Women's Wireless Leadership Forum News

Telecom Trailblazers: These Programs Matter! by Lynn Whitcher, General Counsel for MD7

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:57:07 GMT

On February 18, 2026, the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) proudly hosted a Telecom Trailblazers event at the Verizon Center for Technology and Policy, welcoming 30 students from Jackson-Reed High School for an immersive introduction to the world of digital infrastructure.

Special thanks to our program sponsor, American Tower, lunch sponsor SBA Communications and our event host, Verizon Wireless — including Yenal Tucker and Megan Torres — whose support made this experience possible.

From the start, the energy in the room was undeniable.

The day opened with AI, Policy & Innovation: The Legal Voices Powering the Future of Connectivity, a dynamic panel featuring moderator Lynn Whitcher (MD7), Michele Cober (Verizon), Angela Floyd (Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP), and Madeline Sorg (WIA). These leaders gave students a firsthand look at how law, policy, and advocacy shape the connected world — and why digital infrastructure matters more than ever.

Students then participated in interactive workshops designed to make telecom tangible and personal.

In Branding Your Strengths: Building a Professional Brand at Any Age, Jennifer Winters (Motive Infrastructure) and Rachel Metzler (WWLF) led a powerful, affirming exercise where students identified their strengths and practiced articulating them with confidence. As participants stepped into the role of “cheerleader” for one another, the room filled with encouragement — a reminder that leadership begins with recognizing and owning your value.

In The Business of Connectivity: Why Telecom Drives Innovation, Nichole Thomas (SBA) and Kelly Alberta (American Tower) broke down the many forms of wireless infrastructure and challenged students to imagine the vast range of careers that make connectivity possible.

Throughout the day, Talisha Germain (RFI Industries), Taylor Weltmeyer (eX2 Technology), and Kristen Beyer (First Tyr Solutions LLC) provided mentorship and small-group discussions, deepening student engagement and connection.

The experience concluded with a facility tour, where students explored the history of telecommunications through immersive displays, including an eight-foot-wide city model, fiber and tower installations, and real-world industry applications. They saw firsthand how telecom and AI infrastructure power innovation across every sector of our economy.

These programs matter.

Telecom Trailblazers connects students to opportunity, representation, and possibility. By combining real-world exposure, mentorship, and hands-on learning, we are building awareness of the critical role digital infrastructure plays — and inspiring the next generation of leaders who will shape it.

Telecom Trailblazers events are held nationwide, creating meaningful opportunities for companies, professionals, and community leaders to get involved.

If you are passionate about developing future talent, advancing digital infrastructure, and investing in programs that create lasting impact, we invite you to join us.

Let’s build what’s next — together.

The Benefits of Attending Industry Conferences by Taylor Weltmeyer, WWLF Vice-President

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 22:43:07 GMT

Industry Conferences in 2026: Why Showing Up Matters More Than Ever

As we move through 2026, our industry is navigating a season of recalibration. With recent layoffs, restructuring, and shifting capital priorities across the wireless and infrastructure landscape, the emphasis has sharpened: grow stronger network partnerships, recruit top-tier talent, and build resilient, forward-thinking teams.

In times like these, industry conferences are not optional — they are strategic.

They are where relationships are rebuilt.
They are where new partnerships are formed.
They are where future leaders quietly emerge.

If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that proximity matters. Conversations matter. Being in the room matters.

The Power of Strategic Networking

Conferences are not just about exchanging business cards — they are about expanding your circle of influence. The people you need to know are in these rooms. Carrier leaders. Municipal decision-makers. Strategic partners. Rising innovators.

Seek, and you will find.

The most successful professionals approach conferences with intention. They research who will be there. They schedule meetings in advance. They introduce themselves to speakers. They ask thoughtful questions.

In a competitive and evolving market, your network is one of your greatest assets. Conferences accelerate that growth exponentially.

Learning From — and Becoming — Thought Leaders

Every panel discussion, keynote, and breakout session is an opportunity to listen, learn, and challenge your own perspective. The most impactful leaders are not the ones who talk the most — they are the ones who listen well and synthesize insight into action.

Ask yourself:
Have you ever considered that you might be a thought leader?

Conferences are often where that realization begins. You see gaps in conversation. You identify emerging trends before they are widely adopted. You recognize opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways.

Perhaps this is the year you step forward — submit to speak, join a panel, moderate a discussion, or publish your perspective. Our industry needs experienced voices willing to share lessons learned and inspire the next generation.

The Irreplaceable Value of Face-to-Face Engagement

There is a distinct difference between a virtual meeting and a face-to-face conversation.

When you sit across from someone, actively listening, asking questions, and engaging in real-time dialogue, ideas spark. New solutions emerge. Collaboration deepens.

Often, it’s in the informal hallway conversations, the post-panel discussions, or the networking receptions where the most transformative ideas take shape. A single conversation can inspire a new process, a strategic pivot, or the confidence to take action in your organization.

In-person engagement creates energy — and energy drives momentum.

Investing in Your Future — and Your Team’s

There is growing literature reinforcing what many of us already know through experience: conferences are not expenses; they are investments.

They accelerate professional development.
They strengthen recruitment pipelines.
They enhance brand visibility.
They position organizations as active, engaged industry contributors.

In a market where talent is selective and partnerships are strategic, being present signals stability, leadership, and long-term vision. When you send team members to conferences, you are not only expanding their knowledge — you are empowering them, retaining them, and preparing them for greater responsibility.

The return on investment is often intangible in the moment — but transformative over time.

A Call to Action for 2026

Conference season is more than a calendar of events. It is an opportunity to reset, reconnect, and reimagine what is possible for yourself and your organization.

Show up with intention.
Engage with curiosity.
Listen deeply.
Speak boldly.

This is the year to strengthen partnerships, recruit exceptional talent, and position yourself — and your company — as a leader in a changing landscape.

Your next opportunity, partnership, hire, or breakthrough idea may be one conversation away.

Make sure you are in the room.

Your Next Chapter Starts Now: 10 Power Moves to Land Your Next Role in a Competitive Market by Carrie Charles

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 22:27:24 GMT

If you’ve recently been laid off, or if you’ve been searching longer than you ever imagined, hear me when I say this: you will rise from this transition stronger than before.

This is not the end of your story.
It’s a reset.
A recalibration.
And for many people, an unexpected opening.

Momentum matters. The moment you start taking intentional action, clarity begins to show up. Confidence returns. Opportunities start to surface.

Here are ten power moves I see work again and again in today’s job market.

1. Start Immediately and Treat Your Search Like a Full Time Job

Waiting makes this harder. Start now, even if the steps feel small.

Update your resume.
Reach out to one person.
Share one insight on LinkedIn.
Small actions create momentum, and momentum brings clarity.

Create structure so the search doesn’t overwhelm you.
Mornings for applications and follow up.
Midday for learning and skill development.
Afternoons for networking and outreach.

Structure creates stability when everything else feels uncertain.

2. Build a LinkedIn Strategy That Makes You Impossible to Ignore

LinkedIn is your visibility engine. Treat it like your personal brand platform.

Optimize your profile for clarity and impact

Use a current, professional photo
Replace “Open to Work” with a value-driven headline
Add real metrics and results to every role
Rewrite your summary so it reflects who you are and where you’re headed

Show up consistently so your name becomes familiar

Comment thoughtfully on industry content
Engage with leaders and companies you care about
Share insights, lessons, and observations from your experience
Add substance, not “great post” comments

Add real value in every interaction

Offer perspective that elevates the conversation
Ask smart, thoughtful questions
Share context or insight from your experience
Become known for adding value, not noise

Use engagement as a visibility multiplier

Post content that showcases your expertise
Share reflections on leadership, growth, or transition
Comment on trends in your industry
Be authentic, clear, and professional

Leverage LinkedIn tools

Click “I’m Interested” on target company pages
Follow companies you want to work for
Join conversations already happening in your space

Your profile helps people find you.
Your engagement helps people remember you.
Your value is what gets you chosen.

3. Create a Strategic Hit List

Stop applying everywhere. Focus.

Make a list of:

Twenty people who will actually respond to you
Ten companies you would truly love to work for
The real decision makers, often the leader who would be your boss’s boss

This becomes your roadmap.
Your strategy.
Your filter.

4. Use Informational Interviews to Expand Your Opportunities

Informational interviews are quiet power.

They help you understand roles, industries, and company cultures.
They build real relationships.
And they often lead to referrals and unposted opportunities.

People want to help someone who is curious, prepared, and sincere.

5. Build a Daily Outreach Rhythm

Opportunity loves consistency.

Every day:

Reconnect with a former colleague
Introduce yourself to a leader
Follow up with a hiring manager

These small, steady touches compound quickly and often lead to breakthroughs.

6. Reach Out Directly to Recruiters and Hiring Managers

Do not wait to be noticed. Take the lead.

Send a brief message explaining why you’re a strong match and ask for a short conversation.
Be confident.
Be respectful.

Initiative stands out in a crowded market.

7. Get In the Room Whenever You Can

Some opportunities do not live online.

Attend industry meetups, conferences, workshops, and in-person events.
People remember conversations.
They remember energy.
They remember presence.

Your next opportunity may be standing right in front of you.

8. Lean On References and Strengthen Your LinkedIn Recommendations

Your references and recommendations speak when you’re not in the room.
Reach out to leaders, colleagues, and clients who truly know your work.
Ask for fresh recommendations that reflect your strengths and impact.
Social proof builds immediate trust.

9. Invest in Reskilling and Upskilling Including AI

Growth is one of your greatest advantages.

Build AI literacy.
Explore emerging technologies.
Take courses in cloud, cybersecurity, analytics, or project management.

Upskilling signals adaptability, curiosity, and readiness for what’s next.

10. Consider Contract Work, Volunteering, Freelancing, or Starting a Business

If a door closed, maybe you’re meant to build something new.

Contract work keeps you active and visible.
Freelancing reveals strengths you didn’t know you had.
Volunteering expands your network.

Many successful businesses begin in seasons exactly like this.

Final Thought

Your job search is not just about getting hired.
It’s about rediscovering your voice, your confidence, and your direction.

You are not starting over.
You are starting from experience.

Stay visible.
Stay connected.
Stay courageous.

Your next opportunity might be one conversation, one message, or one moment of visibility away!

Fellowship Wrap Up by Michelle Floyd

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:09:28 GMT

In 2023, a respected leader at my previous company encouraged me to explore WWLF after I shared my desire to grow within the telecommunications industry. As I learned more about the organization and its programs, the Fellowship Program immediately stood out. I applied for 2024, hopeful—but not selected—and instead was matched with my WWLF Mentor, Carolyn Hardwick. What initially felt like a setback became one of the most meaningful professional relationships I’ve had.

After a year of mentorship, growth, and a major career transition, Carolyn encouraged me to apply again, knowing it would be my final year of eligibility. I’m incredibly grateful I did.

The Fellowship Program kicked-off with a call from Talisha Germain (Fellowship Program Executive Director), who assured me she would support me every step of the way—and she truly did. Through countless conversations, check-ins, and even outfit texts, Talisha helped set me up for a successful Connect(X), making what could have been an overwhelming experience feel intentional and empowering.

The access and conversations I had through WWLF were unlike anything I had experienced before. I met fellow WWLF Board Members in person and had meaningful discussions with WIA leadership, including Patrick Halley, Mike Saperstein, April Ward, and Deb Bennett. Each took the time to answer my questions and share insight into areas of the industry I’m deeply interested in -- conversations that simply wouldn’t have happened without this program.

I also spent time learning from WWLF Board Members who openly shared how they prepare for events, make strategic introductions, and show up as leaders. Watching them operate with confidence, generosity, and purpose was incredibly inspiring.

The mentoring sessions with Anissa Latif Green (Fellowship Program Mentor) and Dr. Tameka Ellington (Professional Development Coach) were another unexpected gift. Unsure how to focus our time, I decided to split my approach: professional development with Anissa and personal growth with Dr. Ellington. While distinct, those conversations often overlapped in powerful ways. Their guidance, recommended reading, and the time they invested in me will have a lasting impact far beyond this year.

I entered the Fellowship Program with an open mind, unsure of what to expect. I’m leaving it more confident, more connected, and deeply grateful. This experience has shaped both my career and personal growth, and it’s one I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Michelle Floyd

Thank You for Making WWLF Such a Success in 2025! by Michelle Salisbury, WWLF Treasurer

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:06:39 GMT

Hello WWLF Members;

It is hard to believe that another year is ending. I do not know about you, but, for me, they are passing by a lot faster these days.

2025 has been a busy year for WWLF and the industry in general. It seems like just yesterday that the new WWLF Board was installed and began their two (2) year term. They accomplished so much in their first year! Their success wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our wonderful sponsors, both annual and event and our dedicated and very capable volunteers!

As a member of WWLF ELT, and in my capacity of Treasurer, I would like to personally thank all of our sponsors since, without you, WWLF would not have been able to have, as Taylor stated last month, an “incredibly energizing” year. You provided WWLF with the ability to conduct all of the wonderful programs and events that took place in 2025. Your continued support through our new and improved Annual Sponsorship drive, which will be launched soon, will allow us to grow and provide even bigger and better programs in 2026.

WWLF is a volunteer organization, so my gratitude also goes out to all of the fabulous women that have chosen to devote their precious time and energy to ensuring that we succeed. These incredibly talented, energetic and dedicated women take time out of their days/weeks to deliver the programs you have benefited from this year. I applaud their success!

Last, but definitely not least, I want to thank you, the WWLF members, for choosing us as an organization that you want to associate with and support. We look forward to providing you with even more content and opportunities in 2026. WWLF wants its members to be engaged, so we encourage you to participate in as many events and webinars as possible. We also welcome your suggestions for educational (education@wwlf.org) and event (events@wwlf.org) content, which you can submit using the email addresses provided.

Thank you everyone for making WWLF such a success in 2025! I deeply appreciate everyone and everything that has taken place is this last year. I look forward to an even more exciting and rewarding 2026.

My sincere thanks and gratitude! Have a safe and Happy New Year!!

Michelle Salisbury
WWLF Treasurer

Telecom Trailblazers Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators at Verizon Innovation Lab, San Francisco

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 23:35:33 GMT

On November 5th, Telecom Trailblazers welcomed over 40 high school students from across the San Francisco Bay Area for an immersive day at the Verizon Edge and AI Innovation Lab. Students gained hands-on exposure to telecommunications, IoT, and AI technologies shaping the way the world communicates and operates.

The event was generously sponsored by American Tower and hosted by Verizon, giving students unique access to industry leaders through engaging panels:

Fireside Chat: How AI & Connectivity Power Our World Moderated by Lynn Whitcher (Executive Directors of Programs, Telecom Trailblazers), featuring Eric McClanahan (Verizon) and Zain Admani (Inorsa). Panelists discussed practical applications of AI, from real-time data analysis to network optimization and highlighted the critical role of connectivity in powering smart cities, IoT devices, and emerging technologies.

Career Pathways Panel Discussion Moderated by Taylor Weltmeyer-Sierra (WWLF Vice President), with panelists Jessica Turner (American Tower), Talisha Germain (RF Industries / WWLF), and Jennifer Winters (Motive Infrastructure / WWLF) sharing insights on career opportunities in telecom, technology, and infrastructure.

Students also explored an immersive lab experience, working with cutting-edge technologies like private 5G, real-time AI inference, robotics, and AR/VR, seeing firsthand how modern communication networks operate and how AI optimizes infrastructure workflows.

Telecom Trailblazers continues its mission to educate, inspire, and connect the next generation of innovators, providing students from diverse backgrounds with early exposure to the telecommunications and technology industries.

The next event will be held at the Verizon Policy Lab in Washington, DC, on February 18th, 2026.

Get Involved: Interested in participating, hosting, or sponsoring a Telecom Trailblazers event? Contact Talisha Germain & Lynn Whitcher, Executive Directors of Programs, at telecomtrailblazers@wwlf.org.

2025 - An Energizing Year for WWLF by Taylor Weltmeyer, WWLF Vice President

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 23:31:33 GMT

Hello WWLF Members,

I hope this message finds you well and that you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. As we enter the final month of 2025, I want to extend warm wishes for a blessed and joyful holiday season.

This has been an incredibly energizing year for WWLF, and together we continue to build meaningful momentum—strengthening programs, deepening partnerships, and expanding our vibrant community.

In mid-September, many of our members participated in the Women of NATE Summit, both as speakers and attendees. This event showcased the strength, expertise, and leadership of women across our industry—each one raising the bar for themselves and their organizations.

Another standout this quarter was our Telecom Trailblazers Program. In late September, we hosted one of our largest student-focused events at RF Industries, welcoming more than 60 students who explored how STEM connects to telecommunications and impacts daily life. In early November, we continued this momentum with a remarkable Trailblazers event hosted at the Verizon Innovation Lab in San Francisco. This program brought together industry leaders for an immersive experience, featuring cutting-edge demonstrations and a fireside chat—including a panelist joining via hologram—highlighting the future of connectivity and innovation in our field.

From our November 14 annual networking celebration in South Florida—hosted in partnership with the Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers at the Inter Miami CF Experience Center—to our many regional engagements this year, we are grateful for the strong participation and enthusiasm from our members.

As we move into the final stretch of the year, we invite you to stay connected through our December 8 “Motivation and Mugs” morning virtual networking session, where we’ll continue to foster meaningful connections, leadership development, and industry insight.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to close out the year with continued engagement and the upcoming release of our 2026 Annual Sponsorship Opportunities, which will be opening very soon.

I’m grateful for all we’ve accomplished together in 2025 and inspired by what’s to come. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to connect or get more involved with WWLF.

Warm regards,
Taylor Weltmeyer - Sierra
Vice President WWLF
Program Manager eX2

Infastructure Deserves Influence by Abigail Crawford

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:30:00 GMT

Originally published September 18, 2025

Infrastructure deserves influence.

Six months ago, I entered a world I knew almost nothing about—telecom and digital infrastructure. I didn’t come from a technical background, and I wasn’t sure how I’d fit into a space filled with engineers, field crews, and legacy systems.

But I was curious. And I asked a lot of questions.

“I’ve had the privilege of starting my telecom journey with FiberCom Engineering, SkyCom Engineering, and SkyWare — three companies that are deeply committed to building smarter infrastructure and empowering the people behind it. From drone-enabled field solutions to AI-powered permitting automation, their mission is clear: to modernize the way infrastructure is deployed and maintained. But what’s made the biggest impact on me is their investment in people — fostering a culture of innovation, mentorship, and real support for their employees.”

Today, as the Executive Projects & Communications Lead for FiberCom Engineering, I’ve learned more than I expected—not just about networks and permitting, but about leadership, innovation, and the power of collaboration.

This isn’t a technical breakdown. It’s a reflection on what it’s like to jump into a fast-moving, complex industry and find your footing.

Whether you're new to telecom or just curious, here are six takeaways from my first six months:

1. You Don’t Need to Know Everything to Add Value
Curiosity and communication go a long way. Thoughtful questions have helped me connect dots, translate jargon, and see the bigger picture. If you’re willing to learn, you’ll find ways to contribute beyond your job title.

2. Infrastructure Is Invisible—Until You Start Looking
Before this role, I never noticed utility poles or fiber lines. Now I see them everywhere—and understand the permitting, trenching, and ripple effects they have on daily life. There’s a real opportunity to make infrastructure visible and relatable through storytelling.

3. Content Builds Connection
Content isn’t just marketing—it’s a bridge. Sharing our work through posts, videos, or podcasts has sparked conversations and created new relationships. In a legacy industry, fresh voices can make a big impact.

4. Relationships Drive Everything
From permitting to project delivery, collaboration is key. A single conversation can unlock a partnership or shift a strategy. Strong relationships are the foundation of forward progress.

5. AI Isn’t Just a Buzzword—It’s Solving Real Problems
Working with SkyWare has shown me how AI is transforming workflows—automating permitting, improving compliance, and saving hours of manual work. This is real innovation, and it’s already here.

6. The Best Leaders Are Great Listeners
The most impactful leaders I’ve met listen deeply, stay curious, and make space for others to contribute. Their trust and encouragement have helped me grow faster and lead with confidence.

Final Thought
Telecom and infrastructure are evolving rapidly—and there’s room for new energy, ideas, and voices. If you’re curious about this space, don’t wait for permission. Ask questions. Show up. You might be surprised where it takes you.

Bridging the Gap: Women Leading the Future of Telecommunications and Beyond by Stephanie Whitlock, WWLF Newsletter Editor

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:44:05 GMT

The telecommunications industry is at a pivotal moment of transformation. With the rapid expansion of 5G, fiber optics, data centers, and energy infrastructure, industries are converging, creating new opportunities for professionals with network expertise. The same skills developed in wireless telecommunications—including network engineering and infrastructure deployment are now driving advancements in electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, smart grids, and renewable energy integration.

For women in these industries, this shift presents a chance to expand their expertise, step into leadership roles, and shape the future of both connectivity and energy.

Bridging the Skills Gap in a Converging Industry

The demand for skilled professionals in telecommunications, fiber optics, cloud infrastructure, and energy networks is greater than ever. As 5G and broadband networks scale alongside the rapid deployment of EV infrastructure and intelligent power grids, companies are seeking experts who understand network automation, cloud-based monitoring, and real-time data processing. However, women remain underrepresented in these fields (Spencer Stuart).

To bridge this gap, industry leaders are investing in targeted training programs in fiber optics, cloud computing, smart grid technology, and EV infrastructure development. Women with a background in wireless and broadband have a unique advantage—the ability to transition their expertise into high-growth fields that are shaping the future of infrastructure and energy management.

Harnessing Technology to Advance Inclusion

As automation, AI, and digital tools transform how telecommunications and energy networks are managed, they are also breaking down barriers for women. Remote monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based collaboration have made technical roles more accessible. The expansion of networked EV charging stations, smart energy storage, and 5G-enabled automation has created new career pathways in sectors that were once dominated by traditional engineering disciplines (McKinsey & Company).

By positioning themselves at the forefront of these emerging technologies, women can not only participate in but lead the evolution of next-generation infrastructure.

Building Inclusive Workplaces for Sustainable Growth

For women to fully capitalize on these opportunities, workplaces must foster a culture of inclusion. More companies across telecommunications, data centers, and energy infrastructure are recognizing that diversity drives innovation. Policies that encourage mentorship, leadership development, and flexible work models are key to attracting and retaining top talent (The Times UK).

Employers must go beyond simply implementing these policies—they must actively support women in advancing to executive roles, project leadership, and technical innovation. By ensuring women are at the forefront of infrastructure expansion, the industry can build a workforce that is as diverse as the technologies shaping its future.

A Call to Action

As a member of the Women in Wireless Leadership Foundation (WWLF), you have the opportunity to shape the future of telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting your career, now is the time to embrace the expanding landscape of technology and sustainability.

Invest in new skills, advocate for inclusive workplace policies, and mentor the next generation of women entering these fields. By doing so, you can help build a smarter, more sustainable, and more connected world (Monster Hiring Guide, Inspyr Solutions).

What’s your experience in this evolving industry? Share your insights with WWLF, and let’s continue to inspire and empower one another.

Stephanie Whitlock
WWLF Newsletter Editor

The Benefits of Attending Industry Conferences by Taylor Sierra, WWLF Vice-President

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:40:53 GMT

Maximizing Your Professional Growth: The Benefits of Attending Industry Conferences

As conference season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the invaluable opportunities these events offer for professional growth, networking, and staying informed on industry advancements.

Industry conferences serve as a key platform for expanding your knowledge, building meaningful connections, and positioning yourself as a leader in your field.

The Power of Networking

One of the primary benefits of attending conferences is the opportunity to network. These events bring together professionals, experts, and potential collaborators, creating a dynamic environment for forming valuable relationships that can lead to new partnerships, mentorships, or career advancements.

Gaining Cutting-Edge Insights

Conferences provide a unique chance to learn about the latest innovations, tools, and best practices through engaging workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches. Staying informed about emerging trends ensures you remain at the forefront of your industry and can implement new ideas with confidence.

The Impact of Face-to-Face Engagement

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of in-person conferences is the ability to engage in face-to-face interactions. These personal connections foster deeper collaborations, more productive discussions, and long-lasting professional relationships—benefits that virtual meetings often struggle to replicate.

Investing in Your Future

With so many advantages, attending industry conferences is a powerful way to invest in your career, gain fresh perspectives, and expand your professional horizons. Whether you’re looking to grow your expertise, connect with like-minded professionals, or explore new opportunities, these events provide an invaluable experience that can propel your career forward.

Make the most of conference season and seize the opportunity to enhance your professional journey!

Thank you,

Taylor Sierra
Project Manager of Fiber Operations and Government Affairs Specialist
NEBRASKA - IOWA
Nextlink

Unlocking Potential: The Power of the WWLF Mentorship Program by Debra Mercier, WWLF Co-Director of Membership

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:37:48 GMT

The WWLF Mentorship Program stands as a beacon of empowerment and growth, playing a pivotal role in shaping the careers and personal development of women across various industries. At its core, this program fosters self-confidence and cultivates leadership qualities, empowering women to transcend societal expectations and organizational constraints.

The impact of the WWLF Mentorship Program extends beyond individual relationships—it creates a dynamic and supportive professional community. For mentees, it serves as a platform to build self-confidence, learn from inspiring role models, receive emotional support, recognize strengths, expand professional networks, and accelerate career growth. For mentors, it offers invaluable opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain fresh perspectives, enhance communication abilities, experience personal fulfillment, and build a distinguished personal brand.

By fostering these meaningful connections, the WWLF Mentorship Program generates a powerful ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual participants, contributing to a more inclusive, supportive, and thriving professional landscape. We invite you to be a part of this transformative experience by joining the 2025 Mentorship Program, launching soon.

Benefits for Mentors

Develop leadership skills
Gain fresh perspectives
Enhance communication skills
Experience personal fulfillment
Build a strong personal brand
Become part of a nationwide network of support

Benefits for Mentees

Build self-confidence
Learn from role models
Receive encouragement and emotional support
Recognize and leverage strengths
Expand professional networks
Advance career growth and opportunities

Join us in fostering meaningful connections and shaping the future of leadership for women in telecommunications and beyond.

Thank you, Debra Mercier
11 Years strong with WWLF

Reflecting on the Transformative Journey of the 2024 WWLF Fellowship by Talisha Germain, WWLF Co-Director of Programs

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:35:10 GMT

Receiving the 2024 Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) Fellowship Award has been an incredible milestone in my career—one that has reshaped my perspective on leadership, mentorship, and professional growth. This journey brings me back to a pivotal conversation with Carolyn Hardwick, WWLF’s Vice President, as we departed San Francisco, CA, after attending our first Trailblazers event. Carolyn asked me, “What’s next, and where do you see yourself career-wise?”

