Introduction, biography, & previous WWLF experience

Based in Dallas, Texas, I currently serve as the National Director, Business Development at SQUAN, where my primary responsibility is to lead business development initiatives, collaborate with multiple departments on proposal delivery and execution, pursue new and manage existing client relationships, as well as assist in marketing activities to better showcase SQUAN’s service offerings across several different media.

Prior to joining SQUAN, I held the position of Business Development Manager at Flash Technology, where I was responsible for prospecting potential customers, managing client relations, contract negotiations, defining long-term organizational goals and establishing sales account strategies for wireless telecommunication carriers, wind energy companies, utility and oil & gas providers, and communication tower owners. I’ve also held roles as a Sales Executive for Smartlink and Marketing & Sales for VERITCOM.

I hold a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Central Florida.

I have been a member of WWLF since 2014, served as Co-Director of Member in 2015 and have been the Executive Director of Ways & Means since 2016. I am also actively involved in several state wireless associations nationwide, as well as an active member in NATE.

How has your career and experience with WWLF prepared you for a position on the Board of Directors?

My involvement as the Executive Director of Ways & Means with WWLF for the past four years has positioned me well to step into the role as WWLF President. Not only have I been working with the leadership team to help drive WWLF’s initiatives since 2014, I’ve also been an Executive Director and Co-Director through three different Board of Director terms, which has been an invaluable experience. If elected as President, I will be able to lean on the guidance and knowledge gained through my tenure with WWLF and my commitment to create an environment where all women feel empowered, supported and are given opportunities for growth, leadership and mentorship. Fostering these opportunities is something that resonates in both my professional and personal life and I look forward to collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors to further drive WWLF’s mission.

Major Issues / Initiatives to address during your term

The major issues or initiatives you would like to address during your WWLF executive board tenure.

1.     Expanding the mentoring program.

The power of mentorship is undeniable. I’ve seen firsthand the role mentorship has played in my own career success. The current WWLF Mentorship Program has been gaining traction over the past several years and I see opportunity to expand on the current program to be more inclusive of the full membership base we serve. I would like to create a two-tiered mentorship program that includes a mentorship class for those in the industry with less than five years’ experience and a second class for those who have been in the industry for six or more years. The goal would be to serve both entry-level women in the industry, as well as those women who might have experience greater than the five year mark but are still looking for support to streamline their professional pursuits, receive guidance through specialized education and obtain advice in achieving goals in career advancement.

In addition to the two-tiered mentoring levels, the mentorship program could broaden to include an apprenticeship program as well. The apprenticeship program would allow a women newer to or looking to transition within the industry to learn a skill or trade from a tenured individual also within the industry.

 
2.     Increase membership and renewals.

WWLF has been successful at growing the membership base, but there is still room for improvement both in creating more opportunities to drive membership and retaining members past the initial term expiration. One way to increase membership overall is to create an outreach program in which we actively connect with lapsed members to discuss the benefits of WWLF membership, ways to get more involved and options for rejoining. Additionally, we should consider moving to a tiered membership plan: 1-year, 2-year and 3-year plans that are discounted appropriately based on term selected. Most conversations I’ve had with lapsed members is that they simple forget to renew and depending on the time of year it can be difficult for them to receive budget approval for the membership renewal. Allowing different membership terms will give members more flexibility in receiving approval every couple of years instead of annually.

Other Ideas, Aims & Goals for WWLF

As the Executive Director for Ways & Means, I would be remiss if I didn’t include an initiative to engage sponsors at a higher level past the standard benefits of sponsorship. I’d like to see sponsors get more involved in webinars, panel discussions, Impact events, and the like. We’ve started to do a better job at this recently, but I feel as though we’ve only tapped the surface. We should leverage the partnership we have with sponsors to further grow engagement and expand our network.

Role of the Board – Please share your thoughts

The Executive Leadership Team, Executive Directors, Regional Directors, and National Directors all play a pivotal role in the growth and sustainability of WWLF as an organization. The Board as a collective should be able to link arms towards a common outcome once a goal is established. Together we can be a force to further drive our mission throughout the industry. Through commitment, collaboration, leadership and communication we can achieve anything.

What other attributes or qualifications you possess that will contribute to governing WWLF?  Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, reading, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Any given weekend you can find me exploring different parts of the country or curled up on the couch was a good book. I also love taking long walks (beach not required, although welcomed) and spoiling loved ones with surprise cards or gifts. Nothing creates more joy than to bring happiness to someone with an unexpected gesture.

Active involvement in women’s empowerment groups is also very important to me. I currently sit on the Advisory Board for Bold Women Society, serve on the Mentors & Allies Committee for WiNGS Dallas, and have held many other positions over the past several decades. Volunteering and serving the community has instilled a sense of pride and has helped to develop the leadership skills instrumental in shaping the woman I am today. Growth, self-improvement and inspiring others has become my way of life. In doing so, I’ve been extremely fortunate to gain a network of women that support similar initiatives and have goals to create massive impact.

In parting, I will say all the experience, guidance and mentorship I’ve received thus far has positioned me well to step into the role as President of WWLF. I look forward to partnering with the rest of the Board and Executive Leadership team to continue the WWLF vision of keeping women connected.