In The September 2023 Issue: |
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Thank you to our Newsletter sponsor: |
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Message from Lauren Glocker-Goff,
WWLF Co-Director of Ways & Means,
Environmental Service Group Leader at Ramaker |
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Greetings WWLF Members, Friends, and Supporters!
What a wonderful summer! If you, like me, are located in a northern climate, and are already lamenting the warmest season’s end, please…stop right now. Take a breath! Soak in the sun and let’s rededicate ourselves together to living the best season we can – whatever that may look like!
Summer has not been easy for many of us - and we long for a change in season as a welcome respite. Perhaps you are battling external forces: High temperatures, drought, disasters, fires and hurricanes. Or maybe you are carrying a personal concern: Layoffs, family issues, financial struggles, physical and mental illness. We hope you will soon find a reprieve and we invite you to reach out to your fellow WWLF members for connection and support.
Whatever the weather (literal or figurative), as we look forward to this next season my hope is that this time of year gives us the gift of gratitude for the year to date, optimism for the remainder of 2023 and years ahead, and the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to those things we find most important.
This year has provided many fantastic opportunities for learning through the WWLF platform. Prior to the kick-off of a busy conference season, members had the opportunity to prepare together with tips and tricks from those with vast experience on the travel circuit. Our Events team and volunteers showed out loud and proud, and we were inspired to watch many of our members, including our President, Lynn Whitcher, grace the stage at various conference events.
Mentors and mentees continue to meet monthly or more, learning from each other and exploring best practices to become the best professionals we can be, and our Education team has brought us a fantastic Land Use series sharing member knowledge for new and long-time telecommunications professionals working to sharpen their pencils. So much is happening throughout WWLF, it’s impossible to highlight it all!
Importantly, we continue to host our virtual “Motivation and Mugs” monthly networking and support time. In August, we held space for those facing the fear of layoffs and other career changes. I am inspired by my WWLF colleagues who continue to push themselves to grow and consistently give of themselves to helping others and staying connected.
So, as we welcome fall, I invite you to rededicate your support of WWLF. There are still plenty of opportunities to engage in 2023 – including our upcoming webinars, in-person local events, our next book read, and at least one more national conference – Mobile World Congress in Las Vegas!
Consider sponsoring a local or national event: WWLF is currently seeking sponsors to support our WWLF Networking Reception at Mobile World Congress at the Las Vegas Convention Center on September 27th. Please contact me at lgoff@ramaker.com or sponsorships@wwlf.com for more information on this opportunity to highlight your company as a sponsor of WWLF at MWC!
Wishing you all sunny days with a hint of pumpkin spice and apple cider!
Sincerely,
Lauren Glocker-Goff WWLF Co-Director of Ways & Means
Environmental Service Group Leader at Ramaker |
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The Current Woes and Wins in the Wireless Workforce
By Megan Reed, WWLF Charlotte City Rep,
Inside Towers VP of Marketing |
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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.”
Continue reading the full article on the WWLF website |
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BEAD and the Implications for the Telecom Workspace
By Amelia De Jesus, WWLF Past President
Vice President, Workforce Solutions, WIA |
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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 |
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JOIN WWLF IN EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY!
Want to get more involved in WWLF?
Do you believe in the power of fostering connections and supporting women's growth in the industry?
Here's your chance to make a difference!
WWLF is in search of volunteers to contribute to various committees, with a primary focus on fulfilling the following positions:
- Events Coordinator
- Newsletter Committee Members
- Ways & Means Committee Members
- Virtual Events Committee Members
Ready to Join Us? Drop us an email at president@wwlf.org with a copy to vicepresident@wwlf.org expressing your interest in volunteering. |
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Spotlight on the West Region By Juliette Hamer, WWLF Reno/Las Vegas City Rep
Business Development, Director of Sales at Tillman Infrastructure |
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To attend or not attend…what is my ROI? This is the number one question leadership teams ask to ensure your time is being well spent. I have always found attending conferences to be extremely valuable. This is where professional leads are made, connecting with customers for one-on-one meetings occur, where networking and learning happens from our industry leaders.
Take advantage of exploring exhibit halls and get in front of new clients, it’s a fabulous way to represent yourself and the company you work for. Conferences give you the opportunity to stay connected and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in our industry. The face-to-face time with customers strengthens our relationships and is a constant reminder of you, your business, and your commitment to providing service.
We are so excited to see you all at MWC in Las Vegas September 26th – 28th , 2023.
