failures or a few stumbles that they could relate to.

This is the core element of storytelling. The connection with the listener isn’t through great outcomes or success. It’s always with the challenge or the unexpected curve.

And that’s part of why it’s hard to tell your own story. You’re focused much more on the successes. That’s what you want the group to know. It’s “How I Did This” or “How I Built This.” But the points of connection are always the struggles. It’s the little steps that make you human and vulnerable.

It’s hard to map it out because you lived it and you don’t always see it. It’s less a chronology of everything you did; only your Mother cares about that. It’s more the cumulative learnings that shape who you’ve become and the stories you use to bring those learnings to life.

(excerpt from Sally Williamson & Associates, Inc. blog post located here: https://sallywilliamson.com/how-to-talk-about-yourself/) used with permission. 

The presence and influence of women executives in telecom are on the rise. As a kick-off event to 2024 Connect (X), WWLF presented its "Women in Leadership Symposium" at the Georgia World Congress Center. In collaboration with the Wireless Infrastructure Association, leaders from across the United States and representing over 30 companies met for the half-day program to learn, share stories, and build relationships in our community.

Sally Williamson, author and communication coach, opened the workshop with a keynote message focused on the power of storytelling to craft a compelling career narrative. Ms. Williamson explained that a well-constructed personal story can be impactful. The core of storytelling is not about the triumphs, but it is the vulnerable story of unexpected twists, struggles, and the experiences earned. Ms. Williamson demonstrated how to take a simplified career story to develop a narrative with a leadership challenge, opportunity for growth, introspective solution, and impactful conclusion. She concluded, "the most marketable and dynamic skill set you can have is a brand and a relatable, compelling story."

Following the keynote message, Lauren Goff moderated a panel entitled "Beyond Perfect: Embracing Vulnerability to Unleash Innovation and Success". Panelists Amanda Cahill, Carrie Charles, Alicia Lucas, and Fisseha Yohanes shared insights regarding authenticity and vulnerability as leadership qualities. When asked how women leaders can create a culture which encourages calculated risks and embraces the possibility of failure, Ms. Cahill stated, "failure is a part of life, business, and an opportunity to grow. When we see failure as an opportunity and not a setback, it can be the differentiator in your career." Panelists also discussed the importance of delegation, showing strength through authenticity, and encouraging others along their career paths.

Taylor Sierra moderated a second panel discussion, "Driving Innovation and Impact Through Diplomacy", and topics were focused on navigating difficult conversations and productive communication. Beth Yglesias shared strategies for shifting problems into shared solutions, parties taking responsibility for conflict, and how compromise is not a sign of weakness. Liz Hill and Carolyn Hardwick added insights about non-verbal communication and the importance of active listening. During a time when many employees are remotely working from home, it is critical for managers to focus with the intent to understand, rather than listening with the intent to reply as quickly as possible.

At the end of the day, participants at the leadership symposium walked away with valuable insights and tools for professional development.

Did you know that WWLF offers numerous virtual (online) events? YES WE DO! We started way back in 2020, during the pandemic. These events are so popular that we keep expanding our offerings! Let’s take a few minutes to learn more about the current National Director of Virtual Events, Heather Fletcher. Heather is also the WWLF City Rep for Pittsburgh!

Why did you join WWLF?
I was initially drawn to WWLF by its reputation for offering exceptional networking, learning, and development opportunities. Recognizing the potential for personal and professional growth within the organization, I eagerly seized the chance to become a member.

Assuming the role of City Representative, my aim was twofold: to actively contribute to the organization's mission of fostering professional growth and to curate impactful events tailored to the needs of professionals within my local community. Through my involvement, I aspire to facilitate meaningful connections and facilitate the exchange of valuable insights and experiences among peers.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
Being a part of WWLF has influenced both my personal and professional growth. On a personal level, it has provided me with a supportive community of like-minded individuals, fostering connections that have enriched my life. Professionally, it has offered invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and skill development, enabling me to expand my knowledge base and advance in my career.