At that moment, I hesitated to voice my aspirations. Were they too ambitious? Was I mapping out my career goals too late compared to my peers? Carolyn’s response was simple yet profound: “You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Just keep going!” Those words have stayed with me, serving as both a compass and a source of encouragement. Goals require intentionality and boldness, and I promised myself that if I were fortunate enough to receive the WWLF Fellowship, I would seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute—particularly by advocating for young girls in underserved areas who may not view telecommunications as a viable career path.

Over the past eight months, I have kept that promise, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. This fellowship has provided me with more than a network—it has gifted me a village of mentors and advocates. I have had the privilege of being both mentored and a mentor, of volunteering my time, and of making a tangible impact in the lives of those around me.

One key lesson this fellowship has reinforced is that “a failure to plan is a plan to fail.” My leadership and professional development coach, Dr. Tamika Ellington, has been instrumental in helping me identify growth areas and encouraging me to pursue my goals unapologetically. She has reminded me to map out my aspirations with intention, accomplish those goals, and then make space for others to do the same.

This fellowship has also expanded my perspective beyond my personal trajectory. While it is crucial to focus on where we see ourselves, it is equally vital to use our vision and influence to uplift others. Organizations like WWLF foster a culture of support, advocacy, and empowerment, and I am incredibly grateful for the sponsors, mentors, and champions I have found within this remarkable community. They have reinforced the importance of intentionally choosing the roles I pursue, the teams I contribute to, and the organizations I align with—those that prioritize lifting others, fostering inclusivity, and championing professional growth.

In my current role as National Program Manager at RF Industries, I am fortunate to work with a leadership team that encourages innovation and professional development. They support my passion for being a change agent and foster an environment where I can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

To my professional village—Taylor Sierra, Karmen Rajamani, Beth Yglesias, Anisa Green, and Dr. Tamika Ellington—thank you. Thank you for pushing me to be better than I was yesterday, for inspiring me to dream bigger and work harder. Thank you for your authenticity, your willingness to teach, sponsor, and advocate for me. Most importantly, thank you for demonstrating the power of paying it forward.

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am filled with both gratitude and determination. The WWLF Fellowship has not only been a milestone in my career but a catalyst for deeper growth and impact. To anyone considering a similar path, remember Carolyn’s words: “You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Just keep going.” And when you arrive at your next destination, be sure to extend your hand and lift someone else up.

Together, we can create a future where every young girl knows that a career in telecommunications isn’t just a possibility—it’s within her reach.

Thank You,

Talisha Germain, MBA
National Program Manager – RF Industries

Giving Back and Growing Stronger by Arleth Carbajal WWLF National Events Director / Program Manager at Pyramid Network Services

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:28:00 GMT

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

Carrying a Heavy Load? by Ashli Fuselier, WWLF Secretary

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:58:25 GMT

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.”

Serving the Next Generation of Leaders by Beth Yglesias, Director of National Sales at Amentum, WWLF Co-Director of Brand Management

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:50:48 GMT

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.

The Importance of Cultivating a Growth Mindset by Rachel Metzler, Crown Castle Manager - Contract Compliance

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:14:52 GMT

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.

How to Talk About Yourself by Sally Williamson

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:12:36 GMT

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.

WWLF Launches Women in Leadership Symposium by Carolyn Hardwick, 2023/2024 WWLF Vice-President

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:10:35 GMT

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.

Spotlight on WWLF’s National Director of Virtual Events - Heather Fletcher, Senior Project Manager at Everest Infrastructure Partners

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 03:09:11 GMT

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.

How Work Works: The Subtle Art of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself by Michelle, P. King, Ph. D. Book Review by Kim Montgomery, Wireless Infrastructure Advisor, NOM

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 02:59:21 GMT

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.

WWLF Northeast Members Give Back!

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 22:49:04 GMT

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.

WWLF Spotlight on the Northeast Region

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 22:28:08 GMT

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

Mentor / Mentee Pair: Lauren Goff and Bailey Lively

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 23:30:57 GMT

Lauren Goff, Environmental Service Group Leader at Ramaker and Bailey Lively, PE, Civil Engineer & Project Manager, Kimley-Horn

Bailey: I had a great experience in the mentorship program this year. Overall, I really enjoyed the format where the larger group of participants got together virtually each month to learn about a different professional development topic. These topics included vision board creation, book reviews on “Leadership and Life Hacks”, tips for gaining and maintaining financial independence, lessons in personal and professional branding, networking strategies, avoiding burnout, and identifying / exploring our DISC personality test results. This wide variety kept the program engaging and encouraged people to speak up. Each mentor pairing had the opportunity to practice presentation skills in a comfortable, supportive environment which facilitated amazing discussions amongst participants as well.

My specific pairing with Lauren Goff, Environmental Service Group Leader at Ramaker, provided me another meaningful relationship with a like-minded woman across the country. Forming these relationships is my favorite take away from WWLF as a whole and the mentorship program provides the arena to form closer bonds with the women involved. I met Lauren at the Southeast Wireless Summit while volunteering at the WWLF booth about a month before we learned we would be paired together. Her warm welcome and PMA (positive mental attitude) are contagious from the moment you meet her. The fact that we both have a technical background in commercial real estate projects both in and outside of telecom sparked great conversations. However, Lauren mostly taught me the power of confidence and investing in oneself. Her anecdotes and advice translated well to where I am in my own leadership journey as a female engineer. Through our conversations and book reviews, we discussed the power of human connection and making people feel valued as human beings.

Lauren: Participating in the Mentorship Program was a wonderful experience, and I was grateful for the opportunity to connect with and learn alongside Bailey. Her future is incredibly bright! I look forward to staying in contact and continuing a lasting relationship. Bailey’s feedback not only warms my heart personally, but gives an excellent summary of the program.

Mentor / Mentee Pair: Kristen Beyer and Kylie Trundle

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 17:01:02 GMT

Kristen Beyer, National Director - Business Development, Ascend Wireless Networks

Kylie Trundle, Area Sales Manager for NWS

Kylie: My experience with the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum's Mentorship Program has been nothing short of phenomenal! It is so important for women in our industry to have a space to come together, share ideas, champion each other, and help one another level-up. I have been in the mentorship program for 2 years and have been so grateful to have amazing mentors both times.

This year, my mentor Kristen Beyer, taught me the importance of showing up with your best foot forward, and she consistently led by example. She knows this industry so well and always created such a comfortable environment to talk ideas, sales strategy, and how to further build a network of both friends and colleagues. She gave me the space to ask any questions I needed to and we created not only a mentor/mentee dynamic but a great friendship. I look up to her in many ways!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such amazing women in this industry who are true leaders. This program really did facilitate so much growth both professional and personal for me this year and I cannot wait for next year!

Kristen: Mentorship is something I always knew I wanted to do from early on in my career. I have been blessed by several people throughout my years in the industry who have helped guide me on my path to success, and I knew I needed to repay that somehow. In this program, the mentor and the mentee have a similar purpose: to seek growth, and that's exactly why I applied! Knowing that I could share my 20 years of experience and observe the do’s and don’ts (especially at wireless events) with a woman much younger than me made me realize how much we could both learn from each other.

We currently have four generations working side-by-side in this crazy telecommunications world, and sometimes us “old-timers” think we know the right way of doing things. However, this gave us the opportunity to share experiences, talk through them, and determine if there is a better approach.

My mentee and now friend is Kylie Trundle, Area Sales Manager for NWS. During our first introduction, I knew this was the best pairing possible. She was new to the industry but had previous sales experience, which allowed us to collaborate on what makes wireless sales different and how we could use some of her past experience to help close deals in telecom! I was able to share my connections with her, spend time together at wireless events, and be that place of encouragement when things didn’t go as planned. She even helped me get over my fear of “cold calling”. Even after the program has finished, we still know we have each other’s back no matter what. To my friend Kylie, you will do great things, and I am glad I was able to be a part of it!

You are never too old to mentor! You have something that nobody else has, and now is your time to share it!

Southeast Reps Give Back! 2023

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:58:36 GMT

The Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to giving back and fostering growth within local communities across the Southeast. Through the remarkable efforts of its dedicated City Representatives, the WWLF has been instrumental in driving impactful charitable initiatives that resonate with the organization's mission of empowering women and supporting meaningful causes.

Let's delve into some of the exceptional charitable events hosted by our esteemed City Representatives:

Bailey Lively's STEM and Art Studio Setup - April 2023 (Columbia, SC)
In April 2023, Bailey Lively, the WWLF City Representative for Columbia, collaborated with the Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands. Their joint efforts focused on setting up a cutting-edge STEM Lab and Art Studio, enhancing the organization's headquarters facility. This significant initiative aimed to prepare the Girl Scouts for their upcoming camps, providing a conducive environment for girls in grades K-12 to explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, and art.

Jennifer Jack's Meal Packing Event – April 2023 (Louisville, KY)
In an impactful endeavor, Jennifer Jack, the WWLF City Representative for Louisville, led a compassionate mission at Lifeline Christian Mission of Louisville. Jennifer, along with fellow WWLF members, contributed their time and effort to pack an astounding 3,672 meals for those in need. Their collaboration exemplified the profound impact that collective action can have in combatting hunger and fostering a spirit of solidarity within the local community.

Megan Reed's School Drive Event - June 2023 (Charlotte, NC)
Megan Reed, the WWLF City Representative for Charlotte, NC, orchestrated a successful school drive event that benefited Classroom Central. Sponsored by Inside Towers, Pointivo, and Tower Engineering Professionals, the event, held at Legion Brewing, saw a remarkable gathering of school supplies. Megan's initiative underscored the significance of educational support and highlighted the transformative power of collective contributions in nurturing the next generation.

Leticia Latino-van Splunteren's EmpowHER Event - September 2023 (Boca Raton, FL)
Leticia Latino-van Splunteren, the WWLF City Representative for Boca Raton, orchestrated the empowering WWLF EmpowHER event in September. With esteemed keynote speaker Evelyn Tala Clough, the event, sponsored by SBA Communications, served as a platform to inspire and uplift women within the community. Leticia's commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment and growth has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the local landscape.

Robin Clement's Women Shelter Donation Drive - October 2023 (Raleigh, NC)
Robin Clement, the WWLF City Representative for Raleigh, NC, led a heartfelt donation drive in October, where WWLF members collected over $1,000 worth of essential items for Raleigh's Women Shelter. Sponsored by Network Building + Consulting Tel Con and TowerCom Enterprises, with additional contributions from Drake Lighting and South Carolina Tel Con, the event underscored the profound impact of collective efforts in providing support and comfort to those in need.

These inspiring initiatives are a testament to the incredible dedication and passion of the WWLF City Representatives, reflecting the organization's core values of empowerment, inclusivity, and community support. As we continue to strive for progress and transformation, we remain committed to fostering a culture of giving back and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities across the Southeast.

For more information about our upcoming events and initiatives, please visit our website.

Empowering Connectivity and Leadership: Women's Wireless Leadership Forum Focus on the Southeast Region: Sara Muehlberger

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:51:38 GMT

Sara Muehlberger
WWLF Southeast Regional Director

The Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) continues to pave the way for empowerment and innovation within the telecommunications industry, fostering an environment that promotes growth, leadership, and community engagement.

About our Southeast Regional Rep:
Sara Muehlberger's journey within the WWLF is marked by her leadership and dedication to advancing the role of women in the telecommunications sector. Having served as the Atlanta City Representative from 2019 to 2023, Sara's passion for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment has been evident throughout her tenure. Her recent appointment as the Southeast Regional Director further solidifies her commitment to driving growth and empowerment within the region's telecommunications landscape.

Beyond her role within the WWLF, Sara has been employed at Terracon Consultants since 2014 as a Client Development Specialist and National Accounts Manager. Sara also holds a pivotal position as the Vice President of the Georgia Wireless Association, as well as serving on the South Wireless Summit Committee, as the Assistant Director of Registration. Sara’s involvement with these professional affiliations underscores her dedication to fostering collaboration and networking opportunities within the telecommunications community.

A Network of Empowerment: The Southeast City Representatives
Sara’s commitment to growth and empowerment extends beyond her own role. As the Southeast Regional Director, she has been instrumental in nurturing a network of dedicated City Representatives across the region. These representatives include Danielle Etzbach (Atlanta), Heidi Nelson (New Orleans), Megan Reed (Charlotte), Bailey Lively (Columbia), Leticia Latino-van Splunteren (Boca Raton), Jennifer Jack (Louisville), and Chrissy Robinson (Tampa). Together, this team of trailblazers embodies the core values of the WWLF, promoting diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in the telecommunications sector.

Carrying A Heavy Load, WWLF Educational Event Summary written by Courtney Davis, WWLF Co-Director of Education, Vice-President at MD7

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:14:14 GMT

Courtney Davis

WWLF Co-Director of Education,
Vice-President at MD7

World Mental Health Day takes place every year on October 10 to raise worldwide awareness of mental health issues. This year, WWLF hosted a webinar panel titled, “Carrying a Heavy Load,” to bring awareness to World Mental Health Day and specifically how it relates to women in our industry. The panel was made up of a team of female leaders in our industry, as well as a mental health expert.

Panelists included:

Carolyn Hardwick (Moderator) – President at Stratis, Inc. (WWLF Vice President and Past President)
Amanda Cahill – Sr. Director, Business Development at Network Connex (Past WWLF President)
Ashli Fuslier – Multi-Tasking Queen at SMW Engineering (Current WWLF Secretary)
Patti Ringo – (WWLF Founder and Past President)
Waverly Cole, MFTI – Family Therapist

As women, we often find ourselves shouldering a substantial mental load as we navigate through a myriad of responsibilities. World Mental Health Day provided a timely opportunity to shed light on the challenges we face and explore effective strategies to alleviate the mental burden. Patti Ringo's insightful advice, "Learn to use the tools all around you to simplify your life. Your phone, your computer, written notes, Alexa…whatever you like the best. It may feel a little time-consuming and overwhelming to spend time getting your devices to cater to your life, but ultimately it is an investment in your mental health," serves as a wonderful suggestion for women seeking balance in their lives.

In a world where technology is omnipresent, and especially considering the industry in which we work, Patti’s words resonate. The demands on women have multiplied, encompassing professional pursuits, familial responsibilities, and personal aspirations. The tools she mentions—phones, computers, and virtual assistants—can be harnessed to streamline tasks, manage schedules, and create a more efficient and organized lifestyle. By utilizing these resources, women can regain some control over their time and energy, promoting mental well-being.

Amanda Cahill, a proponent of intentional living and mental health, underscores the pivotal role of mornings in shaping the trajectory of our days. "How you start your day is everything, from the thoughts you think as soon as you wake up to the actions you take after getting out of bed. Having a consistent morning routine has been crucial in helping me achieve success, as well as the calmness and happiness I carry throughout the day. I’ve found that if I can control the beginning of my day, I have a much better chance of controlling the middle and end of my day." Amanda’s wisdom emphasizes the power of intentional morning routines in promoting success, tranquility, and overall mental wellness.

For many of us, the concept of a morning routine might seem like a luxury amid chaotic schedules. However, Amanda’s words serve as a gentle reminder that investing time at the start of the day is an investment in mental health. This could include activities such as mindfulness exercises, like the meditation led at the end of the panel by Lauren Goff, Environmental Service Group Leader at Ramaker and WWLF Co-Director of Ways & Means. By consciously shaping the early hours of the day, we can set a positive tone that ripples throughout the rest of our daily endeavors.

Mental Health Resource List

BEAD and the Implications for the Telecom Workspace By Amelia De Jesus

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:20:04 GMT

Amelia De Jesus

WWLF Past President Vice President
Workforce Solutions, WIA

As the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is set to unleash an unprecedented amount of federal funds to expand high-speed internet access as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s “Internet for All” initiative, all 50 states and U.S. territories have now received their initial planning funds as of Dec 23, 2023.

With the broadband-related portion of the IIJA made up of two major funding sources – $42.5 billion in the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and $2.5 billion in Digital Equity Act (DEA) programs – each state will receive $100 million in BEAD funding, plus an additional amount based on a formula that includes how many unserved and underserved households are in each state.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is allocating $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and US territories through the recently announced Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

The impact of this infrastructure investment on the broadband ecosystem will be significant. While fiber is considered a primary focus of BEAD, a variety of technologies, including fixed wireless, will need to be deployed to provide high-speed internet access for all Americans. The increased demand for broadband will prompt the emergence of new providers in the market, new technologies, and new strategies to provide better access to the Internet. This will undoubtedly result in increased competition and more options for consumers, resulting in better service, lower prices, and more jobs.

The investment in infrastructure will only be successful if it includes a commensurate investment in human capital. This historic influx of federal funding and the resulting broadband infrastructure builds will create a nationwide demand for skilled labor exceeding our current workforce.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the telecommunications workforce has declined every year over the past decade, down 23% from 854,200 in January 2013 to an estimated 656,700 workers in January 2023. While the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) finds there are mixed indicators of an industry-wide labor shortage, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds average turnover to be 56.9% for construction and 54.9% for utilities.

Number of US Telecommunications Employees 2013 - 2023

To meet the demand for broadband buildout spurred by the BEAD Program, a record number of laborers, technicians, engineers, and managers will be needed, and having an available, skilled, and diverse workforce will be essential to the Program’s success. States will need a comprehensive approach with a workforce development strategy that invests in skills, training, and recruiting.

The good news is that BEAD offers states an unprecedented opportunity to invest in broadband and 5G career pathways as workforce development is an eligible use of funding. States will have a unique opportunity to invest in education and training for new workers as well as re-skilling and upskilling for potential workers who are unemployed or underemployed.

Fortunately for the broadband industry, over the last decade, The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) has been focused on creating and scaling workforce development solutions. WIA created the Telecommunications Education Center (TEC) – a leader in training and curricula for the broadband workforce, offering over 40 courses tailored to the industry's training, education, and professional development needs. The association also pioneered the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), which boasts 93 employers, 15 approved occupations, and more than 4000 apprentices. They also lead the state of Ohio’s Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership, where, as an intermediary, they convene government, academia, and industry to provide insights while planning and executing broadband-related education and training programs statewide.

Generally, this important BEAD funding program is designed to ensure equitable access to reliable, high-speed internet for all Americans. We, as an industry, need to attract, retain, and/or transition the skilled workforce. We should raise career awareness to attract covered populations or the underprivileged to join the workforce and focus on industry-validated and credentialed training and education. The program's impact on the broadband industry is substantial, and its importance should not be overlooked. By providing support for broadband infrastructure, services, and public computer centers, the BEAD program helps to create broadband jobs and careers, will lead to equity, and stimulate economic growth in communities nationwide.

BEAD Reference:

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Bipartisan Leaders Applaud Biden-⁠Harris Administration’s Announcement of Over 40B for High-Speed Internet to Kick off Investing in America Tour https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/06/28/what-they-are-saying-bipartisan-leaders-applaud-biden-harris-administrations-announcement-of-over-40b-for-high-speed-internet-to-kick-off-investing-in-america-tour/

The Current Woes and Wins in the Wireless Workforce | By: Megan Reed, WWLF Charlotte City Rep, Inside Towers VP of Marketing

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:06:58 GMT

Our industry is, in many ways, an unsung hero. It operates behind the curtain, yet it’s the machine fueling the connectivity our world relies on. Despite the insatiable demand for data and a promising future driven by digital infrastructure, the market is not immune to slowdowns.

Carrie Charles, who began her career in the Marines, is currently CEO of Broadstaff, a nationally certified, woman and veteran-owned staffing firm, specializing in telecom. I interviewed Carrie to get her take on what is happening in the wireless workforce– good and bad.

A Deceleration, Not A Pause

Some have suggested telecom has hit a full stop. However, Charles recently attended a private event alongside key industry leaders who instead described it as a “deceleration.” Carriers’ 5G activity has been more coordinated compared to years’ past. Plus, Dish reached its 70% buildout milestone in June. “All of that combined, it feels more impactful than ever before, even though it’s cyclical and we’ve been through this with every ‘G,’” says Charles.

That ‘deceleration’ has however prompted layoffs. There is a trickle-down effect stemming from the carriers, impacting all facets of the wireless infrastructure ecosystem. And it’s likely to continue, as Charles believes there are companies that are still in a contemplation phase, trying to determine when the turnaround will begin. “Those companies haven’t started the layoff process but may need to. It’s a matter of how long this cycle lasts,” she says.

In the wake of layoffs, many feel uncertain about their next move. As someone who works with both candidates and hiring organizations, Ms. Charles recommends taking on the search for employment, “like a full-time job.” Wake up, complete your typical routine, and approach the job hunt like your career.

“Be vocal and visible on LinkedIn and with your network,” she suggests, “You’re instantly a salesperson, for yourself. Re-skill and up-skill yourself,” via training programs through organizations such as WIA, TEC, Learning Alliance and community colleges. “Learn more about the fiber side,” says Charles. “There is $42B in funding that is going to be distributed soon, so there is a lot of opportunity.” (Editor’s note: Read the following article about BEAD by Amelia De Jesus)

Emerging Opportunities

It's not all doom and gloom. Charles identified a new trend: Unemployed wireless workers are being retrained and reskilled on the fiber side. “There are companies that are already having success with this. They’re training tower climbers and tower techs as fiber techs.” And in turn, many feel the experience will ultimately make them better tower technicians. Workers are applying transferable skill sets while diversifying their expertise. “There’s a silver lining there. There's an opportunity to keep our workforce employed while we wait this out.”

There’s also significant buzz about AI. Broadstaff is already using it for sourcing. Its talent platform delivers access to millions of skilled candidates, some that are never seen in resume databases. “I truly believe AI is going to transform every industry, our lives. It’s going to be everywhere,” said Charles, who is confident it will drive digital infrastructure. “It’s something we need to pay attention to, we need to understand it. We don’t need to be experts. But we can’t be afraid of it.”

More People in the Marketplace but a Specific Workforce Deficit Remains

According to Charles, there are generally more people in the marketplace due to macroeconomic factors, increased interest rates and the higher cost of capital. “There are more candidates in the broader sphere, but it’s challenging to find the right fit for niche roles. There’s still a looming shortage on the broadband side. We’re not out of the woods just yet,” says Charles.

She has seen a lot of activity and attention around workforce development, citing apprenticeships and even internal training programs. At the same time, Charles believes many of the initiatives need more time to gain traction. “People are identifying the problem and building solutions, but we haven’t seen them all come to fruition. There’s still a massive need for broadband technicians to complete what needs to be done over the next several years.”

What else can be done? “We need to educate young people about this prospect, particularly in middle school and high school. We need outreach to those who have taken breaks from the workforce and are looking to step back in. We need wider initiatives in the way of communication to say, ‘we are here as an industry and it’s a great industry, and it’s an option for you.’” Charles also says scaling the available programs across the country will be crucial.

A Forward-Thinking Future: Diversity, Inclusion & Retention

On the other side, companies need to focus on keeping the talent they have.

Recent research by Accenture suggests that 83% of employees prefer a hybrid work model. “Offering some sort of flexibility to your employees is going to strengthen retention. That’s the way the world is going – like it or not. It’s certainly a heated subject,” says Charles.

Leadership should create a candidate pool of diversity and inclusion. Charles notes it’s more challenging in certain industries like construction but that can be improved upon with better education and communication centered around women.

“Mentorship and sponsorship are also huge for women entering any male-populated industry,” says Charles. “Make sure you have mentors – male or female – and a sponsor inside your organization.” Last but certainly not least, prioritize personal branding. “I think that’s something we need to be better at. Just getting out there. We feel uncomfortable with self-promotion, but we need a brand within our network.” Once women are within the organization, ensure there is a clear path to leadership and growth.

Spotlight on the Central Region

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 18:09:06 GMT

Regional Director: Nancy Hernandez, Central Region Representative for WWLF

Nancy is a Senior Project Manager for the Civil Engineering department at Tower Engineering Professionals. Nancy is a dedicated and highly driven professional who resides in the Chicago Northwest Suburbs. She began her career in the wireless industry in 2007 as a project designer and quickly discovered her interests in civil engineering and project management.

Nancy strives for success and thanks to her strong long-term relationships with her mentors and industry partners who’ve guided her along the way, she continues to raise her bar to grow, advance, support, and mentor our upcoming leaders.

She is an active member of the Illinois Wireless Association, Wisconsin Wireless and Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum. Nancy has held the position of Co-Committee City Representative and currently holds the position of Regional Director of events for Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum , overseeing 11 cities in the central region. In addition, she is an active Board Director member and co-chair for membership/sponsorship for Illinois State Wireless Association.

In her free time, Nancy treasures her time with her family enjoying outdoor activities, sports and traveling. Creating digital photo albums from all the long-lasting memories is something she strives for.

If you are interested in getting more involved in WWLF events in the Central Region of the United States, please reach out to Nancy at RDCentral@wwlf.org.

WWLF currently has City Reps in the following major metro areas:

Austin
Chicago/Milwaukee/Madison
Cleveland/Columbus
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Houston
Kansas City/St. Louis
Sioux Falls

Already in 2023 WWLF City Reps have hosted some fabulous events!

Chicago:

Volunteer day at San Lucas Church of Christ cooking, feeding, giving blessing bags and haircuts to the homeless community.
Networking and Wine Tasting at Cooper's Hawk

Houston:

Volunteers made 100 non-perishable meals for Kids' Meals Houston, an organization that delivers healthy meals to children facing debilitating hunger due to extreme poverty.

Detroit Metro Area

Volunteer Day/Meet & Greet to collect, organize and distribute food to 20 local Little Food Pantries. Venue: Whiskey Taco Foxtrot.

Empowering Women in Telecom: Insights from CEO Suruchi Ahuja of Tillman Infrastructure

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 18:05:38 GMT

Despite recent efforts to foster diversity and inclusivity in corporate America, many industries remain male-dominated. This is especially true for the telecoms industry, where historic barriers have impeded progress. Although it is estimated (Zippia) that only 34% of telecom employees are female, this number is gradually increasing and can be further improved by advocating from within.

As CEO of Tillman Infrastructure, I am passionate about ensuring that we push that percentage significantly higher, not only within my own organization, but throughout the industry. My journey to CEO has been incredibly rewarding, but as I’m sure many women will attest to from their own experiences, it has had a unique set of challenges.

Following my graduation from Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, I began working as an analyst at Citigroup. I had the opportunity to be a part of a core team that was integrating and growing a new business unit into the organization, so I was exposed not only to the finances but also the operations of the group. After a few years, I felt the desire to further my education, which led me to leave Citigroup and earn my master’s degree in business administration from INSEAD.

