Thank you to our Newsletter sponsor: |
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Message from Carolyn Hardwick, President at Stratis & WWLF Vice President |
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It has been several weeks following Connect (X) 2023, and I am still reflecting on an incredible week in New Orleans. As I think about conversations I had with colleagues, I recall the enthusiasm from other WWLF members:
“I met my WWLF mentor in-person!” “I learned a lot about the industry from the keynote speakers and panel discussion participants.” “I attended networking events where I met other women who are new to the industry, and it was encouraging.” “I understand how my job and my company fit into the larger ecosystem of telecommunications.”
The attendance at this conference and at our WWLF networking reception were phenomenal, and it reminded me how energizing it is to connect with others. There were people I had not seen in over five years, and one person I had not seen since my first year in telecom. I enjoyed hearing how lives had been enhanced and changed during years of professional and personal growth.
If you attended Connect (X), I encourage you to share your experience and enthusiasm with others. Networking, education, and personal connection are important components to professional growth. If you’re unsure how to grow from here, please reach out to our WWLF leadership team, and we will be happy to share ways to connect and learn throughout the year. There are many ways to stay connected and involved! |
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Reflections on Connect (X) 2023 |
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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!”
Read the full article on the WWLF website
(Back to top)
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Meet our 2023 Fellowship Award Winner: Liane Sippin |
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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. Read more about Liane on the WWLF website (Back to top)
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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.
Read the full article on the WWLF website
(Back to top)
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Empowering Women in Telecom: Insights from CEO Suruchi Ahuja of Tillman Infrastructure |
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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.
Read the full article on the WWLF website
(Back to top) |
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Spotlight on the Central Region Regional Director: Nancy Hernandez, Central Region Representative for WWLF |
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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.
Read more about which major metro areas have WWLF City Reps and the fabulous events City Reps have hosted in 2023(Back to top) |
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Monthly Networking Event! |
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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. July 10th, 2023
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)
Zoom Link to be provided prior to the Event |
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Join WWLF and instructor Laercio Fernandes at Motion Fitness, Irvine to learn how to defend yourself against common attacks.
Laercio Fernandes is a professional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter with nearly 30 years of training and a World Championship under his belt.
When: June 11th, 2023
Where: Motion Fitness, 2737 Campus Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Time: 11:30AM – 1:00PM PST
Cost: $25
Join us for lunch and drinks afterwards at Kavaleras, 803 Dove St, Newport Beach, CA 92660 |
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Charlotte: Charitable Networking Event |
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The Charlotte chapter of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum will be hosting a charitable networking event on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, 7-10 p.m. ET at Legion Brewing’s location in South Park Charlotte, North Carolina at 5610 Carnegie Blvd in Capitol Towers.
In addition to being a networking opportunity, the event will also serve as a school supply drive for Classroom Central. We ask that all attendees bring at least one item to contribute. The 9 supplies most needed include pencils, crayons, colored markers, highlighters, dry erase markers, composition books, filler paper, one subject notebooks and pocket folders.
Classroom Central fosters equity in education by providing teachers and students with the free resources they need to succeed. It serves teachers and students in nearly 200 schools across six regional school districts. It distributes supplies through its Free Store, Mobile Free Store, Curbside Pick-Up, Subscription Service and several other community-supported initiatives. Since opening its doors in 2002, Classroom Central has distributed over $74 million worth of free school supplies.
The event is sponsored by Inside Towers, a media outlet for the wireless infrastructure industry and Pointivo, a software provider bringing AI-driven automation and digital analysis to a variety of verticals, including telecom.
When: June 27th, 2023
Where: Legion Brewing’s location in South Park Charlotte, North Carolina at 5610 Carnegie Blvd in Capitol Towers.
Time: 7:00PM – 10:00PM EST
Members and non-members are welcome. Register here or contact Megan Reed for more information. Please note, this event allows for a maximum of 25 guests, so please only register if you're certain you can attend. |
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Virtual Event! WWLF Summer Book Read!
Tuesday, July 25th at 6:00 PM Central/7:00 PM Eastern
“Rejection Proof” by Jia Jiang
Hosted by Carolyn Hardwick, WWLF Vice President |
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Rejection in business or in life is common. Whether you’re passed over for a promotion, turned down to make partner, or ignored by potential investors, it’s all too easy to let rejection drain your spirits and make you give up.
Stay the course! A rejection can be beneficial in more ways than one: Every rejection boosts your rejection immunity. When you get rejected but realize your self‐worth is intact and you still have opportunities ahead of you, the rejection loses its power.
Jia Jiang came to the United States with the dream of being the next Bill Gates. But despite early success in the corporate world, his first attempt to pursue his entrepreneurial dream ended in rejection. Jia was crushed, and spiraled into a period of deep self doubt. But he realized that his fear of rejection was a bigger obstacle than any single rejection would ever be, and he needed to find a way to cope with being told no without letting it destroy him. Thus was born his "100 days of rejection" experiment, during which he willfully sought rejection on a daily basis--from requesting a lesson in sales from a car salesman (no) to asking a flight attendant if he could make an announcement on the loudspeaker (yes) to his famous request to get Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the shape of Olympic rings (yes, with a viral video to prove it).
Jia learned that even the most preposterous wish may be granted if you ask in the right way, and shares the secret of successful asking, how to pick targets, and how to tell when an initial no can be converted into something positive. But more importantly, he learned techniques for steeling himself against rejection and ways to develop his own confidence--a plan that can't be derailed by a single setback. Filled with great stories and valuable insight, Rejection Proof is a fun and thoughtful examination of how to overcome fear and dare to live more boldly.
Zoom link to be provided before the event. Active Members only |
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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
© 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. |
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