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Happy Fall, Y'all!
We had a terrific "Motivation & Mugs" Zoom in September. Several of the attendees were first-timers and it was a pleasure to meet them. When I facilitate these events, I have a topic prepared to discuss before the call and inevitably, because of something profound someone says during the call, I change the topic! For September’s call, I thought we would talk about negativity in your head and the 'glass-is-half-empty' attitude from others. Instead, the conversation morphed into "How To Overturn Negative Cultures At Work". I found this to be remarkably relevant as we try to hire new employees in the telecom industry and more importantly, as we try to assess what we can do better to retain employees. It goes without saying (although I'm going to say it anyway); if you are in a positive environment and surrounded by positive personalities, you too will begin to think more positively. You start to feel you're being heard and that your opinions matter. You enjoy coming to the office. You turn problems into opportunities. You find not just one but several solutions to address the opportunity. You feel valued, appreciated and, if management is lucky, you develop a sense of loyalty to the company.
This is why WWLF exists. Women in the wireless industry collaborate and share their thoughts. These thoughts become catalysts for others to improve themselves and to excel within their own companies. Everyone benefits.
Looking forward to seeing you on next month’s Motivation & Mugs Zoom call!
All the best to you, |
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Beth Martindale
WWLF Vice President |
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WWLF @ Connect(X)
COVID-19's Impact on Women in Wireless
Written by Kristen Beckman |
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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.
Read the full article on the WWLF website
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WWLF Spotlight: Leticia Latino Leticia Latino has been the WWLF City Rep for about 6 months and covers the Boca/South Florida region |
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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
Read the full interview on the WWLF to learn more about Leticia Latino
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WWLF Spotlight: Jennifer Duren Jennifer Durden, Director of Real Estate Development at Phoenix Tower International, has been the WWLF City Rep for 5 plus years and covers the South Florida market |
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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.
Read the full interview on the WWLF to learn more about Jennifer Durden
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Monthly Networking Events!
WWLF Members Only |
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Although times are getting somewhat back to normal, we are still not quite there yet.
So, let's come together and connect while enjoying our morning ritual of coffee, tea, lemon water or whatever your choice of drink!
During this Monday Motivation and Mugs, each attendee will have one minute to introduce themselves and talk about what they are looking for/needing during these times: job opportunities, connections, friendly support, etc..
December 6, 2021 Motivation and Mugs
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)
Zoom link to be sent before the event
Registration closes the Friday before the event. |
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WWLF's Woodworking event at A/R Workshop |
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November 18, 2021 WWLF’S Woodworking Event
7:00pm – 10:00pm (EST)
A/R Workshop in Milton, GA
Registration limited
Are you ready to get crafty with WWLF? This will be a fun night of being creative, enjoying refreshments, and making meaningful connections. We also have an opportunity to give back to our local community, and we ask everyone to bring winter hats and gloves (of all sizes) to be donated to Pebble Tossers (a youth development nonprofit with a mission to empower and equip youth to lead through service). Pebble Tossers works with all the local charities to distribute collected items throughout the community to those in need and these donations will be going to SafeHouse Outreach.
This event is limited to 14 people, so please signup right away!
We hope to see you there.
Cost: Individual attendees will be responsible for their own purchases. |
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Thank you to our exclusive newsletter sponsor |
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Connect with WWLF
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WWLF is a proud affiliate of WIA
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Women's Wireless Leadership Forum C/O WIA
2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 210 Arlington, VA 22201
© 2021 Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum All Rights Reserved
WWLF is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are welcome in all aspects of our organization. WWLF values the knowledge and perspectives that our members bring to our organization from their diverse backgrounds. While all members are welcome to participate in both regional and national events, WWLF remains committed to the design and delivery of content to support the development of women in the wireless communications industry. |
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