the WWLF Connection

Dear WWLF Members, Sponsors, Supporter, and Industry Colleagues,

I am honored to serve as the president of Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum.

I am energized by the challenges and opportunities that face the wireless industry as we work to close the digital divide. Not every industry can say that their work brings human connection, communication, education, economic growth, and joy to the communities we serve. This is a profound responsibility, and I commend you all for committing to this mission each day. There is much to be done.

Thank you, members, for your continued participation and enthusiasm, and sponsors, for your incredible support.

To the WWLF Board of Directors, I am eternally grateful for your tireless efforts. Your dedication to this organization shines through in all you do.

Finally, I’d like to give a special shout-out of appreciation to our outgoing President, Amanda Cahill, and Vice President, Beth Martindale. Your leadership, friendship, and advice over the years mean more to me than I can put into words.

Thank you all!

In closing, my request to each of you is to engage in this organization, attend programs and events, and get involved!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

Wishing you a happy and successful 2023. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Lynn Whitcher

Lynn Whitcher

WWLF President 2022-2023

WWLF's inspiring message: "We are the future of our industry"

Written by Kristen Beckman

Standing before an audience gathered to recognize the contributions of women who have been instrumental in building the wireless industry, Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum Immediate Past President Amanda Cahill asked the audience to look to the future while celebrating the past.

“If you are sitting in this room, you have the power to make an impact not only for yourself, but for everybody else around you,” Cahill told the audience at the Wireless Women’s Leadership Luncheon hosted by the WIA Foundation and WWLF. “We are only as strong as the people who support us and get involved. When you look around this room, we are the future of our industry.”

WWLF was formed more than two decades ago in 2000 with a membership base of 25 women. Today, WWLF has more than 1,000 members and is adding more every day. Cahill outlined the many programs WWLF offers to support women in their wireless industry careers – from educational events, to mentorship, networking and volunteer opportunities.

“We understand the importance of mentoring future generations by the sharing of industry knowledge, and we have created programming to address this issue by joining together women who are committed to empowering other women,” said Cahill. “These programs rely heavily on our ability to provide customized strategic training, networking opportunities and provide access to an array of women dedicated to mentoring on a one-on-one basis. We also further drive the educational program by providing access to top-notch learning experiences through educational seminars, impact meetings, and regional networking events.”

Cahill emphasized the power of diversity to impact team dynamics, increase innovation and enhance performance in the wireless industry. She noted that women thrive when they are given leadership opportunities and that, in turn, paves the way for other women to follow. It all starts with opportunity, she said.

“When we started thinking about what this event was going to be it got me thinking back to the young woman I was on December 12, 2012,” said Cahill. “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that saying yes to a job in the wireless industry would have led me to standing on this stage today in this room full of incredible leaders from the wireless industry and government.”

 Read the full article on the WIA website

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Celebrate International Women's Day with Us!

This International Women’s Day, join us for a special virtual celebration sponsored by SBA in partnership with WWLF.

The 2023 International Women’s Day Virtual Forum is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of female leaders in telecom. We are thrilled to announce that we have some incredible speakers lined up to share their inspiring stories and provide valuable insight on the progress of women in what is largely viewed as a traditionally male-dominated profession.

Event Schedule:

  • Welcome Remarks by Jeffrey Stoops, CEO of SBA Communications
  • Panel Discussion featuring Eugina Jordan, CMO, Telecom Infra Project; Victoria Weidenthaler, SBA Corporate Counsel; Amelia De Jesus, Vice President of WIA, Workforce Development; Thalita Font, Senior Operations Manager, SBA Brazil Market; Moderated by Bridgett Brennan, CEO of Female Factor
  • Maximizing Your Network: Leveraging WWLF and Professional Organizations to Advance Your Career, Lynn Whitcher, WWLF President
  • Closing Remarks by Patrick Halley, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA)

The event will be live-translated into multiple languages, so all are welcome to join us in this celebration of female achievement. Register now to join us for the 2023 International Women’s Day Virtual Forum. We look forward to seeing you there!

2023 International Women’s Day Virtual Forum

March 8, 2023, 1:00PM-2:00PM EST

To register, visit: Women's Wireless Leadership Forum - International Women's Day Virtual Forum sponsored by SBA (wwlf.org)

2023 Mentorship Program Now Open

The Mentorship Program matches industry veterans with mentees providing an important foundation for mentees to learn more quickly about the industry, streamline their professional pursuits, provide education for specialized topics, and offer advice toward achieving work-life balance.  