Upon completion, I was hired as an investment analyst at MAST Capital Management. This role taught me how to determine the key levers in the operations of a company that drive value, as well as how an optimized capital structure can help fuel growth of a business. I learned so much from my peers and mentors at MAST, but after four and half years I was ready for a change – and I missed my family. This led me to approach my father about joining him and my brother in scaling his business, Tillman Global Holdings, an investor, owner, and operator of telecoms assets around the world. Committed to instilling fairness and transparency across the telecoms industry, Tillman Global Holdings proved to be the ideal place for personal and professional growth.

As with any company just starting out, Tillman Infrastructure’s team was small, but agile. Titles were not structured or assigned, so I spent time across all sectors of the business, from hiring to operations, which allowed me to apply my skills and industry knowledge to scale the business.

By joining Tillman at its roots, I was able to grow simultaneously with the company, which is a unique opportunity I will always be grateful for. I was exposed to countless growth and leadership opportunities, and I learned everything I know today about towers from my incredible colleagues that have joined the business over the past several years.

As I took on this role as CFO, I was faced with the fundamental challenge of establishing credibility not only as a woman, but as a young professional in the field. Being the only woman in the room at countless meetings, I had to confidently assert myself and trust that my preparation, knowledge, and hard work would shine through. After 5 years as CFO, I was promoted to CEO of Tillman infrastructure in 2022. I find it crucial for women to be more involved in the industry. While telecom was historically perhaps a difficult industry for women to break into – and be recognized in – our role in this field is as important as ever. Digital infrastructure is the highway of our generation. Women should be trailblazers in this field and lead the charge on bridging the digital divide.

When I am interviewing potential hires, I am looking for core skills and the right values in a candidate. If a female applicant with extensive experience in this sector is hard to find, then let’s look for a talented female candidate in an adjacent industry. I want to challenge other c-suite executives to dig deeper and look harder for female and minority candidates. We should be willing to take a leap of faith and put our trust in a candidate’s raw talent, work ethic, and ability to creatively solve problems, whatever field they may be coming from.

I am so proud of the fact that, today, over 50% of our C-suite at Tillman Infrastructure is female. I also love that when I walk into a meeting with almost any of our customer partners, I am greeted by at least as many female leaders in the room as males. As I look even further down the chain – over 50% of the engineering class at Columbia University is now female. When I was a student, that figure was under 25%. I know that over the coming years we will see the percentage of female leaders in this industry continue to increase tremendously.

If you are a female looking to grow your career in telecom or digital infrastructure, I encourage you to stay curious, be willing to adopt a creative approach to problem solving, take ownership of decision making, work diligently towards your goals, and have confidence in yourself. Pursue areas that are of interest to you, and don’t be afraid to speak up.

Lastly, reach out to senior women in the field, as I know so many of us are passionate about supporting and mentoring the next generation of female leaders. WWLF is a great place to connect with women in the industry as are the local chapters of State Wireless Associations.

Wireless West Wrap Up!

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:59:20 GMT

by Ashli Fuselier, SMW Engineering Group, Inc., WWLF Secretary, TXWA President

In Late April, the Telecom world ascended on Vegas for the 2023 Wireless West Conference. The event kicked off with a Golf Tournament at the Arroyo Golf Club. After a beautiful day on the course, the attendees enjoyed an opening reception with a live band, Vegas-style entertainment, and lots of hands to shake.

After a flashy start, including a live Elvis impersonator, our host, President of CALWA, Rodrigo de la Rosa, kicked us off. The speakers and panels covered many industry topics including “The State of the Data Center Market”; “Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Infrastructure Deployment”; and “EV Charging Infrastructure.”

To break up the day lunch was provided by the resort pool before a marathon afternoon of panels and breakout sessions. Continuing the glitz and glam of Vegas, the closing reception was a white party at the pool with showgirls, live painting, and flashy backdrops for all the selfies.

Our very own Lauren Goff, Carolyn Hardwick and Ashli Fuselier closed the event with an all women led panel, moderated by Kari Willis. “Rolling the Dice: A Fireside Chat with WWLF” was about current industry trends, woes, and intrigue we have been hearing from our members – the panel addressed some sensitive topics that need to be discussed among the big players of the industry. The Panelists also discussed how to get the most out of their career and continue growing within the ever-changing industry. With a live taping for the CALWA Podcast, and a closing panel of all women from WWLF, Wireless West was one for the books!

Meet our 2023 Fellowship Award Winner: Liane Sippin

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:49:30 GMT

We are proud to announce Liane Sippin as the 2023 Fellowship Award winner. Liane will be mentored by Deborah Fraembs.

“We would like to thank the impressive pool of applicants that applied for the WWLF Fellowship program. It is a testament to the outstanding talent and commitment to supporting women in the industry. As a review committee, we were inspired by Lianne's dedication to investing in the success of women at DISH Wireless, as well as her passion for community service and volunteerism. We look forward to seeing her continue to encourage and empower women throughout her career,” Debra Mercier, WWLF Co-Executive Director of Programs.

Liane serves as the Executive Business Partner at DISH Wireless in Chicago, a position she has held since April 2021. In this role, Liane is responsible for serving as the senior advisor to the Vice President and liaising with 11 market managers to provide regional support and ensure consistency in deliverables and projects. Liane co-founded Women in Wireless, a group with a membership of over 200 telecom professionals at DISH. Liane also leads the grassroots effort of DISH Cares initiatives in the central region field offices to promote a culture of service. Liane has volunteered with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and various fraternal organizations. Liane is a graduate of Florida International University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.

Liane states that what she loves about WWLF is the acknowledgement that women in the wireless industry are critical to its success. There are many challenges and opportunities that face the wireless industry and WWLF is at the forefront of bringing human connection, education, and economic growth.

Liane’s goal as the 2023 WWLF Fellowship recipient is to develop lasting relationships, build her skills as a people-oriented leader, and contribute to the growth of the industry.

Reflections on Connect (X) 2023

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 17:45:11 GMT

New Orleans was host to an estimated 3,500 industry professionals attending Connect (X) at the Morial Convention Center, May 8 – 10, 2023.

As always, this conference, presented by WWLF’s parent organization, the Wireless Infrastructure Association, offered cutting edge educational programming including satellite connectivity, open RAN, multi-access edge compute (MEC), and the latest trends in policy and regulation.

Workforce development concerns were top of mind throughout the show. WWLF’s panel, “Workforce Engagement in the Era of Generation Z and Beyond” discussed the challenges facing business leaders as they lead the diverse workforce of today and tomorrow. WWLF Immediate Past-President, Amanda Cahill led a thoughtful discussion by WWLF Vice President, Carolyn Hardwick, Gigi Majors, Senior Vice President of Harmoni Towers, and Telisa Schelin, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of ExteNet.

We were also excited to see panels presented by WWLF Executive Director of Industry Relations, Carrie Charles, and WWLF Boca Raton/South Florida City Representative, Leticia Latino.

Lauren Goff, WWLF Executive Director of Ways & Means, stated, “What I enjoyed most about Connect(X) this year was threefold: unbelievably valuable learning and networking, the opportunity to work with both my Ramaker and WWLF teams to maximize our presence at the conference, and let’s be clear - hearing our WWLF President Lynn Whitcher speak about our organization was nothing short of inspiring! I enjoy public speaking, but watching Lynn on stage, she has inspired me to set my goals even higher to better hone my craft. Expert job, Lynn! You are an inspiring leader. Thank you for sharing your gift!”

WWLF was honored to host the closing night reception with 433 of our closest friends and supporters. Guests were treated to a private viewing of some of the most recognizable Mardi Gras parade floats and props before heading over to a quintessential Louisiana garden party experience featuring a starlit sky over an indoor garden filled with life-size oak trees, and footbridges over a beautiful stream.

One of the highlights of the show was sharing the experience with our 2023 Fellowship Award recipient, Liane Sippin, Executive Business Partner at DISH Wireless in Chicago and her mentor, Deborah Fraembs.

“Connect (X) 2023 was one for the books. From the speaker sessions to the networking events, this year will be the one to beat. It was great to see the empowerment and the sense of community felt by the WWLF members at Connect (X),” shared Arleth Carbajal, National Director of Events.

Next year’s conference will be held May 14 – 16, 2024 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. We will see you there!

WWLF Spotlight: Arleth Carbajal

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 23:09:48 GMT

Arleth Carbajal
Senior Project Manager, LCC Telecom Services
WWLF Regional Director Events - Central Region

How long have you been a City/Regional Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?

"I have been the Regional Director Events – Central Region since 2021. I was formerly the City Rep for Chicago."

Why did you join WWLF?

"I joined WWLF to connect with other female professionals in our wireless industry."

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?

"WWLF has tremendously impacted me professionally and personally. The women have helped me find my voice and boosted my confidence. I have in turned done my best to also assist any new members as they come in unsure of how to connect. I have not only made professional connections but I can call some of these women my friends!"

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?

"I have been with LCC Telecom Services for 11 years. I started as front desk receptionist, then assisted with their real estate. I then moved to their accounting department before I moved to the site acquisition side. I am now a Senior Project Manager, assisting, guiding and overseeing various projects. I am a board member and co-chair of membership for Illinois State Wireless Association. "

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?

"1) always be sure to listen
2) Stay organized
3) know your audience. I have had to learn to work with different personalities and how to efficiently communicate with each one."

How do you define success?

"Success is different for everyone. For me, Success is feeling fulfilled and happy."

What do you like to do outside of work?

"I love to spend time with my 3 children, (1 year old, 2 year old and 10 year old), going outside or to the park. We love to stay in and have movie nights together. I also do crafting on my free time."

Welcome to the rEVolution! - written by Stephanie Whitlock

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 22:58:10 GMT

I recently attended an FIA Formula E race as a VIP guest, which gave me unique access to the pits, crews, and drivers. I’m not sure why, but at the time I was invited, the “E” (standing for “Electric”) never quite hit home and I was expecting something along the lines of what we’ve all come to know and love in traditional auto sports. Well, I was woefully incorrect, but wonderfully surprised. I expected to see Formula cars tearing around the track at breakneck speeds, to hear the deafening whine and hum of high-revving engines and the cacophonous sound of the pits as crews sprang into action during each stop, assessing wear and changing tires, wings and other parts with the efficiency and skill of well-programmed robots. And the smell – who can forget that intoxicating combination of high-octane fuel, exhaust, and burnt rubber? However, rather than the traditional Formula One race I expected, what I got was a front row preview in what is certain to be the evolution of motor sports. No – this was not the in-your-face, brash display of masculine bravado, but rather a refined, sophisticated, and incredibly orchestrated event of sport and science. All done with electricity, computers, technology. Speed isn’t sacrificed, in fact, it is increased. Engineers and drivers are in constant communication, working as one. The thrill is less about the sounds and smell – and all about the storage and management of potential energy - and its eventual explosive, magnificent conversion to kinetic energy and mind-bending acceleration and speed. Sound and feel are replaced by the potential, the bet on the best and most efficient use of engineering, science and physics. It’s batteries, Baby!

After decades of trial and error, empty promises, and even industrial sabotage – EV’s are finally hitting the scene. While the first generation of the current crop of EV entrants have mostly died off (Fiskar anyone?). One notable company, Tesla, has not only survived, but triumphed against all odds and emerged as a global leader in the automotive industry, writ large (don’t get me started on Tesla’s Ludicrous Mode). While some may argue that EV’s aren’t out of the woods yet, Tesla alone puts up a compelling counterpoint given that it’s current market cap of $600 Billion is several times larger than those of the Big 3 auto makers…combined. In fact, EV’s are not just a reality – they’ve become mainstream and a part of everyday life. Let’s just say we’ve come a long way since the first commercially viable EV effort, the Electrobat was introduced in 1894!

America is embracing electric transportation fast and furious. Enter the coffers of the US government with programs like National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and we are in the throes of the movement to a more cost-effective, cleaner, quieter technology with its primary goal of addressing climate change. Whether the proliferation of EVs will really improve climate change or if our infrastructure is even ready to handle the immense increase in grid demand, is another story. For now, it’s the wave of our future.

As infrastructure designers, developers, builders, and managers, this means a new movement in the telecommunications industry. A new division of technology to be rapidly deployed. Cities with charging stations will be more attractive and have more resources to make their cities shine. Housing developments with charging stations will offer additional features to their occupants and have another way to generate revenue. Shopping centers, airports, parking garages… the list goes on for monetization opportunities. Oh, and they all need to be connected! But what does it take to install a charging station? Land, electricity, backhaul, permitting. Property research, land acquisition, permitting, engineering, construction, program management. Sound familiar? For those of us in the telecommunications industry, this is what we have been doing for the past ~30+ years with wireless mobile telecommunications.

So, pull up your bootstraps, and get ready for an exciting time. As all telecom industry initiatives begin, the movement is underway and we’re behind. Get ready to be involved, get educated and enjoy the ride.

Over MWC in Las Vegas this year, I had the opportunity to ride the Vegas Loop, between the Convention Center and the The Resorts hotel property. The underground high-speed transit system is the brainchild of Elon Musk, the ultimate champion of electric and autonomous vehicles.

The ride mirrored that of an amusement park attraction. The lane was just wide enough for the car and the tunnel was lit, but not by natural light. The Tesla that chauffeured us reached a top speed of only 40mph, though I understand the long-term goal for greater distances is upwards of 100mph! And…autonomous, of course.

Space and time became irrelevant as we sped under the glitz and grit of sin city. Three minutes later we emerged at our destination. Total cost $3.

I’m sold. Ludicrous Electrobat, anyone?

WWLF Announces the Call for Nominations for the 2023 – 2024 Executive Leadership Team

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:07:32 GMT

Candidates for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are currently serving in leadership with WWLF and will be installed in January 2023.

Nominations will be received from October 31 – November 14, and voting for candidates will take place between November 21 – December 16.

You must be an active member in order to nominate and to cast your vote!

For more information about qualifications for nominations, please contact Amanda Cahill at president@wwlf.org.

For more information about joining WWLF or renewing your membership, please visit our website www.wwlf.org.

Salary Negotiations by Akhila Sivakumar

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:03:10 GMT

According to a 2022 Deloitte article, the technology and telecommunications sectors are set to close the gender gap in the years ahead. Both industries are expected to see an increase in women in the industry and in more senior roles. As more women begin to join the telecommunications industry it is important that they are equipped with the knowledge to ask for and negotiate the compensation packages they deserve. A few keywords to keep in mind when approaching a salary negotiation are time, research, and expectations.

Taking your time prior to a negotiation goes a long way. During my first few professional negotiation experiences, I was impatient, so I took whatever amount was offered to me. I was eager to start at the company and insecure in my abilities, so I wanted to get the paperwork completed as soon as possible. In retrospect, I could have positioned myself into a better deal if I was more comfortable with taking my time. When a compensation package is offered to you, ask if you can take some time to think about it. Even if you know what to counter with or are happy with the initial offer, asking for some time to think about the offer allows you the opportunity to do additional research and set your expectations. The negotiation phase is your opportunity to take your time before you move forward with a company. The highest salary increases are often seen when joining a new company versus moving upwards within your current organization.

WWLF Director Debra Mercier’s number one tip when it comes to salary negotiation is “do your research”. Research is the second keyword to think about when preparing for a negotiation and it extends beyond just looking at what a company typically offers for a certain position. The first step of completing research starts with using tools such as LinkedIn Premium or Glassdoor to see what the company typically offers for the position you are applying for. Next, look at similar positions in the company and the positions that are above the one you will hopefully be accepting. Understanding the base salary for numerous positions in an organization allows you to be knowledgeable about what you can potentially earn as you promote within the organization. The next step is to engage with your professional network. Reach out to professionals you know in the industry and ask them “what would you expect the salary range for this position to be?”. The members in WWLF are great resources to field this information. Many of the women in this organization are well versed in the salaries for different positions and have most likely been in similar positions as you. Another tip is to look at different job titles that have similar responsibilities. The job titles between companies may vary but taking the time to research the salaries tied to positions that have similar objectives to the one you are applying for leaves you better equipped in your negotiation.

The third key word to think about is expectations. The research portion of your prep allows you to set expectations around what the position offers but you also want to set expectations around yourself. Think about what your minimum acceptable number is and how to respond to it. Prepare written responses to accept, counteroffer or decline. These responses and numbers should vary from company to company depending on the full compensation package.

With time, research, and proper expectations, any newcomer to the telecommunications industry should be well equipped in their negotiations. In addition to this, joining WWLF and connecting with women who have experience in this male-dominated field is a sure-fire way to position yourself for success as you join a new company.

How ESG is shaping the future of business by Kristen Beckman

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:00:28 GMT

You may have seen the acronym ESG floating around, especially in earnings reports and company updates. This relatively new concept is gaining momentum and shaping the way many companies are doing business.

What is ESG? ESG stands for ‘Environmental, Social and Governance,’ and it describes factors many companies are now using to guide their operations with responsibility and ethics toward society in mind. The theory behind ESG is that a focus on these three tenets of company behavior, including hiring practices and operational processes, makes the company more attractive to investors, customers, regulators and employees. ESG also is thought to reduce various risks and increase company success.

Environmental factors generally refer to how a company safeguards the environment, including energy consumption, emissions and equipment end-of-life. Social factors refer to how the company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and the community. Governance addresses the company’s leadership, executive pay, internal controls and shareholder rights.

ESG considerations can vary widely among industries. In the wireless industry, for example, infrastructure that connects individuals, companies and governments typically consume about 1 percent of a country’s total electricity consumption, according to PwC Partner Rolf Meakin in an interview with Financier Worldwide. The ongoing rollout of the next generation of ultra-high-speed communications networks will enable greater economic inclusion and have the potential to improve energy efficiency, he said.

Several companies in the wireless infrastructure ecosystem are already forging ahead with ESG initiatives.

American Tower reports on its ESG initiatives annually. For 2021, the company pointed to its efforts to reduce emissions, expand its portfolio of solar capacity, continue to establish digital communities, distribute nearly $6 million in workplace giving and matching programs and become a signatory to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact and the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles.

“Our sustainability program is grounded in our strategic priorities to foster a more equitable culture for our employees, improve our operational efficiencies, support the needs of our customers, uphold ethics and integrity at every level of the organization and engage with our local communities,” said Tom Bartlett, president and CEO of American Tower. ”Steadfast commitment to these key priorities will be integral to our continued success, especially as we continue to grow our business in this technology-driven era.”

DigitalBridge Group Inc. published its 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report this summer, which outlines the company’s approach to creating a positive global impact, driving sustainable growth and advancing its ESG initiatives across its portfolio companies, as well as notable recent ESG achievements and commitments for 2022.

“At DigitalBridge, we are focused on raising the bar as we invest in value-add digital infrastructure opportunities,” said Marc Ganzi, chief executive officer of DigitalBridge. “We are proud to have further evolved our responsible, sustainable approach to owning and managing our portfolio companies over the past year. Moreover, the successful implementation of our company-wide ESG initiatives and commitment to reaching net zero by 2030 have set higher standards for us all.”

In addition to its commitment for portfolio companies to achieve net zero, DigitalBridge has worked to ensure all its portfolio companies manage their environmental performance in a manner that seeks to conserve natural resources, reduce operating costs and adhere to all local regulations.

Belden, a global supplier of specialty networking solutions, announced its first reporting of ESG data this year. Belden’s environmental goals include reducing greenhouse emissions; increasing the use of renewable electricity and increasing total global electricity use efficiency at manufacturing and distribution locations; minimizing waste generation including hazardous wastes and requiring recycling of waste rather than disposal. Belden’s social goals include fostering a culture of teamwork through diversity and inclusion. The company hired a director of inclusive culture and has a goal of delivering unconscious bias training to 100 percent of its team worldwide by 2025.

“ESG is a key piece of Belden’s overall strategy,” said Roel Vestjens, president and CEO. “These efforts will positively impact Belden associates, enhance our care of the world around us, and continue our long-standing commitment to operating with the highest level of ethics and responsibility. From our ESG commitment to our shift to providing comprehensive solutions for our customers, many of which enable them to accomplish their own sustainability goals, there are many initiatives taking place which demonstrate the transformation driving the next chapter in Belden’s history. I’m so proud of all Belden associates who share the passion for bringing this to life.”

Unapologetically Ambitious - by Shellye Archambeau - Book Review - by Julie C. DeCuypere

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 23:40:08 GMT

This past August, WWLF held another dynamic virtual book discussion. I was thrilled to co-lead the session along with WWLF Vice-President, Beth Martindale. Our choice of book was the inspirational “Unapologetically Ambitious” by Shellye Archambeau. Shellye is the former CEO of MetricStream. Ms. Archambeau has over 30 years of experience in technology leading organizations focused on business-to-business as well as business-to-consumer.

The book begins with her remarkable childhood beginnings and paints a vivid picture of her loving family and the values they instilled in her. Like many parents, they sacrificed and saved to afford quality experiences and education for their children. But Shellye remembers these “sacrifices” as “choices” and uses this notion as a framework for her story.

She divides her book into five distinct sections and offers advice and insights on how to navigate the various stages of professional and personal life. Some of the Early Lessons in Part One are: “Create Your Own Luck” and “Beware of Imposter Syndrome”. One of the chapters that really resonated with the WWLF members on the video call was “Find Your Cheerleaders” - “We all need cheerleaders in life: People who, when things aren’t going well, will believe in you and tell you you’re a good person.” For Archambeau, her family was her first cheerleaders. Through WWLF, we have found cheerleaders who support each other.

In the chapter entitled “Set Your Goals”, the author writes about her “seemingly insatiable craving for recognition.” With vivid honesty, she recounts her early realizations that being involved in organizations gave her a way to show leadership and make an impact, even as a high schooler. A younger version of herself connected the dots that would lead her to set a goal of wanting to run a business someday.

In Part Two, “Strategize for Success”, she digs into the juice of the book about her planning and preparation. In the chapter on Fostering Self-Determination, Shellye writes about the three key factors of self-determination: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. “Research has shown that if you don’t have all three, you’ll be more likely to struggle or withdraw from challenges… Looking back I see how carefully my parents steered me toward developing all three categories.”

Part Three is about “Living the Plan” and her descriptions of how she put her ambitious and thoughtful plan into action are fascinating! Each goal was executed, from her choice of qualities in a spouse to the timing of when she had children. Shellye Archambeau moved forward with no second thoughts. The chapter about delegating hit home for me. Her advice echoes many other management and leadership experts: Learn to delegate. “I don’t mean that senior people don’t work hard. Most do. But they take on less creation personally. They inspire, direct, review, edit, and enable their teams to get the necessary work done.” The author challenges her readers to Embrace their Limits, Live Your Values, and, somewhat controversially, “Forget about Work/Life Balance.” “I believe in making choices, not sacrifices.”

In Part Four of the book, entitled “Swerve,” we join the author as she matures into her life and career and has to make even more difficult decisions in order to achieve her goals. She acknowledges the choices that took her away from her family, especially as she pursued a new position in Silicon Valley. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but for those who aren’t familiar with Ms. Archambeau’s trajectory, let’s just say she had to make some tough decisions in order to build and grow each company that she was a part of, especially the technology start-ups she joined. Her tenacity is catching. You cannot help but be inspired by her journey. She also shares encouragement with her readers.. “Believe in yourself. Set your goals. Go after them. Reap the rewards. You deserve it. These are the messages I want you to take with you.”

In the final section, Improving Your Odds, she covers such topics as Finding Your Mentors, Building Your Network, and Taking Risks. Her story is more than just a how-to but also serves to inspire and embolden women to take action to further their career without apologies!

Finding Your Energy written by Ashli Fuselier

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 23:31:00 GMT

Catching up with friends, coworkers and industry colleagues is something I enjoy doing. Seeing how they are doing, talking about how they are managing their workload, and recently there’s been a lot of concern ‘how can someone do it all?’. The joke was “you can’t have a clean house, healthy habits, and a growing career all at once, you can only pick two of those things and realistically succeed.” That was concerning for me and made me adjust my attitude at what success means for me.

Oftentimes, as women we wear many hats, both in our personal life and our professional life. Having the energy to wear all these hats, and be the best you can for each hat- isn’t always an easy task. You can look at some influencers, girl bosses, and public figures and ask “How do they have the time and energy to do it all?!” The answer is complicated, yet simple: Use your energy where it is needed. Complicated and simple. You can not be 100% for all things, at all times. So use your energy wisely.

Psychology Today lists 5 easy ways to ‘use your energy wisely’, and it breaks down to find what is important to you, what you like, and spend energy there. This advice can be applied to personal relationships, professional tasks, and with yourself as you mentally divide and conquer the day. Planning where NOT to invest your time is probably easier than finding where to invest your time. Is it Cleaning? Is it that weekly Ladies Happy Hour you dread? Is it deciding dinner every night? Find what you dislike and see if there's a way to navigate around or make those draining tasks easier on you.

Find ways you can save your energy for things that are important to you, such as dinner with the family – exercising – or that Sunday night bubble bath. I’ll never forget the conversation where I was complaining about how someone can do it all and have a clean house, because the answer was – they can’t. I actually like cleaning, it gives me peace of mind- but with two pets I am unable to keep up with it while I travel for work, so I passed it on and found a service that cleans my space while I’m traveling for work. It added years to my life, I swear.

So the answer is- find shortcuts for your life, if you have the finances to cover gaps in your life- go for it! there is no shame in outsourcing things you don’t have energy or time to do so you can spend your precious energy where it matters. You can do it all, and phoning in help is the best way to keep your sanity while doing it.

Sources:

Bregman, P. (2016) How We Work

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-we-work/201603/5-ways-use-your-energy-more-wisely

WWLF Spotlight: Ashley DeCabia

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 23:26:52 GMT

Ashley DeCabia, Account Executive, EBI Consulting

How long have you been a City/Regional Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
Northeast Director of Events since 2017, I joined WWLF in 2010

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
The WWLF community has always felt like my second family in the telecom industry. Many of the women that are involved today as Executive Leaders, Directors, City Representatives & Members have been part of the community with me for the last 10+ years. When I began my Sales role in ~2010 they opened their arms to me and no matter where I was traveling or what event I was attending I knew there would be a familiar face/name.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I started my career in Telecom right out of college in 2005 working at an Engineering firm in upstate NY (my Ocean Engineering degree somehow landed me in a role with a team providing geotechnical and due diligence for wireless installations). In 2007 I joined EBI Consulting as a Project Manager and transitioned into the Telecom Sales Team in 2010. Fifteen years later I am still part of the EBI family as the Eastern Region Account Executive.

What is your favorite Quote?
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.”

