the WWLF Connection

Dear Members,

Can you believe 2023 is only a few weeks away?

When I reflect on 2022, I am amazed by what we have accomplished and how WWLF has grown as an organization.

Over the past year, WWLF has hosted 36 events, including seven in person events, six educational events and numerous virtual events from book reads to Monday Motivation & Mugs to vision board creation. We also added over 500 new members and brought on multiple companies through our corporate membership partnerships. In addition, over 30 women participated in the Mentorship program and the Annual WWLF Networking Reception at Connect X had the largest attendance to date. It was a great year by all accounts!

The end of 2022 also brings the end of my term as President of WWLF. My involvement in WWLF has been one the greatest drivers of success not only in my career, but also as a leader. What drove me every day in my term as President was being able to continue my commitment to creating an environment where all women feel empowered, supported and are given opportunities for growth, leadership and mentorship. Serving as President and giving back to the community that has given (and continues to give) so much to me has been the biggest reward. The experience has been invaluable.

Not a day goes by that I don’t feel proud to stand and serve next to some of the most incredible leaders in our industry. Thank you to our WWLF board, sponsors, members and the Wireless Infrastructure Association for the continued support and dedication. It’s has been a great experience and honor to serve as the President of WWLF over the past two years and I look forward to seeing what the next two years brings to this wonderful organization.

All the best,

Amanda Cahill

WWLF President 2021-2022

Sr. Director, Business Development – Network Connex

WWLF Election of 2023-2024 Leadership Team

The Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) is a volunteer association for professional women in the wireless communications industry.  Through WWLF's events, members share their expertise, broaden their contacts, and advance their career opportunities.  WWLF celebrates the experience of the many successful women in the communications industry.  

Voting will take place between November 21 - December 16. You must be an active member in order to nominate and to cast your vote!

WWLF is pleased to present the following candidates seeking to serve a two year term (2023-2024) for one of the following positions:

President:

Vice President:

  • Carolyn Hardwick
  • Arleth Carbajal

Secretary:

  • Ashli Fuselier

Treasurer:

  • Michelle Salisbury

Members can login in to learn more about the positions and to cast your ballot!

Welcome to the rEVolution!

Written by Stephanie Whitlock

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...

 Read the full article on the WWLF website

(Back to top)

WWLF Spotlight: Arleth Carbajal

Senior Project Manager, LCC Telecom Services
WWLF Events Regional Director Central

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."

Read the full interview on the WWLF website

(Back to top)


Thank you to our exclusive newsletter sponsor

Click to go to the SBA Communications Corporation website

Connect with WWLF

WWLF is a proud affiliate of WIA

Women's Wireless Leadership Forum C/O WIA
2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 210 Arlington, VA 22201

© 2022 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.