I feel that embracing the challenge of being a City Representative involves a commitment to embracing diverse perspectives, honing leadership skills, and crafting events that resonate with others, leaving a meaningful impact. It's an opportunity to cultivate connections and foster collaboration through networking.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
My start began in 2018 at Crown Castle as a Small Cell Contract Coordinator, and my ending role as a Small Cell Expense Real Estate Analyst. Presently, I contribute my expertise to Everest Infrastructure Partners as a Senior Project Manager in Asset Management. Within this capacity, I specialize in conducting comprehensive due diligence, facilitating smooth closings, and portfolio acquisitions. My dedication lies in optimizing asset performance and maximizing value for our stakeholders.

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence is the unwavering belief in myself, especially when faced with uncertainty or potential opposition. I acknowledge that not everyone will share my perspective or approve of my choices, yet I still have the courage to stand firm in expressing my thoughts and pursuing my goals. It's about embracing your strengths and weaknesses and understanding that growth often involves taking risks and facing challenges head-on.

How do you define success?
My success is discovering fulfillment and joy that has been driven by my purpose and passion. For me, success is the impact and the satisfaction of my actions. True success lies in the acknowledgment and appreciation from those around me, recognizing my dedication. It's about making a positive difference and finding contentment in the journey.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Adventurous, Playful, Empathetic

What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of my professional career, I enjoy writing fictional mysteries and thrillers. Additionally, I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors, indulging my passion for hiking and backpacking whenever possible. My love of travel further fuels my adventurous spirit, enriching my life with diverse experiences and perspectives.

On a late February evening, WWLF members gathered virtually to discuss the latest book from Michelle King, noted author and researcher on organizations and work. Published in just the last year, King’s book is relevant to the post-COVID work environment and she tackles subjects such as the challenges posed by working from home such as lack of communication, work and role ambiguity, difficulties with teamwork and relationship building, and work-life balance obstacles. She goes on to break down four major transitions happening in how we work

1. Technical roles are increasing. Transferable skills that can apply to multiple industries will be essential. People who are both technical specialists and have strong interpersonal skills will be those most likely to achieve positive outcomes professionally.

2. Talent is diversifying. By 2044, more than half of Americans will belong to a minority group. This means that we will need to learn how to collaborate effectively with people from any background, and we are already seeing remote work influencing this diversification with people working from anywhere.

3. Hybrid workplaces are the norm. King quoted a 2020 survey in which 94% of companies agreed that responsiveness and collaboration are key to their business’ success, but only 6% of the companies found these traits to be present in their workforce. She talks about the shift happening where it's more important for employees to prioritize who they work with than who they work for. This is especially relevant in the remote work setting and teams needing effective collaboration to succeed in achieving their targets.

4. Informal aspects of work are critical. This is the key area that King heavily unpacks in her book. Essentially, the informal aspects of work – everything that happens during our jobs that isn’t in a manual or part of the formal training processes – will be the “how” we will thrive in a transformative work environment.

The next two chapters of the book lean into belonging and trust in the workplace. King digs into the emotional needs we all have to work with feeling like we belong and are valued for our uniqueness. She emphasizes that it’s imperative for organizations to not only bring on diverse talent, but to also value talent so that the work relationships don't become transactional. Belonging is crucial because someone may join a company initially for the salary, but they need a sense of belonging and feel as though they have a place to stand to stay. When someone feels as though their presence and contributions go unrecognized, they detach emotionally, and then they lose trust.

The theme of trust – and what it takes to build and maintain it – permeates throughout King’s book. In her second chapter, she discusses the trust exchange and how our time, energy, and expertise are reciprocated with money, advancement, and fulfillment. In addition to the macro level of trust establishment between an organization and the employee, the author delves into the interpersonal trust between colleagues. People trust people who demonstrate consistent behavior and who show that they are working in your best interests.

We go on to learn about the integral role of building informal networks because they lead to advice, social support, and information for navigating at work and in life. Two interesting statistics that King shared in this chapter are that 70% of jobs are not publicly available and that 80% of vacant roles are filled through informal networks. Informal networks are the people who support you through challenges and career change, advocate for you, and provide advice. King provides a powerful toolkit for mapping and learning how to better nurture and leverage your informal networks on pages 57-73.