What has been the best experience you’ve had with WWLF?
I don’t even know where to start, there have been too many amazing experiences, events, conversations, meetings, webinars, etc. Recently we launched the Richmond market and it was a remarkable experience bringing new and legacy members together. To name a few; Ericka Lewis launched the market as City Representative, Kelsey Trundle (who has grown with me in the wireless industry since 2013) presented on “Knowing Your Worth” and Carolyn Hardwick, former WWLF President, traveled from Atlanta to be a part of the impactful launch event. Truly represented the WWLF community and showed the amazing future of the organization.

What does confidence mean to you?
The recent quote of the day in a Coaching Program I am involved with was “Confidence is what happens when courage meets preparation.” This hit home with me, as it is so true and personally I feel it relates to my growth in my Sales position in the wireless world.

How do you define success?
Success to me means being happy, satisfied, confident and content.

Your Next Move, written by Carolyn Hardwick

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 22:13:40 GMT

After the Great Resignation: Your Next Move
By Carolyn Hardwick, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Stratis

We are all too familiar with the phrase “the great resignation.” Over 47 million Americans left their jobs by the end of 2021, and there were 11.26 million job openings (Zippia) in the United States in January 2022. What do these statistics mean for employers and for employees? Many companies state that their toughest challenges these days are recruiting, managing, and retaining employees. As a manager who has interviewed over 300 candidates over the last 3 years, I can tell you that recruiting and managing is not for the faint of heart. To take it a step further and to be honest, lately, I have seen candidates and employees behaving badly.

You may be one of the telecom workers who analyzed your work situation and decided to resign in the past 18 months. With the new challenges of working from home, flexing your schedule, or juggling home-schooling with work demands, perhaps you decided to pursue a position that offered better work-life balance, higher pay, or better benefits. Job candidates and employees hold a lot of power in today’s job market. “To put it simply, the bar has been raised and the power has transitioned from the hands of the employer to those of the employee.” says Kristen Fowler, Vice President at JMJ Phillip Executive Search, writes in Forbes.

I recently heard the phrase, “with great power comes great responsibility”, a line quoted by Peter Parker in Marvel’s Spiderman. It is similar to a Biblical parable of the faithful servant in Luke 12:48: "To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked”. If you know you are in a favorable and powerful position as an employee or prospective employee, shouldn’t you use your abilities in the best possible way?

If you are contemplating change or are in the throes of recruiting for your next position, what’s your next move? Knowing those first impressions are lasting impressions, I hope that everyone, whether interviewing or simply attending work meetings, adheres to some basic business guidelines: be prepared, be prompt, listen more than you speak, and dress professionally. Even in a virtual setting, showing up late, being disheveled, wearing your “weekend casual” attire, and being unprepared demonstrates disrespect to your audience.

Be realistic about your worth and your experience. If you’ve been in the industry with little or no experience, know that you will be offered an entry-level position with a commensurate salary. Be realistic, but don’t disqualify yourself by demanding an unrealistically high salary. Be prepared to go through months of training, and be willing to work diligently to get to the next level. I recently spoke with a CEO who credits his success to being the person who was willing to do the jobs no one wanted to take. He also took every opportunity to learn something new, take advice from managers, and believed that there was no limit to what he could achieve.

Finally, if you have landed a new job, stop looking. Your new employer has hired you with confidence and is ready to train and retain you. It is inappropriate to start your position, yet continue to interview with other companies. It is also unfair to start a position, then threaten to leave within the first 90 days with mention that another company has approached you with a better offer. Don’t burn that bridge with a company that is investing in you as part of their team.

Remember your power and your responsibility. Be humble. We can all learn. “There can be a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Confident people are naturally magnetic, but nobody is attracted to people who act superior to others” (Celia Harvey) Let’s all put our best foot forward and raise the bar with our best efforts and contributions. Decide to bring your A-game every day, and you’ll see an incredible return on your personal investment. Don’t let anyone hold you back, including yourself.

Sources:
18 Great Resignation Statistics [2022]: Why Are Americans Leaving Their Jobs? – Zippia

Why Is It So Hard to Find the Right Candidates in Todays Economy

The-6-rules-of-starting-a-new-job

WWLF Spotlight: Arelis Baden

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 22:07:50 GMT

Arelis Baden
WWLF City Rep South Carolina
Kineticom, Regional Manager

1) How long have you been a City/Regional Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?I began as a City Rep in Michigan and am currently the City Rep for South Carolina.

2) Why did you join WWLF?When I started in the industry, I saw WWLF as a great way to network but realized quickly that was only a small part of it. Getting to know some of the ladies locally and nationally made it a fun way to connect and support each other in the industry.

3) How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?Being part of the WWLF has helped me grow in my career by getting to meet so many strong professional women who boost your level of confidence and help mentor you as you develop in your career.

4) Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I started in Telecom staffing 10 years ago and I am currently a Regional Manager at Kineticom.

5) What has been the best experience you’ve had with WWLF?
All the experiences I have had have been extremely rewarding, but overall, I am happy to be a part of the organization because I am able to connect with strong women. Over the years going to events and meeting these women, I have been able to see how everyone grows individually, and it inspires me to work harder and continue excelling in my job.

6) What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence to me means staying focused on how I as an individual can grow personally and professionally, staying positive, motivated, and patient in order to achieve my goals.

7) How would you describe yourself in three words?
I would describe myself as positive, grateful, and motivated.

8) What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to travel, experience new restaurants, and spend time with my daughter.

Pivoting with Purpose, written by Juliette Hamer

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 18:53:54 GMT

Juliette D. Hamer
Business Development, Director of Sales, Tillman Infrastructure

When I started in telecom in 1993, I had just moved to Texas from Los Angeles and was working for a temp agency. They placed me at a two-way radio company called A&B Electronics as a file clerk. I had no idea what two-way was, let alone what they even did! I had plans to be an architect: I would design, and my dad would build. Little did I know my path was about to change.

Time went on and A&B Electronics grew to be Pittencrieff Communications and a few years later was acquired by a little company we all know: Nextel Communications. I was so eager to learn and absorb as much as I could from the people that took the time to teach me. I wanted to be in every department so I could understand how each impacted one another. And that I did, I would soon move from filing to air-time billing, to a position as an executive assistant to the Director of Operations as well as Human Resources in my early years.

Several years later, I started working for Titan Towers, and this was truly my introduction to legal and the tower side of vertical real estate. I had the most incredible leaders at Titan who mentored me, many of whom are still in the industry. While I was working at Titan Towers, I found my groove and knew I was headed in the right direction. I was hooked on wireless. After a brief stint on the carrier side working for T-Mobile, I soon went back to the tower side with Mountain Union Telecom, T-Mobile Towers, and Crown Castle. My direction shifted and the collective experience from my past gave me the confidence to continue to pursue advancement. Currently, I work at Tillman Infrastructure as their Director of Sales. This is a position I created in tandem with my boss, as a solution to business needs and the next step in my career advancement.

Of all the lessons I have learned over the years, one of my key takeaways is you do not have to stay in a role that is not the right fit for you. If you find yourself in a role that is not fulfilling, glean the information you can while seeking out your next opportunity. Always trust your gut and surround yourself with teams that make you strive to be better. Find companies that believe in you and give you the platform to grow and be the best version of yourself. As you continue to grow, establish relationships, and pivot to the next endeavor, pause and enjoy the journey and never forget the “telecom roots'' you came from.

WWLF Spotlight: Heidi Nelson

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 18:46:33 GMT

Heidi Nelson
Business Development Manager, Harmoni Towers
LWA Vice President

How long have you been a City/Regional Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I was appointed in January 2014. New Orleans is my area! They also added Jackson since the two are so closely related.

Why did you join WWLF?
I believe WWLF is an amazing organization that really helps women in the industry connect and learn from one another. One thing I really enjoy is that we are able to learn from all facets of the industry and build each other up. Women helping, mentoring and uplifting women is so important! I also appreciate and commend our male members and supporters!

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
I have gotten to meet some wonderful women and have been able to build relationships with them whereas I might not have been able to otherwise. I’ll reiterate again that it’s been such a pleasure learning from all of them as well.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
Believe it or not, I started as a receptionist at Faulk & Foster in 2004! I enjoyed learning and helping so much that I quickly moved up the ranks because I was so eager to do more and more. I attribute a lot of my success to the training and excellent managers I was able to sit under there, as well as Integrisite and Castille Consolidated! I am now a Business Development Manager at Harmoni Towers. I absolutely love our company and my team!

What is your favorite Quote?
My all-time favorite quote is: If you’re gonna be a bear, be a grizzly! I truly believe that anything you do, you should absolutely do your best. I often always quote this to my son as well, working to pass along my drive to him.

If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?
Honestly, I have about 14 different people that I would like to meet. But, at the top of the list, is my paternal grandmother. She passed away when I was very young, so I didn’t really get to know her, but stories of her are amazing. She was a poet and the best person most people say they’ve ever met. She went out of her way to show kindness and humility. Also, it’s pretty cool that I look almost exactly like her. I try to be the person that people would say that about as my mark on them.

What do you like to do outside of work?
My dad is a high school football coach and it’s pretty much all I know, besides telecom! I love football (Geaux Tigers & Saints)!! I love to fish. I enjoy my roles as Vice President of the Louisiana Wireless Association and Board Member/Clay Co-Chair for the South Wireless Association as well! But, most importantly, my number 1 is my son. He keeps me on my toes and is without a doubt my “why”.

Words at Work: Put an end to over-apologizing, written by Kristen Beckman

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 17:51:59 GMT

Sorry to interrupt what you were doing, but do you have a few moments to read this article?

Saying “I’m sorry” is so ubiquitous in our day-to-day vocabulary that it has almost become an unconscious filler phrase or standard sentence starter. Does your outgoing phone message start with, “I’m sorry I missed your call?” How many times have you apologized for ‘bothering’ a co-worker or client when you have a question? Do you say you are sorry if you have to turn down an invitation to a work-related event?

Certainly, apologizing is sometimes necessary, but experts advise people to pay attention to what they are apologizing for, especially at work. And especially women, who tend to offer up more apologies than their male counterparts. Interestingly, when scientists studied why women say sorry more than men, they found it is because women and men have different perspectives on what type of behavior warrants an apology, with women finding themselves guilty of more offenses and viewing those offenses as more severe than men typically do.

For many of us, apologizing often just feels like the polite thing to do when things don’t go exactly to plan, and it can become a handy catchphrase to diffuse a potentially uncomfortable situation and keep the peace. However experts suggest saying sorry can have unintended consequences, such as making the apologizer appear weak or blameworthy, and it can devalue their contributions.

Career coach Elana Konstant blogged about what she called her ‘apology addiction,’ an affliction she didn’t fully realize she had until she started her own business and found herself apologizing for charging for her services. She said people she counsels on career transitions often apologize when negotiating employment offers or requesting a promotion or raise, a habit she interprets as an attempt to appear less aggressive and engender approval. Konstant suggests counting how many times you apologize on a given day, especially at work, to see if you might be an apology addict as well.

If you discover you are an over-apologizer, there are a few things you can do, experts say. First, only apologize for things you are truly sorry and regretful about. Put an end to apologizing for things that are out of your control. Don’t apologize for doing your job or taking time off for personal reasons. When you are tempted to apologize, try tweaking it into a ‘thank you’ instead. For instance, rather than saying “I’m sorry I’m a few minutes late,” try “Thank you for your patience while I finished up on a call.”

Orlagh Claire, a blog for young professionals, outlines other seemingly innocuous phrases that inadvertently minimize your authority and presence in the business world. For instance: “Just.” Just following up, just reaching out, just checking in. Just diminishes your question or comment so just stop saying just.

The blog also challenges professionals to think twice about the word ‘Yes.’ As women, it can be easy to fall into the trap of saying yes to every ask or task that comes our way in an attempt to demonstrate our value on the job. Being honest about your workload and limits will actually set you up for success more effectively than taking on too much and not being able to give a project the attention it deserves. And when you politely decline, don’t say you’re sorry.

Creating a Great Customer Experience written by Debra Mercier

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:29:00 GMT

Debra Mercier, Comcast Business Sales Executive WWLF Co- Executive Director of Programs

In an industry that is focused primarily on customer-driven satisfaction, creating the perfect customer experience is so much more than giving the customer what they want. It is about creating strong, lasting relationships. It’s about knowledge of the industry itself and providing real-time support. It’s about knowing their needs before they do and understanding future requirements that will assist in their growth as well as ours.

I have always said, ‘love what you do, and it will show.’ This is another component of the great customer experience. The customer should be able to rely, not just on the quality of the work but the integrity of the team. Trust is a key factor as well. I suppose you could say that the telecom industry is much like a balancing act. On one hand, we have quality and needs. While on the other hand, we have speed and reliability. So many factors go into creating a great customer experience. For me, integrity and credibility are at the top. The customer has chosen you, now go out and give them the best experience they have ever had. Tell them what you are going to do, then go do it.

After 20 years in the telecom industry, I’m not quite sure how to put my journey into words. Let’s just say, ‘be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.’ Ironically, I didn’t actively look for a position within the industry. However, the industry found me. Like many others my age, I put my career in the hands of employment agencies; starting first with a growing cable television company. This was a time before cell phones became as popular as they are today. I was then, as I continue to be, a very forward-thinking person. I knew what I wanted, and I simply went for it; headfirst.

As I stated previously, I didn’t find telecom, it found me. Paging was where I really dug my heels in and grew as a salesperson. Surprisingly, successes came easily, and naturally. I was intrigued by how quickly the products and services evolved and all the training. I thrived on interpersonal connections, and, like a sponge, I gained as much knowledge as I could. Frankly, there was so much to learn. The different businesses and products were vast, and I took it all in. I wanted to know everything about the telecom industry.

I feel a sense of enormous pride when I think about all I have accomplished. As the industry has grown, I too have grown with it. Unfortunately, growth isn’t always enough. Lately, we have had to take on a larger amount of adaptability. Within the last two years, the world around us has changed, and we have found that we must change with it and adapt to the diverse needs of our customers. It has taken me 25 years to get where I am today. A lot of hard work and sacrifice; long hours full of success and failure. My failures are small, but I value them just as I do my successes. It is easy for a person to be judged upon by their successes. However, it takes a real winner to accept the judgments of their mistakes, for it is not how many times we win but how we accept defeat and gain strength from it.

The future of the telecom industry is unknown. Much like gazing into a crystal ball. There are so many advances on the horizon in the telecom industry. However, technology is rapidly changing. Even as we speak, new devices are being developed, networks are being built and new companies are entering the industry. The industry is changing so we must change with it. What I see more and more is the convergence of solutions and Telecom as a Service, this will allow all buildings and users to get what they need when they need it, and fully managed solutions. We need new, free-thinking individuals that are not afraid to get their hands dirty; men and women that have the ability to think out of the box. Scratch that, throw away the box and dive in - the world is our oyster.

My advice to those seeking a career in the industry is to first find a mentor. This will guide you along in your journey. Always keep networking; in sales it is the key to your success. You never know who you’re talking to and how that person can support you someday. Never stop learning, always want more, and become active in your community.

Eight years ago, I was introduced to WWLF, and the access to so many people, education, and companies, WWLF gave me the support platform to help launch my career to the next level. I became a member, a mentor, and in the last 3 years on the Leadership board. The knowledge I have gained from this organization is priceless. I am currently excited and ready to run for President in the upcoming election later this year, these opportunities are open and ready for you to go for it. I am a strong believer in what WWLF stands for. The organization’s passion for advocating for strong, career-minded women is one I wholeheartedly share. I work hard to support the success of our industry for our customers and for those of us that strive for professional and personal success.

WWLF Spotlight: Stella Bezabeh

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:21:19 GMT

Stella Bezabeh, Verizon, Sr Engr Spec-Ntwk Reg/RE - Venue/IB/DAS Solutions Southern California Network

How long have you been a Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I have been with WWLF since 2012, I started as a City Rep and am now National Director of West Events

Why did you join WWLF?
I joined WWLF to learn about the many facets of the industry and network with others in different parts of the nation. A lot of my WWLF family have become very close to me and considered my work family.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
WWLF has personally impacted my life by giving me confidence and resources on how to become a better leader. Professionally WWLF has strengthened my communication skills and allowed me to build a diverse network.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I got started in the industry in 2004 working on the Nextel project as a permit expeditor. John Koos saw potential in me and gave me the opportunity since I had never worked in wireless. I currently work in Real Estate managing In Building and large Venues in the SoCal market for Verizon.

What is your favorite Quote?
Have courage and be kind. You have more kindness in your little finger than most people possess in their whole body. And it has power. More than you know —Brittany Candau

What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I am quite active. I play competitive tennis, box, and take HIIT Classes. Outside of those activities, I have a large family and a great group of friends with whom I manage my time around.

If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?
Mahatma Gandhi. I love everything he is about and how he leads in action. He doesn't need to say anything for people to listen.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Genuine, Loyal & Adventurous

WWLF @ Connect (X): Harnessing the Power of Your Workforce, written by Kristen Beckman

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 03:15:00 GMT

“We have a big problem in this industry, in this country and in the world,” said Carrie Charles, chief executive officer of telecom staffing firm Broadstaff, opening a panel focused on the wireless workforce at Connect (X) in Denver. “This is one of the most complicated times in the history of our world when it comes to the labor market. We have a labor shortage. People are leaving their jobs by the droves. They're going to different places. They're changing their minds. They're looking at what's meaningful for them.”

Charles noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the culture of work, creating new workplace environments and rules, spawning the Great Resignation, and amplifying the importance of diversity and inclusion. The panel, “Harnessing the Power of Your Workforce,” delved into the workforce challenges the industry is facing. Panelists included Blair Crawford, vice president of national accounts and marketing for Vertical Bridge and former executive director of industry relations at the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum; Lynn Whitcher, general counsel at MD7 and WWLF’s director of education; Leslie Freeman-Kowalczyk, principal of the telecom engineering department at WT Group and director of membership at WWLF; Amanda Cahill, senior director of business development at Network Connex and president of WWLF; and Beth Martindale, vice president of WWLF and senior project manager for wireless at Mears Broadband.

Cahill noted that diversity and inclusion has been a hot topic for the past couple of years but asked what that really means for the telecom industry. Diving into research and statistics, Cahill said embracing diversity has been shown to increase revenue, attract and retain talent, and motivate existing employees. She cited a recent McKinsey & Company study that found highly inclusive and diverse organizations generate 2.3 times more cash flow per employee and 1.4 times more revenue.

Whitcher cautioned, however, that diversity has to be more than checking a box. She said the benefits of a wide variety of voices, experiences and backgrounds among a company’s employee base can yield new ideas and innovation. But achieving diversity can be difficult, noted Martindale. We naturally gravitate toward others who we have things in common with and that we can relate to, and finding qualified candidates who are different from us can be challenging, she said.

Whitcher, who shared that most of her department at MD7 consists of Asian females, said being open to candidates who don’t look like you is key. For her, that meant investing in a junior lawyer who grew up with a single mom and didn’t have a lot of businesspeople in his network.

“He looks very different than me,” said Whitcher, “but he happens to be a white male. It’s too easy in these diversity discussions to say, ‘Okay, let's measure against white male.’ Well, there isn't such a thing as a monolithic white male experience. That's not enough. We know the conversation has to be deeper than that.”

Crawford also emphasized that diversity is much more than checking a box. Instead, companies need to live and breathe diversity every single day, she said. Vertical Bridge, for example, brought in a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) consultant to evaluate its team, the company and its operations, and then to educate the team on what DEI means. The company conducted a survey to get an accurate view of how its employees felt about diversity and inclusion.

“If we’re not asking questions, we're just making assumptions that our employees feel like they're being included,” she said.

Vertical Bridge then created a DEI task force to target improvements and enhancements to its DEI efforts. Those ideas include engaging in philanthropic activities that support underserved communities. Vertical Bridge’s Charitable Network has donated more than $7.6 million and employees have given more than 4,000 hours volunteering in their communities. These types of activities also provide connections to a larger pool of potential employees who might be recruited through internships and referral programs, said Crawford.

On the topic of finding new sources for diverse employee candidates, Martindale said it’s important to think outside the box. She noted former WWLF President Carolyn Hardwick was a teacher early in her career, but a summer gig with Sprint led Hardwick to pursue a career in telecom where she now is a C-level executive.

“You've got to look in unique places,” said Martindale. “I went to a lineman’s college and spoke with them about coming to work for our company. They didn't know what we did, and they knew nothing about wireless because they know power. They didn't even know that this was an avenue for them.”

Beyond bringing in diverse talent, there are also challenges with promoting women into leadership roles, said Charles.

Whitcher emphasized that women need to bet on and believe in themselves in business. “Let me tell you ladies, what definitely should not stop you from attaining a leadership role is yourself,” she said. “You are smart enough. You are capable enough. You've earned this.”

Cahill agreed with the importance of being your own advocate in career development. Sometimes that can be as simple as letting your company’s leadership know that you have interest in moving up. Often, employees don’t feel comfortable having those conversations internally with their leadership team, so they end up having them externally and then leaving for the role they wanted, Cahill said. This highlights an opportunity, as well, for employers to ask their employees what their goals and career aspirations are before they look outside the company for those opportunities.

“You can be anything that you want,” said Cahill. “Don't let yourself hold you back. The answer is always ‘no’ until you ask. Yes, it may be uncomfortable, but everything that grows from that is on the other side. And what do you have to lose?”

Burnout Written by Akhila Sivakumar

Sat, 28 May 2022 14:37:00 GMT

The Sprint and T-Mobile merger ushered in a new phase of the telecommunications industry. This merger has impacted all of us by the creation of a new carrier and a surge of work. We all have felt the increase in activity but adding a global pandemic to the mix has made this time truly unprecedented. It is important now, more than ever, that we focus on burnout. What it is, the signs and symptoms, and what we can do to manage it.

We have all heard of burnout but many of us think it’s a fleeting phase of job-related stress. Burnout is much more serious than that. It is a syndrome of chronic stress with no end date that is often accompanied by extreme exhaustion and depression. Burnout is defined as a type of job-related stress that affects one’s emotional, physical, and mental health but burnout can be caused by more than occupational stress. Personal commitments, relationships, and other catalysts of stress can cause burnout. More specific causes of burnout include a lack of control, unclear job expectations, lack of social support, work-life imbalance, and a chaotic or unpredictable environment. Burnout is not yet a medical diagnosis but if you are not careful it can lead to many medical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, insomnia, and a weakened immune system.

Although chronic stress causes burnout, the signs and symptoms between stress and burnout are very different. The symptoms of stress include over-engagement, reactive emotions, hyperactivity, and anxiety. Burnout symptoms are more aligned with depression than anxiety. With burnout, you may experience, disengagement, distant/diluted emotions, loss of motivation, lower activity, and a feeling of helplessness. The Mayo Clinic has a list of questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you are experiencing burnout at work. These questions include “Have you become cynical or critical at work?”, “Do you lack satisfaction from your achievements?” and “Do you lack the energy to be consistently productive?”. If you answer yes to any of these questions, it’s time to monitor your symptoms and prepare to manage burnout.

Burnout can be tackled with the “Three R Approach” – Recognize, Reverse, and Resilience. Once you recognize the symptoms you can begin reversing the effects. Reversing the effects of burnout start with finding support. Reach out to family, friends and even your mentors to communicate and connect. Think about ways that certain home or work responsibilities can be delegated out and ask for help. Even if the people you reach out to cannot take on any responsibilities, just talking to someone can help alleviate your stress. In addition to finding support, reversing the effects of burnout includes limiting your contact with negativity in your life – this could be people or situations. You can also work on reframing the cause of your burnout. Reframing the cause of your burnout can look like finding the positives and value in your work, taking time off, or reestablishing better boundaries. The third step in this approach is to build resilience. Building resilience is a continuous effort to keep from falling into burnout. Everyone has different ways to keep burnout in check. Some examples include exercising, setting boundaries around work, journaling, and meditating. The most impactful way to build resilience is to check in with yourself regularly. Taking the time to regularly assess your feelings and evaluate your priorities is an easy and effective way to keep burnout at bay. All too often many of us fall into the trap of constantly moving from one task to the next and saying “yes” without really considering our capacity.

When it comes to burnout, the times when we are busiest are the most important times to make space for ourselves and our mental health. Summer is a fun time of year but with travel, childcare, and a high customer/client demand, burnout can creep up quickly and silently. Prevention is always better than recovery so monitor your symptoms, focus on the three R approach, and check in on your employees, coworkers, and friends. Most importantly, make sure you check in with yourself!

Women in Wireless Construction Written by Heather Gastelum

Sat, 28 May 2022 14:30:06 GMT

Senior Manager for National Site Safety, T-Mobile

Heather Gastelum is one of the few women who focuses on construction safety in the wireless industry. She is a member of T-Mobile’s Women & Allies Employee Resources Group, serves on the Women of NATE (WON) committee, and is a member of WWLF.

I got my start in Wireless Construction in 1994 when I first moved to Washington state. I had struggled to find work even though I had experience. I took the first temp job offered, knowing I needed to work and keep my skills up. The position was with Cellular Communication Services (CCS) and after two months they offered me a full-time job as a Construction Coordinator.

I have a “non-traditional” upbringing, spending a few summers working for my father who held a general contractor's license and was an owner/operator of a custom steel fabrication manufacturing facility. I spent hours of my childhood looking at designs and blueprints on our dining room table and asking countless questions.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was interested when I was first asked to take on a Construction Manager role. In the time spent working for my dad, I developed the ability to just see how something should fit together. I spoke up in project planning and pre-construction meetings and called out things that the “boys” hadn’t even taken into consideration. Well, my call outs “did you consider this”, or “try that” caught the attention of the lead guy, Rick Turnure, who told me “you know more about construction than two of the guys I hired and we could use you more out in the field.”

It was fantastic to be pushed and sponsored by a man who recognized that I knew more than a typical coordinator. He pushed the company leadership to give me a shot. We walked our first job together back in 1996 and two weeks later I was handed my first 25 raw-land new site builds for Sprint PCS. The rest, as they say, is history.

The National Association of Women in Construction maintains statistics that show women working in construction numbered only 1.5 percent of the entire U.S. workforce in 2018. Keeping in mind they do not account for our industry, I feel their numbers are in line, even perhaps a bit high, with the current state of women in the telecommunication field “construction” roles.

On a positive note, NAWIC shows the gender pay gap is significantly smaller in construction occupations, with women earning on average 99.1 percent of what men make vs the 81.1 percent average for Women across the U.S. (Source: NAWIC https://www.nawic.org/statistics and the 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics report)

There are many challenges that face women in wireless construction, especially for female tower climbers. While we have female friendly climbing gear, the tower structures have not changed. The average height of women in America is 5’ 4” and the standard distance between step bolts/pegs horizontally is 24”, which can make the climb more difficult and take longer than it would for a guy who is 6’ tall.