Learn more about becoming a mentor or mentee

2022 Testimonials

“Our discussions were very goal oriented at first and then they became check-ins.” -Jules DeCuypere (Mentor)

“Great connections with my mentor but also the group as a whole. You did a great job setting up the pairings - Jules and I learned a lot from each other. Additionally, I liked the format of the group meetings being more like a "lunch & learn" than a "meet & greet" after the first one to facilitate growth and good conversation. There are so many diverse perspectives in this group that it was good to hear from everyone!” – Bailey (Mentee)

“My overall experience was great. My mentor's has shared her leadership experience with me to provide me with a foundation for professional development. Her experience in the industry was a great resource for understand the leadership role.” -Kelsey (Mentee)

“Enjoyable opportunity to give back, collaborate with the entire Mentorship group and to be part of WWLF. I watched me and my Mentee grow during the process. So valuable” – Deb (Mentor)

“I enjoy mentoring and sharing my experience. I felt that when we gathered as an entire group, that I actually got something out of it from the other mentor/mentee relationships” – Malima (Mentor)

List of Companies Represented in 2022 Mentoring Program:

Comcast, DISH, Extenet, GTEC Talent, Kimley-Horn, Launch3, MD7, Mitchell J Architecture, Inc., Mobilitie, NV5, Perfect Vision, PM&A, Reliant Land Services, SBA, SGS Towers, Tessco, Tilson, TTI USA, USA Groups, Verizon

South Wireless Summit

Join WWLF in Nashville at the 11th Annual South Wireless Summit, March 26, 2023 – March 29, 2023. The conference will focus on expanding next-generation communications throughout the south region of the United States, supporting the development of wireless networks on a state and regional level. For more information, visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/60cf964c-88b4-4e45-a078-8f7447e0000b/summary

Other Upcoming Events

Please join the WWLF for our Monthly Networking Event: Motivation and Mugs

The 1st Monday of every month.

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 it is that is 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.).

Registration closes the Friday before the event.

March 6, 2023
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)

Zoom Link to be provided prior to the Event

Register

Quarterly Event: Book Read!

Join WWLF for the first Book Discussion of 2023!

This event will be an open discussion with an opportunity for everyone to share comments, questions, and insights!

We will be reading “Winning From Within” by Erica Ariel Fox

https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Within-Breakthrough-Leading-Lasting/dp/0062213024

Winning from Within by leadership and negotiation expert Erica Ariel Fox presents a contemporary approach for getting more of what you want, improving relationships, and enjoying life’s deeper rewards.

With principles developed while teaching negotiation at Harvard Law School and coaching executives around the world, Fox provides a map for understanding your inner world and a method for sorting yourself out.

Fox uses insights from Western psychology and Eastern philosophy to resolve the gap between what people know they should say and what they actually do. She explains how to master your “inner negotiators,” whether working with a difficult client, struggling with a stubborn spouse, or developing your highest leadership potential.

Her language is geared toward a corporate mindset, imagining the principal aspects of self that govern interaction with others as an executive team: the “Dreamer”/CEO, the “Thinker”/CFO, the “Lover”/v-p of HR, and the “Warrior”/COO.

Her “Board of Directors,” or higher-level functions, is comprised of the “Lookout,” who notices and reports on each voice’s urges before taking action; the “Captain,” who takes stock of all inner and outer concerns and chooses the best path at each moment; and the “Voyager,” who guides your life path overall.

Lessons of “outer advancement through inner development” emphasize balance: making sure the “Big Four” all participate—and do so equally—and finding your center to act in alignment with values and presence.

Registration closes March 13, 2023. 

March 14, 2023
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (EDT)


Register

WEBINAR SERIES: "Intro to Telecom: Land Use"

Join WWLF for the first webinar as part of our Intro to Telecom web series. This special session on telecom land use regulations will feature panelists from industry leading telecommunications infrastructure providers, American Tower, Crown Castle, and SBA. During this one-hour webinar esteemed panelist will provide an overview of telecom siting – covering topics like tower zoning, public right-of-way use, and how land use regulations impact construction, operations and maintenance. Not only will attendees have an opportunity to learn some of the latest trends, there will also be an opportunity to ask questions of these industry experts.

Panelist include: Liz Hill, Vice President State and Local Affairs atAmerican Tower Corporation, Amanda Brown, Senior Attorney Government Relations at Crown Castle, Ashley Masuda, Zoning Manager at SBA Communications Corporation.

We look forward to new and seasoned members of the industry joining us for this phenomenal panel!

March 16, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00PM 

Register

The WWLF is proud to be a Bronze Sponsor of the 2023 South Wireless Summit, Nashville, TN

March 26 - March 29, 2023

Nashville Marriot at Vanderbuilt University
2555 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203

More Information


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

© 2023 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.