To help us learn how to be in the know, the author shares the importance of self-awareness, organizational awareness, and empathy or awareness for others. She provides self-reflection strategies for discovering how self-aware you are and practical tips for growing this skillset. Ultimately, it’s hard to understand a business and to be able to “read the air” without understanding its people.

Informal development and its role in how to read the air was a powerful part of the book because King laid out our personal role in our development. Our potential is governed by our intention to learn a new skill and our ability to take ownership of this development. As such, if we want to learn how to read the air at work, we have to:

1. Become aware of the unwritten rules

2. Understand how to practice these rules at work

3. Apply and refine the ability at work over time

King’s insights into learning how to manage your career or informal advancement resonated strongly because she leaned into very human desires of freedom and growth as being the cornerstones to advancement. Moreover, the author spoke about success being more about what we leave behind than arriving at a particular destination in the first place. She goes on to say that career success is typically achieved by knowing your personal why or purpose for work, knowing your advocates, and managing your own reputation.

The closing of the book is a reminder that employees need to feel like we are part of a community in order to achieve meaning. The what of work is less important than the informal networks that stand with us and help to guide us through the how of work. Paying it forward is achievable when we realize that we are our workplace and choose to invest in ourselves and our community.

In 2023, WWLF members hosted many events that directly impacted their local communities. Below are two examples of some events held in the Boston area.

April 26th, 2023:
New England Volunteer Day at the People Helping People New England Food Pantry in Burlington, MA. The day involved volunteering in the garden, planting vegetables, watering and tending the soil. This garden produced over 3,000 pounds of vegetables last year to help supply the food pantry.

August 17th, 2023:
Networking Happy Hour and Dress for Success Donation Collection. Rossana orchestrated a networking event in Woburn, MA that collected fashion accessories for the local Dress for Success boutique. We learned that the biggest need was for jewelry, scarves and other accessories so that is what we collected! The event was held at Sam Walker’s American Tavern | 1 Rainin Road, Woburn, and provided an opportunity for networking as well as helping others.

  

Spotlight on the Northeast Region
Rossana Ferrante, Esq.,
WWLF Boston Rep, Market Director, New England, Network Building and Consulting

How long have you been a City/Regional Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I started as the Boston Regional Representative in 2023. I am starting my second year.

Why did you join WWLF?
WWLF offers a unique opportunity for women to grow professionally in the telecommunications industry with an inclusive mindset towards both men and women. The focus on giving back, education and networking offers a great balance for its membership.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
Being part of WWLF, specifically in this position, has offered me more of an appreciation for the effort it takes to run an organization of this size and the tremendous value it offers. Membership is only part of it- finding ways to promote engagement and help people capitalize on what WWLF has to offer is most critical.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I started at Nextel Communications in 2000 as a site acquisition contractor. Later, Nextel hired me as an employee, and I grew into higher level positions, ultimately overseeing a 500+ site build plan. When Sprint acquired Nextel, I left telecom for 7 years. I took a position with Dunkin’ Brands and gained experience in franchising and corporate communications- returning to telecommunications in 2018. Today, I work for Network Building + Consulting as the Market Director for the New England Market, where I oversee operations, culture, and financials. I work with a variety of clients across various sectors: wireless, fiber, EV, and utility. And I love it!

What is your favorite Quote?
“The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been.” – Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?

• Do not shortchange yourself or your team by settling for the status quo- have a vision- drive the change. Sometimes no one else will see the opportunity until you show it to them.
• Be genuine- know who you are and who you are not. Fit is just as important as talent.
• Blind spots happen to everyone- do not assume you know everything- LISTEN to feedback.

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence to me is the ability to make difficult decisions and changes- to not avoid them. It is important to trust your experience and judgment- believe that you can manage through anything. The hardest situations can allow you to grow in new ways, which will make you stronger and build more confidence.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

• Determined
• Entrepreneurial
• Free Spirited