As I hosted a recent “Women of NATE” LeanIn session, I asked participants the question “What’s one of the biggest challenges Women face in our Industry?” Some of the answers were: “Having tower companies believe that women can climb too.” “Always having to prove you really know what you’re doing.” And another said “lack of respect.” It is sad to think that there are crews and companies that are still making field roles unwelcoming to women. It takes each and everyone of us to shift gender stereotypes.

Right now in the industry we have a few female trainers, a few husband-and-wife crew’s and more female crew members now than we ever have but we are still barely scratching the surface of potential for Construction Managers, Tower Technicians, Crane Operators, Truck Drivers, Welders, Fabricators, Backhoe Operators, Integrators and so much more. What else can be done: Bring Back Trades. Take the opportunity to challenge your local High schools to bring back trade classes.

My call to action for each of you is to be the kind of employer, manager and crew member that will be welcoming and share your knowledge. Remember back to when you first started out. It really upsets me when I find out that there is still hazing and many other pranks. That type of nonsense isn’t professional and generates bad attitudes. Be someone willing to answer “stupid questions” because that’s the only way others will learn what you didn’t know at one point either. A crew is only as strong as its newest member.

Construction can be intimidating for men and for women. I was only 22 years old when I walked my first design walk, bid walk, pre-con, post-con with nothing but men that didn’t know me and clearly thought it was gonna be fun. Ladies, stay true to you. Show up, hold your own, speak with confidence and ask a ton of questions until you feel like you understand the task, how to execute it and what’s needed to support the team goals.

I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that I have been given: from the first guy who mentored me by acting as a sponsor with management, by letting them know I deserved the opportunity. To the guys on that commercial job that exposed me to trades I had not previously worked with and taught me so much. But those opportunities were granted to me based on my willingness to learn. You can be confident without being arrogant. You can be open to new opportunities by asking for a chance.

WWLF Spotlight: Virginia Mical

Sat, 28 May 2022 14:25:54 GMT

Virgina Mical, Account Manager, Launch3 Telecom
WWLF City Rep for Baltimore/Washington area

How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
Brand new! Working on planning my first event now, I am the Baltimore/Washington rep.

Why did you join WWLF?
In a male dominated industry, I think it is important for women to come together in solidarity. Being new to telecom, I saw it as a great opportunity to meet other professional women. In addition, I enjoy knowing that I am a part of something bigger than myself.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
I have met so many amazing women while participating in WWLF events. Knowing that I have access to such an extensive network has given me the confidence to navigate my professional landscape.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I had always known about the telecom and wireless industry as my mom worked in networking and telecom for 20 years! But it was actually a friend of mine who referred me for my first job in Wireless. That job was in staffing. Now, I work as an Account Manager for a great company called Launch 3, a global manufacturer and distributor of wireless equipment.

What does confidence mean to you?
I have had a mantra since high school (my best friend taught me this when I was struggling with insecurity) “You are only as confident as people THINK you are. If you are not feeling assured, just remember to fake it till you make it.”

How do you define success?
For me, instead of measuring success, I like to think in terms of fulfillment. Am I doing what brings me joy? Am I working for my community or a higher purpose? True fulfillment in life doesn’t come from what we get. It comes from what we give.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to read - I take part in a book club. I like to work out. I really enjoy cooking and consider myself a foodie!

My Life In Full - By Indra Nooyi - Book Review by Carolyn Hardwick, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Stratis

Tue, 03 May 2022 23:03:38 GMT

On April 20, 2022, WWLF members met virtually for our quarterly book read. The book was Indra Nooyi’s “My Life In Full: Work, Family, and Our Future”. The group had a lively discussion asking and answering such questions as “The author had the support of an extended family throughout her life. In her early years, her family prioritized the education of Indra and her sister. When you were growing up, did your family support your educational and career goals? How did their support/lack of support affect your career trajectory?” and “Nooyi reportedly earned around $31 million USD in her last year as CEO. In her last full year as CEO, 2017, there were only 13 women amongst the top 200 highest paid CEOs of American companies. Most C-Suite compensation is paid out in stock-options, but, still, she was one of the highest paid female CEOS ever. Interestingly enough, she never asked for a raise or bonus. Female executives still earn less than their male counterparts, what can be done to narrow this pay gap? Is part of the problem that women don’t negotiate or is it that women are seen as viewed unfavorably when they do ask for a raise?”

Indra Nooyi, one of the world’s most admired executives as former CEO of PepsiCo, recounts her journey from her childhood in India to becoming the first woman of color to lead a Fortune 50 company. Her biography, “My Life In Full: Work, Family, and Our Future” is insightful, honest, and inspiring. I appreciated Nooyi’s detail of her background, which included an emphasis on education and commitment to family during her childhood. It is clear that Nooyi received strength and confidence having the support of her parents and then later the invaluable, selfless support of her husband, Raj.

Throughout the book, the reader sees the tireless efforts of Nooyi as she rises through the ranks of various companies. She makes personal sacrifices and difficult choices as she balances her executive roles with being a wife and mother. By her own admission and as she shares her reflections throughout the book, she prioritized work and never wavered from climbing the corporate ladder with intense vigor. Her drive and dedication are inspiring, but the author shares some regrets with having achieved the pinnacle of her career at PepsiCo.

Nooyi’s autobiography is relevant for readers today, as the topic of work-life balance is prevalent. It was a huge accomplishment for Nooyi, a female immigrant with humble beginnings, to rise to the top of one of the most famous companies in U.S. history. This book is a quick-read and gives readers pause to consider the importance of relationships, education, learning from failures, driving corporate change, and sacrifices made during one’s professional journey.

WWLF City Rep Spotlight: Lucia Chiocchio

Tue, 03 May 2022 22:53:05 GMT

Lucia Chiocchio, Esq., Partner, Cuddy & Feder LLP
Zoning / Telecommunications Attorney
WWLF City Rep for NYC Metro Area

How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I have been WWLF’s NYC Rep for eight (8) years (!). Time flies when you are having fun. My territory/region includes the NYC metro area.

Why did you join WWLF?
I joined WWLF to connect with other female professionals in the wireless industry. One of the many great benefits of WWLF membership is that the members include professionals from all aspects of the industry.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?Being part of WWLF has enriched my professional life. The connections I have made increased my knowledge and enhanced my practice. It’s great to know that anytime I need support, information, or answers to questions, I can count on my WWLF connections. And, I have truly enjoyed getting to know some WWLF members on a personal level.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I started in the telecommunications industry as an engineer for a landline telephone company back in the 90’s. While working as a telecom engineer, I attended law school in the evenings. After graduating law school, I joined the law firm of Cuddy & Feder LLP, which has one of the largest, most experienced telecommunications infrastructure practices in the country. I am now a partner at Cuddy & Feder and vice-chair of our Telecommunications Practice.

What is your favorite Quote?
There are so many good ones, it’s hard to choose. Lately, with the passing of Madeline Albright, I’ve been thinking about one of her quotes that I really believe to be true:
“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?
1.    Listen
2.    Delegate
3.    Trust

How do you see the future of the industry?
In my opinion the telecommunications industry will continue to grow at a fast pace. This growth was cemented during the pandemic, when everyone realized the critical need for reliable wireless services for pretty much everything that is important in life. Our personal and professional lives will need wireless services to thrive, and this demand will keep us all in the industry very busy for the foreseeable future.

The Importance of a Mentoring Program by Akhila Sivakumar

Tue, 03 May 2022 22:47:09 GMT

With warm weather and the start of summer comes the Annual Women in Wireless Leadership Forum Mentoring Program (WWLF). The WWLF Mentoring Program connects seasoned women in the wireless industry with new wireless professionals to accelerate career development, build networks and offer guidance and support. Mentoring programs have been proven to benefit many industries and the value of the WWLF Mentoring Program is seen among mentors and mentees alike.

The WWLF Mentoring Program runs for a full year with many mentors and mentees participating multiple years in a row. Program participants are required to check in once a month with their counterparts along with attending an all-program meeting each quarter. Throughout the year, mentors and mentees are provided with discussion topics and goals. At the end of the program, participants are asked to rate their overall experience and share what they have learned. This past year, the program averaged a rating of 4.8 out of 5. One mentor commented, “It was a very rewarding experience being a mentor. I enjoyed getting to know my mentee and our conversations were helpful for both of us.” Many of the mentees expressed that the program benefitted their career growth with one mentee stating, “I didn’t even realize the goals I wanted to work on until I started meeting with my mentor.”

Recruitment sites and scholarly articles also praise mentoring programs for what they can provide to both mentors and mentees. According to LinkedIn, mentoring programs allow mentors to learn effective leadership styles, gain feedback, and get exposed to new perspectives. This allows mentors to grow as leaders in their companies and WWLF. Indeed shows that the mentor-mentee relationship can aid in goal setting, networking, and gaining knowledge.

I can personally attest to the many advantages of the WWLF mentoring program. This past year was my first year as a mentee and the work I did with my mentor helped me immerse myself in the wireless industry and WWLF. I initially joined because I realized I needed some support and guidance outside of my place of employment. I wanted to work on how I could grow at my current company and how I could build my network in the industry. The application process was a quick one-pager on what I was looking for in a mentor and what I was looking to gain from the program. A few weeks later I was paired with my mentor Ashli! It was so exciting to speak to her for the first time and swap wireless experiences. I’m not sure how the WWLF Mentoring Program board did it but our pairing was perfect! We both had similar interests and the goals I wanted to work on were goals that Ashli had achieved over the last few years. Ashli and I had our mentor/mentee meeting once a month after that initial call, but we kept in contact regularly to share wins, suggest videos/podcasts, and even just to vent. A year later, my role at my current company has grown; I’m a committee member and City Rep in WWLF and I’m lucky to call Ashli a friend. I truly encourage every member to sign up for this program. The lessons learned and friendships made make this a valuable experience for all.

Is 5G Going to Happen as Planned? Written by Leticia Latino-vanSplunteren, CEO, Neptuno USA, Back2Basics Podcast Host

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 21:44:18 GMT

Fresh out of attending Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, a show I’ve attended for +20 years, I can’t help but reflect on how far the Wireless Industry has come. Being a Nortel Alum, I’ve always been intrigued with the actual technology and how the “communications magic” happens. Technology really wants to move at a faster pace than we can keep up with: Talks about 6G were happening all over the Conference, and we haven’t even fully yet experienced 5G yet. Sometimes I feel that our industry is on a mission to confuse us all!

I have lost count of how many times a non-telecom friend has asked me, almost with shame, to explain the whole “G’s” in SIMPLE terms, and here’s what I’ve come up with.

-1G: Purely Voice Communication,
-2G: 1G + Texts,
-3G: 2G + Web browsing,
-4G: 3G + Video Streaming,
-5G: 10 times faster speed than 4G! (Enabling virtual reality, robotics, and automation of almost everything you can imagine.)

When people learn that my family has been building Wireless Towers since 1972, there are two main comments associated with that: “can you please build a tower at XXXX, because the coverage there is really bad” OR “So, I guess you won’t sign a petition to prevent the buildout of such and such tower in our neighborhood?” It is truly crazy to see how we, humans, struggle with admitting that technology has already invaded the way we live. We have a love and hate relationship with it. We don’t want the tower, or the equipment in our neighborhood, but we expect to stream our favorite Netflix show while we wait at the doctor’s office. We can’t have our cake and eat it too.

Early on, one of the main challenges preventing a full speed 5G deployment was spectrum availability, but with the completion of the C-Band spectrum auction, where America’s largest carriers spent an unprecedented $93B one can be sure that any roadblocks to deployment will be cleared. Another challenge has been regulatory approval. I recently got a handful of calls to gauge my opinion when the FAA delaying 5G roll-out was all over the news. “Is 5G going to happen as planned?” I believe that the wireless industry is going above and beyond with its voluntary mitigation efforts to address the latest concerns brought by the FAA’s about aviation safety, and in fact, just very recently, the FAA issued an official statement that hints that all stakeholders are now working with a strong collaborative approach and that a resolution is on the horizon.

Workforce shortage has also been a recurring challenge in preventing 5G deployments to go at a faster pace and having a skilled and broad workforce will be more important than ever to accomplish the industry’s work. The Wireless Infrastructure Association has really been an impactful advocate for this cause, and in furthering so many different initiatives that do benefit workforce development

The enactment of the historic ‘Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’ will provide unprecedented levels of government support for infrastructure improvement. Due to this, it is expected that this year’s carrier’s CAPEX spending on mobile networks will accelerate, creating a growth momentum. We will go from having just a few small 5G Private Network projects to many significant ones, which will be the trigger for new and innovative business models, equipment production, and new and emerging players in the 5G ecosystem.

If one thing can be sure, it is that embarking on deploying a transformational technology like 5G won’t be achieved without its fair number of hurdles. What needs to happen to change the narrative? We must recognize that there is a global race to 5G, and the U.S. is committed to winning it. This is an exciting time, and we all should be thrilled to be witnessing this transformation as it happens. Women in Wireless will have unprecedented opportunities to take on leadership roles and prompt meaningful change on so many fronts. Our time is now, let’s keep moving forward, learning, lifting each other up, and doing good work in our own circles. Let’s create ripples we can be proud of!

WWLF Spotlight: Chrissy Robinson

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 21:39:00 GMT

Chrissy Robinson, Vice President, Business Development, Metro RF

How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I have been a City Rep for three years. My territory is Florida.

Why did you join WWLF?
I wanted to be part of an organization that kept women connected in the industry as well as offer an avenue to share experiences, contacts, and career opportunities.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
Being part of WWLF has given me a safe place to speak freely and benefit from a form of collective empathy and strength. With women, it is simply wonderful to be able to have meaningful conversations around the daily struggles that women are facing without having to justify your emotions or fears. It has been a great place to network and meet new people that can relate to experiences within the industry. What I love most about this group is the fabulous women and the diversity of thought.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I started in the industry in 2012 as a recruiter with a staffing company in Chicago. I then moved into a sales position in 2014 where I gained experience within the industry with different companies over the years which eventually led me into my current role as a VP of Business Development.

What is your favorite Quote?
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. If you want light to come into your life, you need to stand where it’s shining. Success is the sum of all small efforts repeated day in and day out. Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it!”

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence to me means you can face the biggest fears, problems and challenges in your life and rarely give up even when it means multiple tries. When you are confident, you are magnetic and untouchable!

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?
Leadership is not about authority, it’s the impact, influence and inspiration you have for your team.

WIA Leadership Joins WWLF for State of the Industry Discussion written by Kristen Beckman

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 21:34:21 GMT

Tim House and Matt Mandel of the Wireless Infrastructure Association joined the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum in March for a webinar to discuss the latest trends in the wireless industry and their thoughts on what 2022 might bring for the ecosystem. They touched on the industry’s workforce needs and various initiatives to address education and apprenticeship, as well as the impact the monumental infrastructure funding bill signed last year could have on the industry.

House is Executive Vice President of WIA and leads WIA’s workforce development, meetings and events, and membership initiatives. Mandel is Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs. He oversees WIA’s outreach to federal, state, and local government officials regarding the need to accelerate the deployment of wireless infrastructure facilities and other issues that drive the wireless infrastructure industry’s legislative agenda.

House noted WIA is heavily invested in workforce development programs, including helping to found the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP) in 2014. The Department of Labor registered program now includes 67 employers, more than 2,500 apprentices and 12 approved occupations. As a designated industry intermediary with DoL, WIA is contracted to expand apprenticeships in the industry with a focus on attracting underrepresented populations.

WIA also is working with a consortium of workforce-related organizations to build a Center of Excellence for apprenticeship and to improve strategic partnerships and systems. Finally, WIA created the Telecommunications Education Center (TEC) in 2016, which offers more than 35 educational courses that have been delivered more than 4,000 times during the past few years. House also highlighted a recent partnership WIA announced with Ohio State University to create 5G and telecom-related curriculum, a concept the association hopes to expand in an effort to reach young people in college, high school and earlier to inspire them to careers in telecommunications.

“I'm really proud and incredibly driven to transform our workforce through training and education,” said House. “I believe doing so will have an impact on poverty and unemployment and ultimately improve people's lives.”

House said a challenge the association has been focused on is articulating the career progression the wireless industry provides. During previous generations of network buildouts, the industry found people came in for a job and left for the next job or project when they were done. He said the industry should be inspiring them to build careers in the industry – starting as a drive tester and climbing a ladder to RF engineer or starting as a technician with a pathway to project management. These are well-paying jobs that a lot of people don’t know about, he said.

“Our industry invests somewhere between $60 billion and $80 billion a year in our networks -- in building them, maintaining them, upgrading them,” said House. “And yet we don't have, by and large, an educational and workforce system that supports and inspires people to pursue careers in our industry.”

House also noted a ‘striking’ shift in society’s perception of work in the wake of the pandemic. Work is no longer a time or place, he said, and an exodus from the workforce called ‘The Great Resignation’ has people leaving their jobs in droves for higher pay and better opportunities for advancement. The government is working to combat this trend with investments and initiatives such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will pump billions of dollars into the telecom industry aimed at closing the Digital Divide.

Mandel broke down the mechanics of the broadband funding included in the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in December. The bill focused not only on traditional infrastructure but also digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet. The major issue WIA faced was whether the funding would be able to be used for wireless broadband as well as used for fiber builds.

“We have nothing against fiber,” said Mandel. “But we had to go in and convince lots of members of Congress and people at the White House and at the FCC that if you want to truly bridge the Digital Divide … and bring broadband to places that have nothing in a faster timeframe … you need to have an all-of-the-above approach.”

Funding will be distributed to states by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is working on a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that is due by the end of May. Each state will get a certain amount of money based on a formula that takes into account unserved and underserved communities. Once distributed, states will then award grants to companies and organizations to build out the networks.

“We're hearing at state capitals and we're hearing from NTIA and from Commerce, including the Secretary of Commerce, that they want flexibility because the only way to bridge the Digital Divide is to have all technologies available,” said Mandel.

A big part of advocating for the industry is educating policy-makers about the vital role wireless broadband plays in communities for education, telehealth and other vital services and to make sure legislation and regulations encourage deployment, innovation and competition.

“We are enabling all of these great things that everyone always talks about -- Internet of Things, smart cities, artificial intelligence,” said Mandel. “It's all made possible through wireless 5G. Every job we create is a force multiplier for every other industry.”

WIA is a national trade association that represents about 200 members that build, own or manage the nation’s communications infrastructure. Members include carriers, infrastructure owners, equipment manufacturers, and small- and medium-sized companies that service the ecosystem. In addition to its primary function of advocating for policies that support the rapid and responsible deployment of communications infrastructure, WIA also produces Connectivity Expo, which will be held May 23-26 in Denver.

The webinar was hosted by Courtney Davis and Lynn Whitcher, co-executive directors of education for WWLF.

Are you a member of WWLF and attending the Connectivity Expo in Denver? Use promo code CX22WWLF to receive 20% off all pass types at the Connectivity Expo.

WWLF Spotlight: Kristen Marano

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 04:15:16 GMT

Kristen Marano
Business Development Manager- Renewables, Kineticom

How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I am the WWLF City Representative for San Diego and have been in my position for a year

Why did you join WWLF?
As a newcomer to the industry, I was approached about the opportunity to join WWLF to network with more women in the space and learn more about the industry. My company, Kineticom Inc., actively supports Women in Wireless and encouraged me to apply for the WWLF San Diego City Representative position. WWLF immediately offered a network of women and educational sessions that support and encourage women to have a space in the industry. WWLF offers an incredible mentorship program to connect newcomers with established women in the space.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
The WWLF mentorship program impacted me because it gave me the confidence to navigate industry events and be ‘comfortably uncomfortable’ in new spaces by not only my mentor, Sara but also my company, Kineticom and the WWLF network. My mentor, Sara Muehlberger, helped me grow professionally and personally throughout our monthly video meetings and is a person I proudly call a friend! Sara was a profound positive force in my first year in WWLF and encouraged me to bridge WWLF with my current position of Brand and Business Development Manager with Kineticom while also encouraging that it is OK to slow down and embrace hitting ‘pause’.

WWLF requires City Reps to plan two events a year and I planned the first WWLF End of Summer Social in September of 2021. The event pushed me to grow professionally (finding 11 industry sponsors) and connect with key players of the 11 companies, especially women: Shout outs to Jennifer Hawk with Kineticom, Gabriella Bedor with TeleWorld Solutions, Cori Aluli with 5G LLC, Jennifer Winters with Tangent, and Gina Dorati with Wes-Tec. Shout out to the WWLF Events committee that made it happen: Laura Lora, Stella Nguyen Bezebah, and Michelle Salisbury. Shout out to the sponsors of the event who made it happen: Kineticom Inc., Helicore, Tarpon Towers, MasTec, TeleWorld Solutions, 5G LLC, Wes-Tec, Fibe-Con, EBI Consulting, Motive Infrastructure Solutions, Tangent Systems, and GSS Inc.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I started in the industry with Kineticom Inc., a nationwide consulting and staffing firm in telecom and renewable energy. I am currently the Brand and Business Development Manager and oversee our Renewables Division. Kineticom encourages all employees to seek out industry networks. Our executive team is an unwavering support for organizations like WWLF.

What is your favorite Quote?
Carpe Diem.

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?
-‘Set the table with your clients’
-‘Never overpromise and under deliver’
-‘You can’t be successful if you burn the candle at both ends all the time’

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence to me is having a high level of self-awareness and being comfortable with not having all the answers. It also means establishing connections with all women in the industry, to include women in other competing companies. In a male dominated space, it is easy for women to overdo it by trying to prove themselves and compete against one another. A truly confident woman knows that she can be both successful in her job while also celebrating her competitors’ success. I appreciate organizations like WWLF and my company that encourage these connections among all women in the telecom space.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Much like my favorite quote, ‘Carpe Diem’, I think it is important for both mental and physical health to actively go after every day and see it as an opportunity. As the daughter of a Marine, I became an early riser and believe in the importance of waking up early and moving my body before the workday through boxing, Pilates, yoga, and running. You could find me hiking, trying a new restaurant, planning my next adventure, or relaxing on the beach.

The First 90 Days at a New Job By: Julie C. DeCuypere

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 04:07:04 GMT

With the “Great Reshuffle” comes the “Great Hiring” and you have now found yourself one of the many workers starting a new job in 2022. Changing jobs has become the norm in modern society and the pandemic heightened those shifts. U.S. workers have an average tenure of about 4.1 years with a single employer. 65% of American workers are actively searching for a new full-time job right now. (1)

Congratulations! But now is not the time to rest on your laurels. The first 90 days in a new role are crucial to setting yourself up for success, making strategic relationships, and contributing in a meaningful way to the company bottom line. Well before you report in for your first meeting with your new supervisor, make a plan. Even if you are not in a managerial or executive role, a 90 day plan should be created before you come on board and shared with the hiring manager during the interview process. Leadership consultant Michael Watkins, author of The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter states “By talking about how you would approach your first 90 days, you demonstrate agility and proactiveness.” (2)

During your first three months in a new role, don’t rely on others to define your path or progress. Take charge of your own professional development. Part of your plan should include an assessment of the strengths that you bring, as well as the gaps where you will have to grow. You can then obtain additional resources and education in order to accomplish those aspects of the role. (3)

Start an accomplishments journal NOW so you have tangible evidence to show what achieved in your first three months on the job and keep track so you have concrete evidence next time you are up for a promotion or just want to remind yourself of your progress. Leadership and Career Coach Andrew Lacavita talks about this tool not only for promotion but also for succession planning. (4)

The most important thing you can do in your first 90 days at a new company is to build a strategic network. According to Harvard Business Review the key is to reach out across business units. “The people who are the most productive, innovative, and engaged in new roles—the “fast movers”—are those who establish extremely broad, mutually beneficial, uplifting connections from the start. Specifically, they surge rapidly into a broad network; generate pull; identify how they add value, where they fall short, and who can fill the gaps; create scale; and shape their networks for maximum thriving.” (5)

In a remote work environment, meeting co-workers and cross-functional team members can be difficult. “When you are hired, you will most likely be given a list of initial people to meet with,” says Lisa Rangel, former recruiter and managing director of Chameleon Resumes . “Do LinkedIn and internet research to find other people to potentially meet with and ask in these initial meetings who on your list will be best to meet with first and get feedback.” Don’t wait for people to come to you. “Reach out to people at the company without a formal intro when possible.,” Rangel says. “Show initiative.” (6)

Do you work in sales? Consider a reach out to accounts payable, legal, or operations. Get to know different aspects of your new company. Even if it seems awkward and random to send an invite to someone you don’t know, most people will be happy to tell you about their job and department. Notice common interests next time you are on that virtual “all-hands” call, maybe a favorite sports team, plants, or pets.

Lastly, remember to be thoughtful and kind to all of those who took time out of their busy day to show you the ropes and teach you new systems and processes, etc. Get to know your co-workers and direct reports as people and don’t be afraid to show your excitement and enthusiasm for your new role!

Footnotes:

(1) 21 Career Change Statistics [2022]: How Often Do People Change Jobs? – Zippia

(2) 30-60-90 Day Plan: Ultimate Guide Plus Template | The Muse

(3) How to Rock Your First 90 Days on the Job - WorkMonger

(4) Get Promoted at Work by Tracking this Information

(5) How to Succeed Quickly in a New Role

(6) How to succeed in your first 90 days of a new job when you start remote | The Enterprisers Project

Book Review – Choose Possibility written by Lynn Whitcher

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 22:27:18 GMT

CHOOSE POSSIBILITY: TAKE RISKS AND THRIVE (EVEN WHEN YOU FAIL)

Reviewed by Lynn Whitcher, Co-Director of Education for WWLF

On January 19, 2022, Julie DeCuypere and I had the pleasure of leading a book club discussion on Sukhinder Sing Cassidy’s book, Choose Possibility: Take Risks and Thrive (Even When You Fail).

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy is a technology investor, executive and entrepreneur. She has worked with various tech and media companies, including Google, Amazon and News Corp, most recently serving as President of StubHub, guiding it through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic as sporting events, concerts and other live entertainment were shut down, seemingly overnight, across the country. She is the founder of theBoardlist, a non-profit dedicated to improving corporate governance by increasing gender diversity on boards and Joyus, a video shopping platform for women.

Singh Cassidy attributes her impressive career to her ability to take risks. She also acknowledges that taking risks is hard. To put risk into the proper perspective, we must see the possibility that lies beyond any success or failure along our risk-taking journey. Taking risks is necessary, not just to survive, but to thrive.

For many of us, we assume – wrongly – that risk taking consists of a single leap that drives us either to success and glory, or to ruin. This puts massive pressure on us to get it right! The author calls this the “Myth of the Single Choice.” In reality, risk taking is less binary. The Jeff Bezoses of the world iterate their way to cumulative success through failures and achievement, stringing together a long series of choices, big and small, well advised or not. Although risk taking can result in bruised egos or loss of reputation, the upside is it can also lead to learning and insight, discovery of new opportunities, or even downright success!

For many of us, we will take the leap into action and choose risk when our fear of missing out outweighs the fear of failure. So how do we conquer our fears? Study and plan the upside, but also understand the impact and import of the downside as well. It is helpful to see failure as either a one-way door (where you cannot come back from your decision) or a two-way door (where you can return and recover). Most decisions are in fact two-way doors, with a path forward and a path back. Very few choices permit no way of recovery so plan for contingencies.

To become a great risk taker involves building risk taking muscle. Every day we delay taking risk, we put off our dreams. Every day we embrace taking risk, we are that much closer to achievement. Sing Cassidy challenges us to take risks today. This can be as simple as speaking up in a meeting or researching a new company or industry. Start now and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and discover every day. Once we get into execution mode, we will take risks in parallel putting multiple things in motion before we make larger choices. Think of it as applying to university, choosing safety schools and dream schools. Rarely do we lock ourselves into one outcome – we give ourselves options. It is no different when shaping our career.

Before taking the leap to a bigger risk, it may be helpful to place yourself in proximity to your dream. If you want to become an entrepreneur, join a startup and spend time learning from the founders. If want to transition to new sector, take meetings with people in the industry. Apprentice in the things you do not understand. Do not plan from afar.

Surround yourself with the right people. Not only do you benefit from the support of leaders, professional coaches, or other personal champions, but great people tend to attract opportunity, receiving offers they cannot take. They often pass on these leads to folks in their networks who have performed well for them. This is why bosses, colleagues, and associates are our single best career network.

Whether you are working towards your next promotion, thinking about starting your own company, or looking for a career change, you have myriad opportunities to move yourself closer to your dream. Chose to move again and again and you will benefit from compounding benefits, taking hundreds, if not thousands of risks throughout the course of your career.

In the end, it is not what we achieve that makes us successful. It is our ability to keep taking risks, creating impact, and adapting as we go. Hopefully, as we rise, we bring along others with us on our way up.

To find about our next book read, or other WWLF events, check out our website.

WWLF Spotlight: Kelly Brcka

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 22:20:23 GMT

Kelly Brcka, Director, Real Estate Partnerships, Airwavz Solutions, Inc.

How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I became Dallas City Rep in April 2021

Why did you join WWLF?
I originally joined WWLF several years ago when I was with a wireless staffing/services company because I saw WWLF at several industry events and respected the board members and leaders. Then, I recently rejoined WWLF as I re-entered the wireless industry to network, meet and get reacquainted with the amazing women leaders in our industry.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
Professionally it has been a solid network of smart, compassionate and driven women always willing to open the doors of opportunity and connect the dots for people in our industry. Personally, it has been a great experience truly getting to know some of these women, what is going on in their lives and to share stories. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the mentoring aspect and recommend that to anyone willing and able to devote the time and experience to the next generation.

Where did you get your start in the industry?
Wow, that was so long ago but I originally went to Lucent Technologies/Nokia straight from grad school then on to Nortel. After that, I had a long stint in the energy business and re-joined our wireless world in 2013 with Smartlink, then GTL and All States Engineering.

What is your current role?
Currently I am very happy at Airwavz as Director, Real Estate Partnerships providing solutions for in-building.

What is your favorite Quote?
I have two: Be Fearless is the Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire by Jennifer Lee and the second is: Nothing is impossible. The word itself says "I'm possible". by Audry Hepburn. I just love her!

How do you define success?
I have two quotes that answer this best: Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it by Maya Angelou (love several of her quotes of wisdom) and the spiritual answer is Success is the fulfillment of divine purpose, while prosperity is having enough divine provision to overcome obstacles!

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Tenacious, positive, driven, empathetic - oops is that four? : )

What do you like to do outside of work?
LOVE anything associated with the water: watching beautiful sunsets on the boat is the very best.....lake, ocean, pool........ I also adore my Schipperke named Bella and I have picked up a knack for gardening, painting and decorating during CoVid.....see it can bring out creativity.

Two Years Into the Pandemic, What We’ve Learned About the Psychology of Video Conferencing

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 22:16:03 GMT

Written by Kristen Beckman

There’s no doubt that video conferencing platforms like Zoom have made a huge difference in maintaining productivity and allowing business to continue since the COVID-19 pandemic all but shut the world down two years ago. Now, with the pandemic stretching far beyond the temporary disruption we initially expected, many workplaces have adapted to a new permanent normal. Hybrid and fully remote work situations have become increasingly common, and as a result, video conferencing is likely to remain a staple of business communications even after the pandemic wanes.

According to Pew Research, more than 80 percent of Americans communicated via video calls during the beginning of the pandemic, driven significantly by the demands of business being done remotely. About 20 percent of Americans reported using video platforms often and 12 percent said the were on video calls several times a day. Initially, there was hope that virtual platforms would be an equalizer in the workplace, but while video conferencing has been an important productivity tool, it also has highlighted some interesting and perhaps unanticipated gender gaps and psychological consequences.

Virtual meeting environments can diminish nonverbal cues that enhance the pace and collaboration of in-person meetings, and that can exacerbate inequalities women tend to experience. Studies have found that in general, women are more frequently interrupted in meetings and are viewed as too emotional or less competent than their male counterparts when they speak passionately about a topic or talk more often on a call. In a recent survey by Catalyst of 1,100 U.S. working adults, 45 percent of women business leaders say it’s difficult for women to speak up in virtual meetings and one in five women say they’ve felt ignored or overlooked by colleagues during video calls.

In addition, video conferencing also could be putting an unequal amount of pressure on women to appear ‘put together’ while working remotely. Women tend to be evaluated on their appearance differently than men, a dynamic that is exacerbated by the extreme focus on participants’ faces during virtual meetings. In fact, some plastic surgeons have reported that requests for face and neck treatments have increased during the pandemic.

Only 55 percent of women currently working from home due to COVID-19 say they’re likely to always or sometimes enable video during video-conference meetings, compared to 65 percent of men, according to a Harris Poll. When women do intend to use video, they prepare. Eighty-five percent do their hair versus 74 percent of men, and 80 percent of women will change what they’re wearing as opposed to 71 percent of their male counterparts.

Women may also face different perceptions about their dual roles as professionals and parents during remote work, a fact that is made visually apparent in video calls. When men show off their children at work during such a call, it often is perceived as a sign of strength and endearment, whereas when women share their children in the work environment, it can be seen as a weakness or a distraction. Women, who are often responsible for more of the domestic work in the U.S., often turn their video off while trying to juggle work and parenting responsibilities.

Meanwhile, billions of conversations that would have been conducted face to face before the pandemic have instead been done by video. This has led to increased concerns about potential psychological effects, and scientists have been studying why video conferencing has such a marked impact on employees.

Video conferencing can literally be exhausting, and this has given rise to a new phenomenon referred to as Zoom Fatigue. It can impact everyone who spends much of their day in virtual gatherings, but particularly women.

One recent study found that women report greater fatigue than men related to video conferencing, perhaps because women tend to have longer virtual meetings with shorter breaks in-between. The study also looked at nonverbal mechanisms associated with video conferencing that may cause Zoom Fatigue. For instance, an increase in viewing an image of oneself during virtual meetings can lead to something called mirror anxiety caused by self-focused attention.

Another mechanism that can lead to Zoom Fatigue is the feeling of being physically trapped by a need to stay within the field of view of the camera during meetings. Reduced mobility, said the report, can decrease cognitive performance and limit the type of multitasking that was more prevalent during pre-pandemic voice conferences. The phenomenon of ‘hyper gaze’ is another exhausting element of video conferences, said the report. During in-person meetings, participants tend to follow the speaker in the room with their eyes, but during virtual meetings, all participants have the unnatural feeling of constantly being stared at by everyone, which can lead to anxiety.

While more research is needed, the study suggests Zoom Fatigue might be mitigated by adopting policies around video conferencing, such as implementing time limits on video calls and specifying that some virtual meetings or subsets of those meetings be conducted without video.

What have you noticed about video conferencing during the pandemic? Tell us at LinkedIn.

The Secret to Ending “Manels” (It Might be Easier than You Think) written by Lynn Whitcher

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 17:37:55 GMT

Lynn Whitcher

We have all been there – sitting at a business conference (virtually or IRL) facing a(nother) line-up of all-male panelists (a.k.a. the “manel”).[1] Despite years of increased conversations around diversity in the workplace, the percentage of women speakers has not significantly shifted.[2]

We are long past the point where industry leaders need to be convinced of the value of diversity. Diversity drives business performance.[3] Full stop. This is because different voices and different ways of thinking are critical to innovation and effective problem-solving.

If diversity is so critical to business success, why the continued preponderance of the all-male industry conference panel?

Certainly, there is something to be said for conference planners taking the easy path and looking solely within their current network or past speakers lists to find panelists.

However, there are industry groups, state wireless associations, regional conferences, and trade publications looking to highlight new and different speakers. From my perspective chairing and volunteering on various educational committees, we need to do a better job of connecting conference planners with fresh ideas and new perspectives.

Here are my tips for conference planners, employers, and prospective speakers to help capitalize on these invaluable opportunities and support diverse thought leadership in our industry:

1.) Conference Planners: Ensure diversity of thought on your panels by having a diverse conference planning team. Reach out to diverse organizations and educational institutions to help identify experts outside your immediate network. If your educational committee has not had any recent additions, find new volunteers to help inject a new perspective. (PS: it is really hard to find good volunteers for these committees).

2.) Employers: Encourage employees to volunteer for conference committees and help support their travel and related expenses for the show. This is really a win-win for both the employee and the employer. Not only do volunteers often get free or reduced tickets to the show, but they often get early management experience planning the conference while simultaneously connecting with thought leaders and industry experts who are happy to share their insights with the next generation of leaders. This helps prepare the employee to take on increased responsibilities at the office, while also highlighting the company as a great place to work.

3.) Thought Leaders: If you are approached to speak on a panel, champion diverse talent. I love hearing about thought leaders who require the conferences they speak at prominently feature women and other diverse experts.[4] This level of support from the establishment is critical to bring change to the status quo.

4.) Future Speakers: Leverage your network. You probably did not get where you are today by waiting for people to hand you your next opportunity. It is no different with speaking engagements. Look within your network for opportunities to share your knowledge. WWLF, for example, has an open call for speakers on its website (visit: https://www.wwlf.org/). Fill out the form, talk to a Board member so we have an understanding of your background and experience, and see where things go!

For more strategies, check out this LinkedIn post.

About the author: Lynn Whitcher is General Counsel for MD7. She serves as Co-Director of Education for Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum; Education Committee Chair for California Wireless; and on the speaker committee for Wireless West.

[1] I take neither credit nor blame for this term. I did not coin this phrase and a quick internet search did not reveal its origin.

[2] Kathy Gurtchiek, Female Speakers Underrepresented at Professional Gatherings (January 14, 2020) https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/female-speakers-underrepresented-at-professional-gatherings.aspx. “The representation of women as speakers and panelists at conferences and summits is low across most industries and types of gatherings, according to an analysis of more than 60,000 event speakers.”

[3] McKinsey & Company, Delivering through Diversity (2018) https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/delivering-through-diversity

[4] For example, Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, stated: “Too often, women and members of other groups underrepresented in science are conspicuously missing in the marquee speaking slots at scientific meetings and other high-level conferences. Starting now, when I consider speaking invitations, I will expect a level playing field, where scientists of all backgrounds are evaluated fairly for speaking opportunities. If that attention to inclusiveness is not evident in the agenda, I will decline to take part. I challenge other scientific leaders across the biomedical enterprise to do the same.”

WWLF Spotlight: Jennifer Patterson

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 17:33:30 GMT

Jennifer Patterson, West Region Sales Director, Further Enterprise Solutions

How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I have been the WWLF City Representative for Seattle/Portland for nearly a year.

Why did you join WWLF?
I joined WWLF for a NUMBER of reasons! The first was to just meet more like minded women in the wireless industry that has predominantly been a male-driven industry. There are so many smart, talented, and ambitious women in this industry that love the industry as much as I do. Secondly, I love being involved in causes that drive women to be ambitious, driven, and inspired to carry an ever changing industry like wireless to the next level. Lastly, I chose WWLF to learn. Every time I sit in on a webinar, go to an event, or attend a meeting I ALWAYS learn from those attending those events as well which in the long run makes me a better person and professional in this industry.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
Being a part of WWLF has made me exponentially more confident beyond my 38 years on this earth! I have been able to not only learn from women who have been in this industry longer than me, but I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor those just joining WWLF as well. I have also developed great admiration and really mentors of my own that I love following through the WWLF organization. It’s through those mentors and inspirations that I have been able to evolve my confidence and career positively.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
My first role in the industry was a GIS Analyst at Clearwire (formerly Sprint and now T-Mobile for those keeping score!) I was one of two GIS Analysts nationwide to provide the maps for coverage (RF), Real Estate, and other key business units nationwide for Clearwire. Now, I have my current role at Further Enterprise Solutions being their West Region Sales Director for the last two years and also becoming the Director of Vendor Management/Procurement to help our Operations team have a fantastic start to the 2022 year!

What is your favorite Quote?
“Be happy in this moment, this moment is your life!”

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence to me means that no matter the success or challenge that is given to you on a given day, that experience is brought in front of you because you can handle it with grace, determination, gratitude for the opportunity, and capability to execute to achieve a positive outcome. Specifically to sales there are many opportunities for success, but there are equally and usually more opportunities to learn, be challenged, and possibly experience failure (or what I prefer to call gaining learning experience). There is no failure unless you choose failure and quit. Confidence is the ability to look beyond the easy decision of failing and using it to learn and more times than not, not facing that same outcome again because you learned confidently how to handle it the next turnaround. Confidence is knowing you can when the world may tell you that you can’t.

How do you define success?
Success means improving or being better than last time. If the outcome of your last result is the same or worse it’s because you didn’t take the time to learn or develop best practices to make your next attempt better. You didn’t ask the question. You didn’t research it in that book. You didn’t observe from someone who has mastered that skill. Success means doing the work so that even by a little bit you improved your last result. With each new positive development, those are the building blocks to achieve BIG success. The most dynamic, inspirational, and admired successful people didn’t just land the big successes – they achieved the little ones to get to the big ones!

Re-think New Year’s Resolutions to Make Them Stick written by Kristen Beckman

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 21:56:21 GMT

Written by Kristen Beckman

The new year is here, and with the hopeful fresh start that the new year brings comes the inevitable list of New Year’s Resolutions. Millions of people will pledge to make 2022 the year that they get healthier, save more money, expand their business or spend more time with family among a host of other common resolutions.

But most of those resolutions will go unrealized and uncompleted, research has shown over the years. One often-cited statistic claims that 80 percent of New Year’s Resolutions are abandoned by February, and Strava, a social network for athletes, has actually identified the second Friday of January as “Quitter’s Day” based on research that shows most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by mid-January.

That doesn’t mean resolutions aren’t important or useful; it just means success may depend on re-framing a resolution as a long-term goal that will take self-discipline, perseverance, and an understanding that the process that will include many small victories as well as defeats. Experts offer several ideas that might help you make 2022 the year that you make your resolutions stick.

Dream big but act small. According to Harvard Medical School, audacious dreams and goals are inspiring, but achieving those goals requires a more focused approach. Breaking goals into small, achievable steps can help build motivation and confidence and keep you on track to achieving your goals.
Be realistic and set yourself up for success. Inc. notes that motivation is easy early on in the process, but it will naturally wane after a week or two. Accepting this reality at the outset can help you set yourself up for success by making the good habits you are trying to achieve more convenient and the bad habits harder to fall into. Think ahead to inevitable obstacles that could derail you and have ideas in mind about how you can navigate through those obstacles without completely abandoning your goals.
Understand the reasons behind your resolutions. Making a resolution just to make a resolution is a sure path to failure. Think about what is important to you and build resolutions around that. Pursuing a resolution is most likely to be successful if you believe in it deeply.
Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good enough. Perfection is unattainable, according to the American Psychological Association. You can achieve meaningful change and progress toward your goals without being perfect. Focusing on being able to overcome inevitable mistakes and missteps and continue on your journey builds perseverance that is key to success.
Reward yourself. Making changes in life is hard work. Keep track of your successes and reward yourself for your achievements.

What are your resolutions for 2022? Visit WWLF on LinkedIN and let us know!

Book Review: The Fix summary written by Julie DeCuypere

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 03:42:29 GMT

The Fix: Overcome the Invisible Barriers That Are Holding Women Back at Work - by Michelle P. King

(Book Review by Julie C. DeCuypere)

Are you tired of reading books that make you feel like you alone are responsible for navigating your career advancement in an inadequate and inoperable workplace? Of course you are! The good news is that “The Fix” is not going to tell you to speak up and smile more in order to get a raise and excel in your career. This book is going to challenge men and women alike to finally realize that corporate culture inequalities do not serve women and minorities and we need to take a stand to make changes.

Michelle King’s book deftly breaks down the reasons why women are not getting ahead in the patriarchal workplace culture and outlines steps to fix the problem. Citing leading research studies, King brings to light the insidious problems of gender denial, white privilege, and the meritocracy myth.

King’s own PhD research unearthed gender denial at the highest levels in organizations when she asked the question “What are the barriers to women’s advancement at work?” In nearly every interview with senior male leaders, she received the same answer, that they didn’t think there were any barriers for women or that the barriers were ‘natural’ reasons such as women taking time off for Motherhood. She began to realize that, in fact, the greatest barrier women face at work was actually the culture of denial. How could changes be made when no one thought that changes were necessary?

At the heart of “The Fix” is a deep dive into the Three Career Stages of Women, the barriers present in each phase, and The Fix for each of these barriers:

The Idealistic Achievement Phase: Six Invisible Barriers from Graduate to Manager (ages 24 - 35)
- Conditioned Expectations
- Matching Women to the Male Standard of Success
- The Conformity Bind: Fit In or Forget It
- The Confidence/Competence Catch-22
- Performance and Pay Inequality - aka, the Performance Tax (THE FIX: Be Transparent About Pay and Promotion Decisions) Research conducted by Accenture in 2018 reveals that in cultures of equality women are likely to earn up to 51% more.
- Support Your Sisters: Use What You Know to Lighten the Load
The Pragmatic Endurance Phase: Balancing Management and Motherhood (ages 36 - 45)
- Negative Gender Norms
- Role Conflict: Manager or Mommy?
- The Part Time Penalty
- The Motherhood Tax
- Carrying the Mental and Emotional Load
The Reinventive Contribution Phase: Six Invisible Barriers Women Leaders Face (Ages 46 - 60+)
- Access to Quality Leadership Opportunities
- Stereotypical Typecasting
- Identity Conflict: Leading Like Women (THE FIX: Identify, Enable, and Embrace Different Identities at Work) It is in a corporation’s best interest to work towards equality. White male leaders alone cannot provide the innovation and creativity needed for the future.
- Backlash: Influencing Without Authority
- Isolation: In-group Favoritism
- Legitimacy: From Token to Trophy

“The Fix” is a fantastic read. A rallying cry backed by solid research that confirms what you have long suspected, that you didn’t create the problem, and it is not up to you alone to fix it. Discrimination in the workplace is real.

“Women persist, despite a system set up to ensure that they don’t” - The Fix, pg 219

Michelle P. King - Bio
Michelle Penelope King is a global expert on culture and equality at work. She is an author, podcast host, writer, TEDX speaker and thought leader who helps companies and leaders build belonging at work. Michelle is the founder of Equality Forward, a global consultancy that provides leaders with the assessment, development, and inclusion coaching needed to build cultures of equality at work. In addition, Michelle is a Senior Advisor to the UN Foundation’s Girl Up Campaign, where she leads the NextGen Leadership Development Program, which enables young women to navigate and overcome the barriers to their success. She also heads up a global Leadership Inclusion Academy with Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute.

WWLF Spotlight: Kathy Gill

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 03:34:39 GMT

Kathy Gill
Tower Safety
480-313-0678
CEO
kathy@towersafety.com

1. How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I have been a City Rep for WWLF for about 10 months in Phoenix, Arizona.

2. Why did you join WWLF?
I joined WWLF because Megan Reed of Inside Towers introduced me to the organization. I looked into the group and realized it was something that I wanted to be a part of.

3. How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
Being a part of WWLF has allowed me to meet other great wonderful women and learn from their experiences in the industry.

4. Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I have been around this industry since I was 4 years old. My father worked for a company called Western Electric who did insulation work for AT&T. After a couple of years of college, I began working for AT&T as well. Currently, I own Tower Safety, a safety training school in Phoenix, Arizona and created Tower Rodeo Challenge, an event that helps bring the tower community together!

5. What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence is vital. I believe someone can do anything as long as they have faith in themselves and put their mind to their objective.

6. How do you define success?
I would define success as not having to rely on anyone but yourself.

7. How would you describe yourself in three words?
If I could describe myself in three words, I would say I am passionate, headstrong, and determined.

8. What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I like to spend time with my 2 daughters and my paw family of cats and dogs. When I do have some time, I am at my facility cleaning or climbing my new 360˚ 30’ rock climbing wall with my girls.

How to Deal With Holiday Stress written by Kristen Beckman

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 03:29:07 GMT

Give Yourself the Gift of a Low-Stress Holiday Season by Kristen Beckman

The holidays are a season that is supposed to be about happiness, family and celebration. But in reality, the holiday season often means additional stress, especially for women. According to the American Psychological Association, women are significantly more likely than men to worry about having money to purchase gifts and to experience an increased workload related to taking on tasks from gift purchasing to cooking and hosting guests during the holidays.

The situation is exacerbated as the world heads into the second holiday season impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who experience additional stress during the holidays, there are a few steps that can help.

Plan and prioritize. There are endless things to accomplish during the holidays on top of life’s everyday expectations associated with work and family. Thinking ahead and having a plan to accomplish your holiday goals can eliminate the stress that comes with last-minute tasks. We tend to go overboard, especially during the holidays, and the Office on Women’s Health encourages women to pare down their holiday to-do list by giving yourself permission to do fewer things or eliminate tasks you don’t enjoy.
Take time for yourself. APA urges people to remember that they can only accomplish so much during the holidays, and self-care should be on the to-do list. When you take care of yourself, you are more likely to have the energy and bandwidth to take care of everyone and everything else that you want to. Even simple activities such as going for a walk, listening to music or taking time to read a book can be effective at reducing stress.
Be realistic. Even when you take the time to recharge your batteries, it’s also important to remember that there are limits to what you can realistically do. No celebration will be perfect, so don’t aim for perfection. Instead, accept and embrace the inevitable foibles, knowing that those imperfections often become favorite memories. In addition, being realistic about budgets for holiday gifts and celebrations can limit anxiety for all.
Keep a healthy perspective. If you find holiday expectations are creating unhealthy pressure, take a few moments to remember what is important about the season – whether for you it is a religious observance or a time to celebrate being with friends and family. Finding time to volunteer to help others can help re-focus attention on what is truly important during the holidays.
Be confident. The holidays can generate plenty of guilt, especially when you make the decision to simplify and take time for yourself. Don’t let the expectations of others make you feel bad about your choices or plans. Ultimately, the best gift you can give yourself and everyone who you love and who loves you is holiday season that isn’t overshadowed by stress.

Happy Holidays!

WWLF Spotlight: Leticia Latino

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 02:33:55 GMT

WWLF City Rep for the Boca/South Florida region

How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I’ve been a City Rep for the Boca/South Florida region for about six months.

Why did you join WWLF?
For a long time, the Wireless industry felt a bit lonely for us women in it, so the moment I learned about a community geared towards supporting and empowering women, I had to become part of it.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
I believe that WWLF is really focused on nurturing authentic connections, and when that happens, it undoubtedly impacts every aspect of one’s life. I feel I have found an amazing support group that is there for me, in whichever aspect of my life, personal or professional, I need support with. We lift each other up, and that is quite refreshing.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I officially started in this industry 25 years ago. I am the CEO of a company my father founded 50 years ago, you can say, I was basically born into it.

What is your favorite Quote?
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Paulo Coelho

What are your top leadership lessons or advice?
To me a great leader is someone that has the curiosity to never stop exploring, the humbleness to be accountable for the good and the bad, the ability to establish genuine relationships and the compassion to help and support others.

How do you define success?
To me, success is being the same person and acting the same way, no matter what business card or title I have. Recognizing that today I might be in a position of power and tomorrow I might not. Helping others not only because I will get something out of it, but especially because I won't. To me being successful is about having impact and passion in everything I do and yes, that includes taking care of all aspects of ME: Family, health (physical and mental), spending time with friends, etc How much I get to do of that, is part of how I measure my success. There's only one life, and the stakes of getting it "right" are just too high to be left to chance.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Loyal, Giving, Resilient

What do you like to do outside of work?
The one thing I am really enjoying doing outside of work right now is taping my Podcast, Back2Basics- Reconnected to the Essence of YOU. It is about how we spend our hours ‘connected’ but we’re drifting away from real human connection. Especially to ourselves. It is quite ironic, because the work we do helps in a way to fuel the human disconnection we are experiencing. Every time I see my kids glued to their devices, I do feel a bit responsible about it! So, this is my way to help put a message into the world of the importance of staying connected to our essence, to our definite purpose and to what makes us TICK.

WWLF Spotlight: Jennifer Durden

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 02:22:24 GMT

Jennifer Durden, Director of Real Estate Development at Phoenix Tower International

How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
5 plus years in the South Florida market

Why did you join WWLF?
Joining WWLF was a natural next step to develop and expand relationships with like minded professional women across the wireless industry. WWLF has been an amazing resource for making connections, solving problems and opening the door to so many opportunities.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
Collaborating and getting to know many of the women in wireless throughout the years has been an inspiration and an invaluable blessing. Sharing experiences and the ins and outs of the industry among an elite group of individuals has proven to be a great sounding board for exploring new ideas, working through challenges, as well as helping to grow business. There is such a wide spectrum of talent represented across WWLF! It’s been a great way to give and receive support, advise and stay on top of the cutting edge of the industry.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I started in the business way back when Bellsouth and Cingular merged, overseeing contract negotiations and a project to relocate all of the regional offices to one central location in Norcross, GA. Currently, I am the Director of Real Estate Development for Phoenix Tower International where I develop and oversee all 3rd party real estate partnerships. PTI offers an exclusive partnership to commercial real estate owners in which we market their assets alongside our tower portfolio to transform unused and unprofitable space into long-term wireless lease revenue.

What is your favorite Quote?
“Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life, it's about what you inspire others to do.”

What does confidence mean to you?
Knowing there is no such thing as perfect. Awareness of one's strengths and weaknesses. Honoring yourself. Remaining optimistic when faced with adversity and knowing that the only opinion that matters is the one that you think of yourself!

How do you define success?
Always doing your best. Learning from the failures and feeling grateful….. life is filled with abundance (love, health, family and friends)

WWLF @ Connect(X) - COVID-19’s Impact on Women in Wireless by Kristen Breckman

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 02:19:17 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread impacts on all aspects of the business world, but it has hit women in the workforce particularly hard just at a time when women were beginning to make significant inroads in many industries, including wireless. A panel at Connect (X) in Orlando explored how the pandemic has affected women in the workforce, from introducing new stressors and work-life balance challenges to changing how networking takes place.

The panel was hosted by Carrie Charles, chief executive officer of telecom staffing firm Broadstaff, who called the current situation a crisis as nearly 2 million women have dropped out of the workforce since the start of the pandemic.

“We need more women in the industry, and we have been making progress. COVID really hit us hard,” said Charles, noting that the industry was already facing a talent shortage going into 5G before the pandemic made the situation worse. The panel aimed to answer the questions of why women are leaving the workforce and how the industry can bring them back in and retain them post-COVID.

Joining Charles were Amanda Cahill, national director of business development at Squan, president of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum and co-founder of the Bold Women Society; Barb Burba, CEO of a certified minority- and woman-owned development and consulting company Amerisite, president of the Pennsylvania Wireless Association, and an instructor for the Telecommunications Education Center; and Keely Hughes, senior director of business development for Skill Demand Energy and the former president of the Indiana Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy.

Burba pointed to recent research from McKinsey that found that in dual-income households, if there was a choice between the man or woman leaving their position to deal with COVID-19-related requirements, it was almost always the woman who left her job to take care of children and provide for their education needs at home. She also noted that frequently those women are being replaced by male counterparts.

Hughes said the trend of women dropping out of the workforce to attend to needs at home is happening across industries, including the energy industry, where Skill Demand is a player.

“I think as women, we are used to a juggling a lot of different things in our lives,” said Hughes. “But this particular pandemic has really caused us to sit back and think about what is really important in our lives, and I think that's why a lot of women have chosen not to come back to work.”

Women who remain in the workforce are frequently struggling with feeling stressed, overwhelmed and burnt out, said Cahill. To address these growing concerns and to give women an outlet, WWLF has implemented monthly virtual Motivation and Mugs networking meetings where they can connect with other women who are experiencing the same struggles.

Career growth opportunities and strategies have changed for women as well, the panel noted. With in-office meetings and face-to-face networking opportunities all but halted, women have had to learn to work and succeed within a virtual environment. Charles noted one of the challenges of virtual business relationships is that it can be easier for people to ignore you than in person. “We have to get more creative. There's so much we can do in our new world to be successful and be creative.”

Hughes said she has revamped her networking processes. “I made it a point of always asking a question during a webinar so people will not only know you but remember you because you've asked such an excellent question.”

Burba noted that the shift to virtual can also be beneficial, particularly when it allows you to meet with people who are more accessible online than they are in person. But the virtual environment should not be thought of as an excuse to not put your best food forward, she said.

“I told myself and my team to treat every Zoom call like it is like a job interview,” said Burba. “You dress for it, and you prepare for it just like a job interview.”

Cahill said to find career success, women should not only be bold and visible, but also turn inward and ask themselves what they want for their future and how they want to grow as an employee or leader.

“Most people don't do that,” said Cahill. “Who do you really want to be? Who's that woman? Who's that mother? Who's that coworker? And how does that play into what your future is going to look like one year, two years, three years or 10 years from now?”

Within the new realities that the pandemic has created for women in the workforce, balance will become more important than ever. For some, that may mean defining clear time boundaries between when attention is focused on work and when it is focused on family and personal pursuits. Others may find a different balance, attending to work in small chunks that alternate with time focused on non-work items.

Establishing work-life balance, however, sometimes means advocating for yourself and asking for what you need from your workplace or your boss without fear that these conversations will impact your job or reputation. At a time when companies are desperate for talent, company leaders are likely be responsive to requests for creative and flexible working arrangements and eager to find ways to relieve stress and improve working conditions to both attract and retain quality employees.

“Value yourself and work with your employer,” said Burba. “We have shortage of workforce in this industry. If you aren't happy and you can't work it out there's probably somebody that will work it out for you.”

Advocating for Yourself by Carrie Charles

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:18:09 GMT

Carrie Charles speaks with Bold Women Society™ about Advocating for Yourself

“You have to tell them how valuable you are” - Carrie Charles

Carrie Charles, WWLF Executive Director of Industry Relations, and CEO of Broadstaff Global, was featured as an expert speaker on a July session of Be Bold.

Carrie talked about her time serving in the US Marine Corp, as an entrepreneur, a life coach, a business owner, and a mother. She spoke about how she has made choices guided by her intuition and has stepped out of her comfort zone to try new things, including becoming the CEO of Broadstaff even when she had no previous experience in running a staffing firm. “But that's how I am! I'm the person who takes action first and figures it out. Carrie spoke about making a commitment to saying “yes” to yourself and not to be embarrassed by our failures or potential failures but to make yourself accountable to putting your ideas and visions out there and sharing them with the world.

Carrie told the story about how she advocated for her worth when it came to negotiating her terms as a business owner at Broadstaff. She said that she prepared herself with the data and even though she knew her worth, there was “still this voice of this...10 year old girl who was like “I'm not enough”…so she was still there, but I consciously decided that that's not what I'm going to listen to!” Carrie encourages women to speak out and let others know your worth. “You have to tell them how valuable you are…you want to be direct and concise and clear.”

If you are interested in more content from Bold Women Society™ they can be reached at their website: https://www.boldwomensociety.com (WWLF President, Amanda Cahill, is a co-founder)

The Vision of Bold Women Society™ is “A world where every woman unapologetically pursues her dreams because she has the confidence to be bold, the courage to be authentic, and the power that comes from being supported.”

WWLF Spotlight: Taylor Weltmeyer

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:11:19 GMT

Taylor Weltmeyer has been the WWLF City Rep since the beginning of 2021 and covers Chicago and the surrounding areas

Why did you join WWLF?
I was at ConnectX in 2018 and saw a booth from WWLF, I went over and started asking questions and thought it was amazing to have an organization centered on women within the industry. The company that I was with at the time was very male dominated and to find an organization that would support me in my journey felt amazing!

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
I have met so many amazing women while being a part of WWLF. They have inspired me as well as supported me through both triumphs and misses. I feel that I have made life-long friends, and many will be attending my wedding in December!

Where did you get your start in the industry?
My start in the industry is actually quite interesting. I was working for William Wrigley Jr. based in Florida when he decided to invest in a telecommunications company called nepsa; (fun fact nepsa is Aspen spelled backwards). This company was going to be based out of Elgin, IL and he asked me to help oversee operations for a “few months”. I came up to Elgin in June of 2017 and never left.

I started out as an Operations Manager overseeing our tower teams and assisting with HR, Accounting, Marketing and purchasing. Once the decision was made that he would be selling the company I was given the option to move back to Florida however, I enjoyed telecommunications so much I decided to stay and look for another position within the telecommunications industry.

What is your current role?
After nepsa I interviewed with a view different companies but decided to continue my telecom career at ExteNet Systems where I am still at today. I’m going on 3 years with the company and have had many different roles throughout the transitioning of our business. My current role is interim Program Manager for all of our East Network Protection projects.

What is your favorite Quote?
My favorite quote comes from the serenity prayer “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I try to live my life by this and focus on the things that I can actual make an impact on rather than worry about those things I cannot.

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence, to me, is believing in yourself both mentally and physically. It’s getting on a phone call and feeling strong and confident in the things you're discussing. It’s putting on a new outfit and rocking it wherever you go.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I LOVE travelling! I’m constantly on the go exploring new places/things to do! I also enjoy fishing, dancing and sports!

Networking Tips for Your Next Conference written by Kristen Beckman

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 18:05:58 GMT

5 Networking Tips for your Next Trade Show or Conference

Industry events are a ripe opportunity to help build your career in a variety of ways – from expanding your network to finding new business, learning about the industry and identifying potential mentors. Now that some industry events are beginning to happen in person again, it may be time to brush up on your conference networking strategies. There are a few things you can do before, during and after a show to get the most out of each event. Following are a few ideas.

Before you go, do some research. Take some time before the event to find out who is speaking, exhibiting and attending. Check out the lineup of keynotes, educational sessions and social gatherings and create an agenda for yourself that prioritizes the events you most want to attend and the people you most want to meet. Bring business cards or save your own information as a contact in your phone so you can easily text it to people you meet as an alternative to trading business cards.
Use social media strategically. Find out what the conference’s social media hashtag is and search it to see what others are saying. Do some of your own social media legwork prior to the event by tagging people you hope to talk to and highlighting events you plan to attend. Keep your profile high during the conference by posting notes about interesting things you’ve learned at sessions or social events.
Know how to get into a conversation, and out of one. Having a few questions or topics at the ready can help you break the ice when introducing yourself to someone. Some ideas include: “Where are you from?” “What has been your favorite session so far?” or “What other conferences are you attending this year?” Just as important is knowing how to get out of a conversation so you have plenty of time to meet with other people. Some ideas include: “It was nice talking to you! Enjoy the rest of your conference.” “Do you have a business card?” or “Let’s get coffee next week.”
Be approachable. Don’t get lost in your phone or device in the conference hallways between sessions. Circulate, look up, make eye contact and act engaged so that others who are looking to network will feel comfortable approaching you.
Follow up. Don’t let all your preparation and work fizzle out when the show is over. Be sure to reach out to valuable contacts you’ve made with an email or by connecting on social media. Be sure to remind them who you are and thank them for their time at the event.

WWLF Member Spotlight, Jennifer Winters

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 17:34:22 GMT

Jennifer Winters, WWLF City Rep for Orange County/Los Angeles, CA since 2018

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?

Before Telecom, I worked for a retail car sales business as a manager, coming off my maternity leave after having my son. I realized maintaining a retail management career while being a first-time mom was not going to allow me the work life balance I was striving for. It took no time at all for me to fall in love with the industry and the ever changing environment. From there, I was able to be a part of the Verizon Wireless team in Irvine working for both the small cell and modifications teams. I now work as the Network Real Estate Department Manager for Tangent Inc. I manage an insanely motivated and intelligent team who continually strives to make the customer experience the best it can be.

Why did you join WWLF?

I joined WWLF to be a part of a community that is built on raising people up. So many times, in an industry that tends to be male dominated, you see competition amongst females, almost in a “there can only be one” fashion. WWLF is a place where I feel I would go out of my way to ensure I support and lift the women around me and those around me would do the same.

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?

Take chances – Don’t be afraid to jump into something new with both feet, and even more so, don’t be afraid to fall. “I don’t know” are three incredibly powerful words.

Learn often and talk less - Sometimes the best lessons you can learn are taught by the people around you, and more often those who work for you. Being a leader doesn’t always mean teaching or assigning items and tasks. Some of the best lessons I have learned have come from those who had little to no experience in a given subject and were not afraid to suggest. Ask questions instead of giving answers.

Be passionate – Let a failure hurt a bit. Feel a win with excitement and pride. Share your passion and love for a position with those around you. Simon Sinek said “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Passion can be contagious.

What does confidence mean to you?

If you had asked me 10 years ago, I would have said confidence is the ability to be sure of yourself in any situation. To always have the right answer and to never be caught off guard. I couldn’t have been more wrong. In fact, I feel confidence is the exact opposite. Confidence is the ability to say “I don’t know”. To seek out the answer, to ask for help, to never be afraid to fail. If you limit yourself to your own way of thinking and your personal knowledge base, you will never grow.

How do you define success?

Personally, I define my own success by the success of those who work with and for me. If I can lead my team to see a world that could exist, but doesn’t yet, and work with them to build it, then I would consider myself successful. There is nothing more rewarding than a team of people accomplishing something they never thought they could.

WWLF Leaders Share Perspectives at South Wireless Summit

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 17:28:48 GMT

Written by Kristen Beckman

Current and past leaders of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum shared their thoughts and experiences about WWLF, women in the wireless industry, the importance of mentorship, and leadership advice during a panel at South Wireless Summit in Nashville. Amanda Cahill, President of WWLF, and Beth Martindale, Vice President, joined past presidents Carolyn Hardwick and Amelia DeJesus and past vice president Debra Mercier on the panel hosted by Carrie Charles, a WWLF executive director.

Cahill opened the panel by talking about the importance of WWLF and its programs geared toward helping women share industry knowledge, expand their network and advance their careers. “My involvement in WWLF has helped to shape the woman I am today,”Cahill said. “The community at WWLF truly helped me build confidence, especially early on in my career, and gave me the opportunity to shine in areas that I was really uncomfortable stepping into. I think that’s the beauty of an organization like WWLF. It was my first experience seeing the power of how mentorship and guidance and leadership from those who have done it can shape a person’s career and life and truly change the path you are on and open your eyes to things that maybe you didn’t even realize were possible.”

Cahill said one of the reasons she ran for president of WWLF was to give back to the organization from which she has gained so much. The other panelists also shared the value they’ve found in being involved with WWLF, including a strong network of women and men to learn from and lean on, programs that build confidence, and the power of connection.

For Martindale, WWLF has provided support and empowerment. “I didn’t know what WWLF was when I joined. I knew it was a women’s organization but didn’t know what it represented. Under Carolyn’s guidance, she explained it’s not just about women, it’s not just about empowering women, it’s about empowering anyone who feels like they are not represented.”

The panelists also reflected on the importance of women to the industry, especially in leadership roles.

“Studies have proven when there’s a more diverse work environment, companies have more productivity, more creativity and honestly they are more profitable,” said Hardwick. “I think at this point in history we can’t ignore diversity and inclusion. Not only do we have to have gender diversity, but we have to have diversity across all environments, all races, religions. What I’m seeing more of is as we have more young folks coming into the industry, they bring a new set of skills and they show us new ways to problem solve and think critically, so I think it’s a challenge and an opportunity to have a diverse work environment.”

Cahill noted that the more women are given opportunities in leadership roles in the industry, the more they are proving that they are capable of taking on those leadership responsibilities. She said one of her keys to successfully ascending to leadership roles was to watch people in positions that she wanted to be in and learn from the ways they interacted with people and executed their responsibilities.

All of the panelists highlighted the importance of mentors to their own careers, and they encouraged young women in the industry to look for mentors and ask for help. They also encouraged tenured members of the industry to seek out opportunities to share their knowledge and experience with newer members of the industry. There is value to be gained on both sides of the mentorship equation, they said.

"I was a lucky professional in the industry over the years,” said Mercier. “I found mentors and mentors found me. People became mentors and I didn’t ask them to be mentors. But you need to ask, and you need to put yourself out there and that’s what WWLF can do for you. We have a mentorship program. It’s about supporting one another, about bringing them up, making their circle of network stronger and being there for them even in the first steps of learning the industry.”

DeJesus recalled how a mentor changed her career trajectory with a single but important piece of advice.

“Once upon a time I was shy -- head down just working, and really invisible,” said DeJesus. “I did have a mentor -- a male -- remind me that I needed to be more visible. It was the best advice I ever had in my entire career because I realized that nobody knew who was getting the work done. You need to be visible. What I would tell folks is you need to really understand what you are seeking from mentorship, so identify how that mentorship is going to help you or what you want, then reach out to network and collaborate with folks in your network that can help tie you in with others with similar interests or can lead you in that direction that you would like to be.”

To hear more from the panel, visit WWLF at South Wireless Summit 2021 - YouTube.

CALWA Interview with Amanda Cahill, WWLF President

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 22:55:40 GMT

“…at the end of the day I just wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me…” Amanda Cahill, WWLF President

Listen NOW on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or click here.

The California Wireless Industry Association is a nonprofit association for people working in, and interested in advancing, the wireless industry in California. CALWA has been advancing the wireless industry, helping businesses grow, fostering connections between people, and impacting lives through the charities they support for over 10 years.

On the May 25th episode of the CALWA Podcast, John Koos, Senior Vice President at Butler America Telecom LLC, sat down with Amanda Cahill, WWLF President

Amanda talks about the history, purpose, and initiatives of WWLF. She also talks about her personal career journey and how much WWLF means to her. “My entire experience with WWLF has shaped the woman that I am today… gave me the opportunity to shine in areas that were outside of my comfort zone I was scared a lot, I was uncomfortable a lot, and that was my first real experience witnessing the power of mentorship and how surrounding yourself with people who thrive on collaboration can truly change the course of someone's life.”

Amanda also states, “I knew, that by stepping into the role as President, I would be able to lean on and further expand my commitment to create an environment where all women feel empowered, where all women feel supported and are given opportunities for growth and Leadership and mentorship you know all the things that I had received and at the end of the day I just wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me in my career and my personal development and I wanted to leave a mark to help shape the future of other women who were in this industry.”

Take a few moments to listen to the whole interview!

WWLF Member Spotlight, Susie Poirier

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 22:50:46 GMT

WWLF talks with Susie Poirier, Program Manager at LCC Telecom Services and WWLF Austin City Rep. Susie has been the Austin City Rep from 2015-2019, and now also in 2021.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?

I got my start in the industry in 2008 doing a one-month lease project for Diamond and T-Mobile through LCC Law. I then started full time at LCC Telecom Services (formerly LCC Law), in 2010 as a site acquisition agent and Attorney. I am now Program Manager for the company and continue to manage team members on various Site acquisition projects.

Why did you join WWLF?

I had attended some WWLF local events in Chicago at the Lynfred Winery in 2010. As someone new in the industry, it was great to meet and connect with others, specifically women, in the industry. After attending some more events (local and national), I continued to be impressed by WWLF and wanted to be a part of it.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?

Personally, WWLF has helped to provide connections and friendships made through WWLF. WWLF also provided a sisterhood of women in wireless, and provides a common ground with other women or members. Professionally, not only have the connections made helped with the industry, but also the Lunch and Learn, other lectures, and online programs have helped to me to grow in my knowledge of the industry.

How do you define success?

From Winston Churchill: “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm”. Failure is inevitable. I think success is how we move on from our failures and the attitude we have.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family and enjoy hiking, traveling (although this has been limited since Covid) and cooking.

How to Get the Most out of Supplier Diversity Certifications

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 22:47:21 GMT

Written by Kristen Beckman

Supplier diversity certifications are becoming an increasingly important part of doing business for women- and minority-owned businesses. Certifications guarantee to companies that suppliers they contract with or hire are, in fact, diverse.

The Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum hosted a webinar about the topic, featuring real world scenarios and best practices for getting the most out of certifications. The panel was hosted by Lynn Whitcher and Courtney Davis, co-executive directors of education for WWLF. Panelists included Darretta Whitfield, Supplier Diversity Manager, Charter Communications; Debora Battaglia, Director of Business Development, LCC Telecom Services, LLC; Heather Cox, Co-Founder and President, Certify My Company; Karen Caldwell, President, Caldwell Compliance; and Shamrose Ali, Director of Operations, Texas Wireless Communication LLC.

Whitfield said diversity is important to corporations, and specifically for Charter, because it brings people to the room with different backgrounds, different experiences, and different thought processes. “It adds to our ability to be creative and to be innovative and to solve problems and just to have a better product and service,” said Whitfield.

Becoming certified can help women- and minority-owned businesses gain footing in competitive markets, and many companies are even requiring certification from their diverse suppliers. But the process to become certified isn’t always easy, and the benefits aren’t always immediately apparent, panelists said.

Caldwell said her company became certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) early in its 21-year history and has since pursued other types of diversity certifications especially when clients request them. The process to become certified in some cases can be arduous and expensive but in other cases is easier, she said. Caldwell noted many certifications have networking and mentorship opportunities that can benefit those who apply. However, while the desire for companies to be certified is prevalent, whether certifications have translated into business, Caldwell said she’s not sure.

Battaglia concurred, saying while LCC has obtained several diversity and local certifications, including WBENC, it’s difficult to quantify how much business has resulted from those certifications. “I can say maybe two times it may have gotten our foot in the door,” said Battaglia. Having a diversity certification can get companies on the list but not guarantee business, especially in a price-driven market, she said.

Ali, who is focused on starting up a new business that provides outsourced project management and coordination for wireless companies, said she is spending her time networking with a goal of obtaining certifications in the future, because large companies in particular are looking for diverse suppliers.

So how can diverse suppliers make the most out of their certifications? The panelists offered a few suggestions.

Understand that certifications aren’t a guarantee of business or contracts. “It’s not a magic wand,” said Cox, whose company helps suppliers navigate the certification process. “The only thing certification is going to do is get you in the door, maybe make an introduction for you, and solidify some relationships. If it's you and somebody else in the bidding process, it may tip the scale. But you might never know that happens.” She noted that certifications can also lead to business indirectly through introductions and referrals that might not be evident on the surface.
Know your target audience. Whitfield advises suppliers to do their research and make a relevant pitch to supplier diversity managers and procurement teams about how they can help meet the company’s needs. “If you connect those dots for me, and you can show me a valid certification that we care about, that will open the door to conversations,” said Whitfield, who runs Charter’s national supplier diversity program, including everything from training and education to making connections with suppliers and procurement teams. She said while companies care about diversity, the bottom line is they are looking for suppliers that can handle the volume and output they need and meet their requirements for keeping their business up and running, especially during the pandemic.
Be strategic about which certifications to pursue. Because certifications in some cases can be expensive and time consuming, it’s important to be strategic about which ones to pursue. Not all certifications are created equal and which you pursue depends in large part on what you want to do with them, said Cox. Whitfield suggests researching which national, regional and state certifications target clients are involved in and prioritize those.
You’ll get as much out of your certifications and partnerships as you put in. Many certification programs offer training, networking and mentorship opportunities that can benefit you directly through knowledge gained but also through contact with a network of people who can help you. Being engaged will place you top of mind when a company asks for referrals.
Don’t be shy about mentioning your certification status. “If you're approaching our company and it's not something that we've been actively seeking, you need to lead with the fact that you're certified through these organizations that we're partners with so that we recognize it,” said Whitfield. “We won't know if you don't tell us.” Whitfield said certified companies should include that information on their website, mailings, capability statements and RFPs.
Commit yourself to getting it done. Cox said there’s never going to be a good time to spend the time and money to get certified because there will always be more important things to focus on. But the certification process can take a long time – years in some cases – so it’s important not to wait. “You always want to be certified before you need it. Once you need it, it’s too late.”

Whitfield relayed a certification success story about a supplier Charter worked with during the pandemic. The company needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and worked with Cox to identify a supplier who had been in the fashion industry for 16 years. The supplier had lost millions of dollars of business when large retailers cancelled their orders when COVID hit and was switching gears to supplying PPE to corporations. Charter awarded her a $4 million contract and helped her obtain a diversity certification that she was then able to leverage along with referrals into more business for PPE in the corporate arena. She went on to win a $46 million contract with the military to supply uniforms for the Marine Corps.

“The 16 years prior, she had no reason and didn't really see the value of getting certified until she needed to pivot her business and shift into other areas,” said Whitfield. “That was a windfall for her and saved her from having to let go of 16 employees to being able to hire five more and carry on for the next five years. So, I think it's worthwhile depending on what your business strategy is and how you can leverage it.”

WWLF BOOK REVIEW: How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back From Your Next Raise, Promotion or Job Author: Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

Fri, 28 May 2021 18:23:19 GMT

Review by: Amanda Cahill

Want to achieve more success in your career? Worried your current actions and habits might be holding you back from achieving the success you deserve? If so, How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion or Job by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith might be the book for you.

Helgesen and Goldsmith team up to examine the most common behaviors that can get in the way of future success for women. The book showcases that men and women typically present different self-limiting behaviors in business, with women more likely to take on too much work and take too little credit for their achievements.

Brought to life with examples and stories, Helgesen and Goldsmith examine the twelve habits holding women back and they suggest the reader take aim at two or three of their own most damaging habits rather than address them all. The authors also emphasize that some of the behaviors, including perfectionism, building relationships and overvaluing expertise, might have served women well earlier in their careers but often hinder development as women move up the corporate ladder.

Of the twelve habits outlined in the book, the five listed below stood out the most as either behaviors in myself or in other women in my network:

1. Reluctance to Claim Your Achievements:
This one may seem out of place because women often deliver great work. And yet, many women struggle to draw attention to their achievements and successes. To take it even further, some women can even find it hard to accept praise or will make a habit of turning the spotlight of attention to someone else on their team. This could be because some women don’t want to seem self-promoting or because they assume the good work will speak for itself. It’s noted in the book that “moving ahead—rising—requires bold action.” If women do not communicate the substance of their work and the value of their achievements, especially to those in positions above them, they may be thought to lack confidence in their ability or be ambivalent about rising through the organization. The authors suggest that women should think about their value to the organization, why their success matters and what greater good they can do if they are able to rise to higher positions of influence and impact.

2. Overvaluing Expertise:
“Trying to master every detail of your job in order to become an expert is a great strategy for keeping the job you have. But if your goal is to rise to a higher level, your expertise is probably not going to get you there.” The authors state that a woman’s expertise in lower level jobs may have gotten her to where she is today, but “the top jobs always require managing and leading people who have expertise, not providing expertise yourself.” Furthermore, women need to focus on four kinds of power as they rise. In addition to expertise, women need to learn the power of connection (who you know), personal authority or confidence (a strong presence) and the power of holding a senior position. Expertise alone is not enough to open doors to an organization’s top levels of leadership.

3. Building Rather than Leveraging Relationships: “Whilst women are often stellar relationship builders, they tend to be less skilled at leveraging relationships” and “leveraging relationships is key to achieving professional success.” While women are often excellent at building relationships they can be noticeably reluctant to leverage those relationship. There are many reasons this might apply to you—often it is connected to an aversion to be seen as someone who “uses” people. Most great careers are built not just on talent or hard work, but on the mutual exchange of benefits and if you refuse to leverage the relationships you’ve built in pursuit of your goals, you might diminish your ability to reach your full potential. While this may sound crass to some women, the authors once again warn against either-or thinking (a common theme found in the book). Authentic friendships can have intrinsic rewards and extrinsic, win-win benefits for both parties involved.

4. Putting Your Job Before Your Career:
The authors note two reasons women feel stuck in their job:

(1) People take note of how dedicated she is to her position and how she excels at it;
(2) Personal loyalty or over commitment to her team

When women begin to feel stuck in a position they often see others, notably men, advancing and, in turn, they adapt a strategy to double down on their daily work to the neglect of working on their careers. In addition, women might express the kind of loyalty to the job that she might show toward her family. The authors urge women to assess potential jobs and to choose specific tasks in terms of how any given job can serve their self-interests and their careers. In doing so, women should give their best work, but they should also do their best to have a great career and a great life. Once again, either-or thinking can create a trap for women who hope to rise to higher levels in their careers.

5. Minimizing: Are you making yourself smaller either literally by the way you sit around the table or by taking a seat in the back? Do you use minimizing language, such as apologizing when you haven’t done anything wrong or using works like “just”, “only”, “small” and “quick”, as in “I just have one small thing to add…?” The authors suggest women may unknowingly minimize their presence and impact simply by moving aside in meetings to make room for others, as well as unwittingly making themselves smaller by squeezing into a circle (when men allow others to adjust to their space). These are not character flaws, but minimizing, softening, shrinking, and ceding space are habits that can hold back a woman on the rise. Your body language and words need to assure everyone you know you are meant to be in the room and you are owning your decisions.

Whether for your own development or to enrich the conversations when leading others in your organization, How Women Rise is an inspiring and practical resource. All twelve habits are well worth a read, and the examples bring to life the many ways these behaviors can get in the way and the different experiences senior women have had in responding to them. The book wraps up with how to take the first step and how to sustain the effort over time.

Want to learn more about the 12 habits outlined in the books? Please join us Wednesday, June 9th for the WWLF Book Read as we take a deep dive into How Women Rise!

June WWLF Spotlight: Tara Rand

Fri, 28 May 2021 17:20:48 GMT

Tara Rand is the WWLF City Rep for Boston/New England.

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?
I am blessed to have spent my entire 30+ year telecom career at 3 wonderful organizations in New England: Verizon Wireless (10 years), Crown Castle (19 years) and now for over 3 years at national veteran services provider, SAI Group, headquartered in Salem, NH.

Early on, I dreamed of a life in politics, as a State Rep or Senator specifically, so I majored in Political Science and Communications at Regis College-Weston, MA. My 1st job out of college was working in Boston’s State House for a State Rep but I soon realized how politically connected you had to be in Massachusetts and I was not, being from the very small town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. I just happened to have a friend mention to me that Bell Atlantic (now Verizon Wireless) was looking to staff up their new wireless division so I was intrigued, went for the job and was hired...the rest is history!

Most of my time at Verizon Wireless was spent in the Engineering Department. I worked in RF Design where I was focused on Regulatory matters and network designs and also in Real Estate/Site Acq, leasing up and permitting their core infrastructure throughout New England. Verizon Wireless ultimately entered into a Joint Venture with Crown Castle and I was asked to join Crown Castle’s Sales Team to lease up and generate services revenue on their assets in New England/CT, Canada and Upstate NY. The transition was seamless in that I was working with all of the same assets and team members, many of whom I am still friends with to this day. At Crown Castle, I also held the roles of District Manager-NE/Upstate NY and National Sales Account Executive working with large emerging technologies clients as well as the local wireless carriers in New England.

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?
Give Back…Being elected & re-elected by my industry peers as the current President of the New England Wireless Association (NEWA), being asked to assume the City Rep-New England/Boston role for WWLF and becoming a NATEWon Mentor are the highlights of my career as all enable me to give back to our industry in some way. Helping to establish the new NEWA Scholarship Fund and Co-Chairing the Annual NEWA Charity Golf Event for past two years are of special importance to me as the monies raised is given back to those connected to the wireless industry. Over the years, these three organizations have all played major roles within the wireless industry and I am proud to be associated with them.

Be Honest…It’s my trademark in work and life, no exceptions.

Ask…Be inquisitive, ask questions to learn more or understand something better, see if you can help someone or solve a problem(s) by providing possible solutions. My desire to fully understand the wireless world continues to lead me down a variety of paths, some very challenging, all of which I have and will continue to embrace and learn from. Knowledge is key, don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn more every day.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
I became a member of WWLF early on in my career as it was a great opportunity to get more involved within the industry and build new relationships. In addition to being the City Rep, I recently joined the Industry Relations team and am helping with Membership as well. Being a WWLF member has opened doors to new relationships within the industry which have proven to be invaluable.

My proudest membership moment is when SAI Group hosted an educational event at our office in New Hampshire…the weather wasn’t very good that evening but we ended up having an excellent turn-out for the event and it was a huge success!

How do I define career success?
Success to me isn’t about how many awards and/or prizes you win during your career, it’s more encompassing than that in my opinion.

Success to me is about the true trust-based friendships and relationships established along the way. It’s about loving what you do and the industry you are in. It is also about being grateful for opportunities that you create or come your way. It’s giving back however and whenever you can. It’s about happiness, being joyful and in the best health you can be in. It’s about being blessed to work in a safe and healthy work environment with exceptional leadership. And it’s about the innate desire to learn more and always do better, every day.

The Virtual Environment is Here to Stay: How to Put Your Best Foot Forward

Fri, 28 May 2021 17:04:23 GMT

Written by Kristin Beckman

COVID-19 changed the way we communicate in professional situations. When much of the world’s workforce was sent home to work remotely during the beginnings of the pandemic, and travel was restricted, the use of video conferencing platforms like Zoom skyrocketed. According to data compiled by Owl Labs, 60 percent of people reported using video tools more often as a result of COVID-19 than they had in the past, outpacing other well-established collaboration tools like e-mail.

There was awkwardness, in some cases, as video conferencing newbies quickly learned to navigate the new world of communicating from home with a webcam rather than face to face in a board room. YouTube is full of examples of sometimes hilarious examples of video conference stumbles, including a lawyer who showed up to virtual court in the 394th district of Texas earlier this year with a kitten filter turned on. “I’m not a cat,” he said, while struggling to switch the filter off.

As a society, we’ve learned to give each other grace as we’ve collectively learned how to use video conferencing during the past year. And even as employees begin to slowly return to the office, business travel and in-person meetings, video conferencing is certainly here to stay. As such, it’s important to put your best foot forward in virtual business situations.

Last month, WWLF hosted leadership strategist Barbara Teicher, CSP, in a webinar about presenting your best self in a virtual environment. Following is her advice along with some other best practices on using video conferencing platforms.

Teicher recommends keeping the P.A.D. principles in mind when preparing for a virtual meeting or event. P – What is the purpose of the meeting? A—Who is the audience? D – What are the details? Remember that strong visuals are more important in a virtual environment than in other forms of communication like email. Consider how you want your audience to feel and what you want them to do as a result of your presentation. And of course, know the time, date and platform where your meeting or event is taking place.
Rehearsing is also key to a successful virtual presentation, said Teicher. Take care of practical details in advance, like checking your internet connection and making sure your sound and microphone work. Set up a pleasing and professional environment, including having additional lighting and shutting blinds to eliminate distracting shadows on your face. Log in early so you have time to troubleshoot any issues.
Ensure the name on the screen is your name and not a nickname or made up name you’ve used in previous meetings, said Teicher. Have contingency plans, including having a phone ready to call in as a backup in case your computer fails.
Working from home can feel like casual Friday every day, but you’ll make your best impression if you dress, wear makeup and style your hair as if you were going to be presenting at an in-person meeting or event. Experts advise that plain colors often go over better in virtual environments than patterns like plaid. If nothing else, make sure you wear pants, a lesson that ABC News Reporter Will Reeve learned the hard way.
Consider what’s behind you. One of the most interesting developments to come out of the pandemic has been seeing what’s in everybody’s home office. Lots of people like to have shelves in their background, but that can sometimes be distracting, experts say. Plain and simple backgrounds are perhaps boring but often the best choice for the virtual environment. And from a privacy and security standpoint, it’s always a good idea to make sure sensitive information isn’t visible in the camera’s view.
Position yourself optimally in your webcam’s field of view to avoid looking distorted. Having your face too close to the camera will distort the image of your face, and having the camera positioned too low will give the audience a view up your nose. Eye level usually provides the most appealing perspective.
By some accounts, ‘You are still on mute’ became the most common phrase of 2020. Make sure you are muted when not talking to avoid introducing unwanted background noise to the conference and be ready to unmute when it’s your turn to speak. Zoom allows you to toggle between muted and unmuted by tapping the space bar on your computer.

Join WWLF and Barb Teicher June 10 for more video conferencing tips during an exclusive webinar for WWLF members focused on how interviewing has changed in a virtual environment. Click here to register: https://www.wwlf.org/event-4303360

Terri Tidwell on Company Loyalty to Employees, the Worsening Talent Shortage, and How the Two May Solve Each Other

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:42:48 GMT

“A CFO goes to their CEO and asks, 'What if we train our employees and they leave?' The CEO responds, 'What if we don’t and they stay?'"

About Terri Tidwell:

Terri Tidwell is a Director of Project Controls for SQUAN’s engineering division. Having grown up with both parents working in the telecom industry, Terri got her foot in the industry’s door as a manual drafter. From there, her path to project management excellence was paved by demonstrating a high degree of competitiveness, developing empathy through hands-on experience for her crews, and gaining the loyalty of her techs in the field by training and developing their skillsets.

Tell me, how did you get to where you are?

My parents were already working in the telecom space, and I first got started as a manual drafter. My stepmom, who worked for Southern Bell at the time, went to a contractor and said, “Can you please give my daughter a job?” Back then, everyone got a job in the telecom industry based on who they knew. There wouldn’t be a telecom industry without nepotism in the early days. But I worked twice as hard just to prove myself.

From there, it was fairly organic. This was before PMP certifications or anything like that, but by the time I was officially a Project Manager, I could already talk to clients knowledgeably about the work and drive other folks to get their work done. And I think a lot of what project management is is really just common sense and that desire to be a bit more organized. For me, disorganization just drives me nuts. So, I’d step into situations that need help and clean them up.

How do you stay so organized?

Well, you really have to stay in touch with the progress of each project, and back then I thought Excel was my saving grace because before that I kept everything in notebooks, sticky notes, bulletin boards — all that kind of stuff. So I thought Excel was the be-all-end-all until SQUAN adopted Sitetracker. Now I keep everything in Trackers! It’s all clean and streamlined so that you can immediately see where the problems are. And that's one of the things I love about Sitetracker is that the conditional formatting is already built into it so you can see when things are starting to go sideways. I just finished the Sitetracker Certification course too, and the more I learn about it the more excited I am. It’s game-changing for me and my whole team.

What lesson in project management do you most want to share?

When it comes to managing upwards, transparency is a huge one. Everyone loves to hear good news; the bad news is much tougher. Don’t wait until the last minute to bring it up. Give the bad news when it occurs - ideally at least three days in advance of its impact. You know, if you’re not going to make a deadline, tell somebody before the due date. Not every project is going to run smoothly. You’re going to run into hurdles, but the sooner you can call out problems the better the news will be received, and ultimately resolved.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about project management in telecom?

Back when PMP certifications first became a thing, companies were hiring people that knew nothing about the work or the people they were trying to manage. The basic idea of the PM role was someone pushing spreadsheets. In my opinion, this was very wrong. There’s no formula for successful project management, but there are characteristics you have to have, including an understanding of the industry, knowledge of the work, and empathy for the crews in the field.

That last one is very important. I’ve been there. I used to do fieldwork as a field engineer, so I was out there in the trenches staying in hotel rooms for weeks, sometimes months at a time. You have to remember your crews are people. They’re probably missing out on time with their families by being there, working for you. They could get stuck in Minnesota because their engine blocks froze because they don’t know that they need to winterized their vehicle for those kinds of working conditions.

The people in the field make or break a project, not the person sitting behind a computer, so you have to treat them well.

What’s the biggest industry shift that you’re anticipating?

It’s already happening - a talent shortage. I see headcount as the biggest strategic challenge to the industry in the near future. Companies have to start hiring fresh employees and be willing to train them. It’s like the story where the CFO goes to the CEO and asks, “what if we train them and they leave?” And the CEO responds, “what if we don’t and they stay?” If you don’t train your folks, they’re going to jump ship two years from now for another couple of bucks. But if you take in folks and you're willing to train them, allow them to make mistakes, and give them opportunities to learn new things, you're always going to have a wealth of talent and loyal people. It just takes a time investment. But if you don't start now, in 5 or 10 years you're going to have folks retiring with nobody replacing them.

How do you measure your success?

Well, everyone lives and dies by their revenue and their budget — you know, the dollar sign. But in order to achieve that, the number one thing is reliability. That’s what we really pride ourselves on at SQUAN. All of our PMs have pretty strict due dates and high-quality standards. SQUAN actually won’t accept work that we know we can’t complete. We see other companies making that mistake, and when they don’t deliver, the client will come to us instead because they know we’ll get it done. Reputation is everything. All it takes is one bad word and you may never recover.

What’s your secret to great management and building, training, or developing a great crew?

This one’s tricky because a lot of management success is intangible, so it has to come from within. I’m often asking myself how I feel at the end of the day. When it comes to my team, I think fostering open and honest dialogue is key. My success is my team’s success, and that applies to every individual in the company. We celebrate each other all the time, but most importantly we’re not afraid to call each other out on mistakes. We do this in kind of a joking way though, and that’s really important. You don’t want to make people feel bad for making a mistake, and calling one out with humor has been really effective. In the same way, you also want to have your teammates bounce ideas off of each other.

This happens here at SQUAN at the executive level too! I actually look forward to our management meetings — something very few people can say honestly. But here’s the thing: I’m usually most excited for what comes after the meeting, just grabbing a drink afterward with everyone and sharing stories.

What’s your favorite story to share?

That’s a tough one. I don’t have a favorite story per se, but I do love telling this one: I was out in the field in Louisiana, and there was some concrete-encased fiber cable that had to lower for a DOT project. So we had to break the cable out of the concrete before we could actually lower it. Since there was a risk of damaging the cable, we had to use a sleeve on the jackhammer and had to keep the blade parallel to the direction of the cable.

Now here I am, fresh on site and I didn’t know any of the guys down in the hole. I’m keeping an eye on the guy doing the hammering, and I see him start to turn the jackhammer to get an easier but riskier angle. Of course, I’m shouting and shouting, but he can’t hear me over the sound of the jackhammer. Finally, I resort to grabbing a handful of pebbles off the ground and bouncing them, one at a time, off his hard hat. I continued to do this for each operator for the duration of the project.

The whole crew got such a kick out of my “creative communication” that when it came time to eat, they bought me lunch (by the way: my first “boudin”). I guess the moral of the story is that sometimes you’ve really just got to do what you got to do, and people will respect you for it.

Do you know a fantastic project manager? Someone who hits deadlines, has stories to share, can get around any roadblock, and pushes projects over the line? We want to feature them in our Projects Are Life series. Shoot us an email and tell us why they are awesome at PaL@sitetracker.com.

WWLF Spotlight: Sara Muehlberger

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:37:53 GMT

Sara Muehlberger is the WWLF City Rep based in Atlanta, Georgia. She has held this position since January 2019.

What has been the best experience you’ve had with WWLF?

The best experience I’ve had (so far) with WWLF was the time we joined forces with the Georgia Wireless Association for a day of volunteering at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Within the 4 short hours we worked together, we ended up sorting and packing over 9,400 pounds of food that would provide over 6,700 meals to people in need – right here in our community. How awesome is that?

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?

If I were to give 3 leadership tips of advice, they would be: 1. Train and mentor the up-and-coming professionals; it’s important to understand you cannot do it all and it’s good to delegate. 2. Step outside of your comfort zone and say yes to tasks that scare you! This is how we grow as professionals. 3. Take your PTO. It’s important to work hard and be dedicated, but it’s equally important to take care of yourself and enjoy downtime.

What do you like to do outside of work?

When I am not working, you can find me with my family. I have an amazing husband, Darren, who has been by my side for 19 years, and we have two incredible children, Bradley and Caspian. As a family, we enjoy traveling, cooking & baking, and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy volunteering within our community; I am the VP of the MVHS Men’s Lacrosse Board in addition to managing the MVAA Lightning Boys lacrosse team.

How do you define success?

Success to me is when you set your mind to something and achieve it or give it your best. Success doesn’t always come in the form of money or things, but rather as knowledge and growth.

What does confidence mean to you?

To me, confidence is when you don’t look to others for approval or acceptance. This one took me a long time to figure out. I do not need others to accept me; however, I do look at others for guidance and growth. I am who I am, and I’m completely ok with that.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Altruistic
Devoted
Humble

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role?

It was by chance that I sort of fell into telecommunications. I had previously worked in the financial industry and took some time off to enjoy motherhood after my second child was born. When I started looking to get back into the professional world, a friend knew someone who was looking to hire a candidate with financial experience, so I decided to apply. Little did I know I would find my home here at Terracon as an employee-owner! I’ve been with Terracon for almost 7 years, and I am currently a National Account Manager within our telecommunications sector.

What is your favorite Quote?

“Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.” – Conan O’Brien

How do you see the future of the industry?

I think telecommunications is a very in-demand industry and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Due to the unfortunate circumstances with Covid-19, many people quickly realized how crucial infrastructure within telecom was. We all needed faster speeds with more availability to those in rural areas – and the demand for 5G only increased. With so many employers moving to a more remote work atmosphere in the coming years, the demand for faster, better, smarter networks will only continue to increase.

If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?

If I could meet anyone, it would have to be Steve Harvey. The man is absolutely hysterical, but he’s also a great motivational speaker. He tells it like it is and has such a way with people. I feel like we’d have a great time chatting it up and laughing the day away.

Why did you join WWLF?

I joined WWLF to grow my network with other like-minded professionals. I enjoy volunteering and found that many of the planned events were to give back in some way (clothing drives, donated goods, etc.). I truly believe it’s so important to see a need and fill that need within your community.

How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?

Being part of WWLF has significantly grown my network and helped me professionally. I’ve arranged and attended IMPACT events with amazing speakers and have learned many valuable work and life lessons. Being the Atlanta City Rep has pushed me outside of my comfort zone (at times) and has helped me step up and learn to lead.

Take Time to Focus on Mental Health in May

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:34:45 GMT

Written by Kristin Beckman

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year, the focus on mental health is especially poignant. During the month of May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness works to fight stigmas surrounding mental health and is emphasizing the message: You are Not Alone.

While the world has been dealing with the global COVID-19 pandemic during the past year, many people have also been struggling with a related health crisis that has been dubbed “The Silent Pandemic.” The physical consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic have spurred the world into action trying to prevent the spread of the virus and treat those who contract it. However, efforts like social distancing and remote work, while great for keeping people physically healthy, often have the unintended consequence of making people feel isolated, which can negatively impact mental health and wellness.

Even before COVID-19, nearly 20 percent of U.S. adults experienced some form of mental illness, and despite how common mental health concerns, more than half of people dealing with a mental illness do not seek help for their disorders, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Often this is because they are embarrassed, fear what others will think of them, or worry that they might lose their job.

The physical distancing and upheaval necessitated by COVID-19, as well as the stress of a large-scale disaster, have exacerbated mental health and wellness challenges, according to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association early in the pandemic. The article predicted the likelihood of substantial increases in anxiety and depression, substance abuse, loneliness, and domestic violence stemming from social distancing and other virus mitigation efforts.

More recent research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed those early concerns. It found the number of adults with recent symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder increased from 36.4 percent to 41.5 percent, while the percentage of individuals reporting unmet mental health care needs increasing from 9.2 percent to 11.7 percent between August 2020 and February 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those suffering from serious mental health issues, seeking help is the most important first step. However, everyone can benefit from taking steps to nurture their own mental health and promote overall wellness. Following are a few ideas you can try to re-center your focus, lift your mood, and improve your mental wellbeing.

1. Although social distancing can make it difficult, find ways to connect with other people. Talking with friends, neighbors, and loved ones about your feelings and concerns can relieve stress and promote resilience. If an in-person connection isn’t possible, make use of all of the technology available to connect today, including video conferencing, social media, email, and even good old-fashioned telephone calls.

2. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety and can even help people manage chronic pain. Mindful meditation can be as simple as sitting comfortably, focusing on your breathing, and bringing your mind’s attention to the present several times a day. There are guided mediation programs available online or through smartphone applications that you can download to remind you to meditate and help you do it.

3. Journaling is a simple tool that allows you to deal with overwhelming emotions in a way that helps manage anxiety, reduce stress and cope with depression. Notably, writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you prioritize and process problems, fears and, concerns, keep track of symptoms and triggers and train your mind to shift negative thinking to positive self-talk. There are no rules when it comes to journaling, experts say. Simply write or type whatever comes to your mind, but make sure to read back every now and then to remind yourself how you have persevered and overcome challenges.

4. Exercise. Your physical health and mental health are connected. Exercise can reduce feelings of stress and depression and improve your mood thanks in part to the release of chemicals called endorphins that trigger positive feelings. Thirty minutes of exercise of moderate intensity, such as brisk walking for 3 days a week, is sufficient to produce a variety of health benefits. Even better, these 30 minutes need not be continuous; three 10-minute walks are believed to be as useful as one 30-minute walk in reducing stress, according to the National Institutes of Health.

5. Sleep. Is not getting enough sleep a cause or a symptom of mental health disorders? The answer isn’t clear, but researchers do know that adequate sleep is crucial not only for mood but also for having the energy to cope with day-to-day stress effectively. Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night, but studies indicate at least one-third of adults sleep less than 7 hours per night. “The brain basis of a mutual relationship between sleep and mental health is not yet completely understood. But neuroimaging and neurochemistry studies suggest that a good night's sleep helps foster both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep deprivation sets the stage for negative thinking and emotional vulnerability,” according to Harvard Medical School.

This May, take the time to take care of your mental wellbeing by trying one or more of the ideas listed above. Remember, you are not alone even during a time of physical distancing!

Amanda Cahill - Candidate for President

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 17:32:37 GMT

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.

WWLF Call for Nominations - 2019 Fellowship Program Award

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 19:21:54 GMT

The Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (“WWLF”) is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Fellowship Program Award. We look forward to receiving nominations and applications through April 5, 2019. We are also currently accepting applications to serve as 2019 Mentors. The mission of the Fellowship Program is to empower and inspire women who are new to the telecommunications industry by:

Providing WWLF membership advantages at no cost to the recipient
Engaging the recipient in industry events and the operations of WWLF
Offering unique mentorship opportunities to support the growth of new industry leaders
Facilitating opportunities for career strengthening through WWLF resources

Benefits include:

Complimentary WWLF membership for duration of term (If already a member when selected, the remainder of her pre-existing membership term will resume following completion of the Fellowship term)
Featured on the WWLF website as Award winner
Pairing with a Mentor for duration of term
Participation in a WWLF Committee (to be selected by the WWLF Board)
Free admission to two annual local regional events during term
Free admission to WWLF events at MWCA and Connect X during term
All-expenses-paid trip to Connect X in Orlando, FL (max value of $1,500)

Fellowship Nominee Requirements:

Nominee must be a woman
Nominee must be employed in the wireless industry for LESS than 5 years, or entering the industry
Nominee may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else
Nominees may or may not be a current WWLF member at time of award
Nominee cannot be chosen as a recipient for two consecutive years

Fellowship Requirements:

Consistently attend monthly one-on-one meetings with Mentor (either in-person or via phone)
Provide meeting logs and other required deliverables as described in timeline below
Fully prepare for each Mentorship meeting (including completion of any homework/deliverables that Mentor assigned)
Attend at least two networking events with Mentor
Work at WWLF booth and event registration table, and otherwise represent WWLF however deemed appropriate during the Connectivity Expo
Actively participate in one WWLF Committee for duration of term. Participation updates will be provided by Committee Chair.
Complete quarterly call with Programs Director
Provide photo for WWLF website and email blast announcing Fellowship recipient
Provide a “testimonial” at the end of the term and complete a survey about the WWLF fellowship experience

WWLF Fellowship Award Timeline:

Call for nominations and applications begins: February 18, 2019
Deadline for submission: April 5, 2019

WWLF Fellowship and Mentor Application Forms:

2019 Fellowship Application (to be completed by Applicant/Nominee)
2019 Mentor Application

Please return your application form, along with your resume and statement of interest to Victoria Weidenthaler at Programs@wwlf.org.

Happy New Year...2019 IS YOUR YEAR TO SHINE!

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 04:22:51 GMT

Women's Wireless Leadership Forum wishes our members and sponsors a very Happy New Year. To help celebrate the New Year, we are declaring 2019 the year our members shine and to celebrate, we are offering a new benefit. We are launching our recognition program to honor top women in our industry.

Women's Wireless Leadership Forum take great pride in introducing.....WWLF’s Woman of the Year Award

The Woman of the Year Award will be bestowed upon a woman who has had great achievements, made increasingly significant contributions throughout her career to her company and the overall wireless industry. She has been in the Wireless industry 10 or more years. She is a true leader, broken through that proverbial glass ceiling and shows great resolve to help others along their path. This woman is leading the way for the next generation of women.

As part of this WWLF Recognition program, we will recognize and honor those women who through their significant contributions and achievements, overall impact and outstanding character, serve as role models for career women. These women demonstrate a commitment and passion that advances the promotion of women in our industry.

Attributes:

Serves as a role model and mentor to colleagues and others;
Leads authentically with unwavering passion and commitment to her values and fearlessly with a sense of purpose and vision.
Exhibits a high level of knowledge, skill and professionalism regarding facets of the wireless industry;
Exhibits continued investment in her own professional, technical and personal growth;
Demonstrates impactful accomplishments and overcome adversity
Contributes significantly to the transformation of her organization through creativity or innovation;
Serves as a catalyst to help advance others at her organization;
Exhibits commitment to the industry’s professional activities through community activity, professional society involvement, company volunteer groups, etc.;
Encourages and invests in mentoring others in the wireless industry;
Demonstrates a proven track record of success in contributing to her company and the wireless industry;
Holds a current membership in WWLF.

Nominations for WWLF’s Woman of the Year Award will be open to all active members of WWLF later this year.

The Women's Wireless Leadership Forum wins the Award for Organization with the Biggest Impact.

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 13:07:24 GMT

On Thursday November 30, 2017, the Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (“WWLF”) won the Award for “Organization with the Biggest Impact” at The California Wireless Association (“CALWA”) Holiday Gala & Awards Ceremony.

First, we would like to congratulate CALWA on celebrating their 10th Anniversary. We are grateful to them as a State Wireless Association as they continue to raise awareness of the benefits of the wireless industry and their promotion of it. They have been hugely instrumental in bringing a unified voice to the wireless industry.

Second, WWLF is extremely honored to receive such an important award as we work toward supporting women in this industry and keeping them connected. Thank you for selecting WWLF among all the other well-deserving organizations.

Our members deserve to have a competitive edge on this ever-evolving wireless stage so with your help, WWLF is committed: Firstly, to the Enrichment of women through training and professional development opportunities. Secondly, to the Advancement of women across all disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning our Members at the forefront of the wireless world!

Thank you to our Members, Sponsors and dedicated Volunteers for helping us to fulfill our mission and thank you again to CALWA for recognizing our achievements.