Mobile World Congress is one of the largest and most influential connectivity events. This anticipated event brings together leaders to collaborate and share ideas that drive our successes.
In conjunction with MWC, we hope to see all of you at our Annual WWLF MWC Networking Reception:
Wednesday, September 27th located at:
Las Vegas Convention Center
3rd Floor Terrace West Hall
300 Convention Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109
The WWLF West Region has had some remarkable events this year already including on April 15, 2023, several members participated in the Pat Tillman Honor Run in Newport Beach, California and on June 11, 2023 a self-defense and fitness class at Motion Fitness in Irvine, California.
The WWLF West Region City Reps are:
Annette Mahoney - LA/Orange County, CA
Juliette Hamer - Las Vegas/Reno, NV
Kristen Marano - San Diego, CA
Hannah Kamp & Chelsi Monihan - Portland, OR
Regina Esha - Phoenix, AZ
Please reach out to NDevents@wwlf.org if you are interested in a regional event. |
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Monthly Networking Event:
Motivation and Mugs |
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Please join the WWLF for our Monthly Networking Event: Motivation and Mugs
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. |
Sep 11, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) Zoom | Register |
Oct 2, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) Zoom | Register |
Nov 6, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) Zoom | Register |
Dec 4, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) Zoom | Register |
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Webinar:
"The Identity of the Professional Me" |
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What is it that makes you who you are professionally? What are your priorities when it comes to your career? Come learn more with us during the webinar: The Identity of the Professional Me. This webinar will offer valuable insights on identifying who you are now, how to makes others feel comfortable and accepted in a professional setting, understanding your career priorities, and most importantly, how to make an impact.
Join WWLF for the second of our two-part webinar series, The Identity of Me, presented by Barb Teicher, CSP, Speaker, Educator, Author and Business Coach. Barb works to educate and promote women in management through leadership development.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity for professional development with other WWLF members. We look forward to seeing you there! |
Sept 14, 2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)
Zoom |
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Join the WWLF for EMPOWHER South Florida |
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Sept 18, 2023
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (EDT)
SBA Offices: 8051 Congress Ave, Boca Raton, FL |
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WWLF MWC NETWORKING RECEPTION - LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER |
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The Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) will be hosting our Annual Event at MWC in Las Vegas on: |
Wednesday, September 27th, 2023
6pm to 8:30pm PDT
3rd Floor Terrace
Las Vegas Convention Center
West Hall
300 Convention Center Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Not a Member? Join today and attend this event for free!
*Membership must be in good standing as of the date of the event.
For questions about this event, contact: Stella Bezabeh, Arleth Carbajal or Laura Lora at events@wwlf.org.
Registration closes September 19th, 2023
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WEBINAR: "Carrying a Heavy Load" |
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Do you ever feel like you are “Carrying a Heavy Load?” Whether it is kids, work, parental care responsibilities, relocating, or relationships, most of us are juggling many things. Join WWLF, female leaders in our industry, and a mental health expert as we bring awareness to the health and mental impacts of shouldering it all. We will focus on women effected in our industry and working women in general. This event will conclude with a 15-minute meditation led by Lauren Goff – Environmental Service Group Leader at Ramaker and WWLF Co-Director of Ways & Means.
Panelists:
- Amanda Cahill – Sr. Director, Business Development at Network Connex (Past WWLF President)
- Ashli Fuselier – Business Development Manager, at SMW Engineering Group (Current WWLF Secretary)
- Patti Ringo – Manager, Regulatory & Gov’t Affairs at Sonic (WWLF Founder and Past President)
- Waverly Cole, MFTI – Family Therapist
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 12:00pm-1:00pm Zoom link to be provided prior to the event |
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Join the WWLF for a Networking Happy Hour & Professional Headshots |
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Calling all New England Women’s Wireless Leadership Form Members and inviting anyone who is also interested in joining!
We are celebrating our existing membership and inviting new members!
In conjunction with the New England Wireless Association, we will offer an opportunity for a professional headshot during our networking happy hour! We will also sponsor a food drive for the holidays!
Thursday, November 2, 2023 6:00pm-9:00pm (EDT) Redstone American Grill: 20 3rd Ave, Burlington, MA |
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We are excited to share that for our next WWLF Book Discussion we will be reading Farnoosh Torabi's new book "A Healthy State of Panic! - Follow Your Fear to Build Wealth, Crush your Career, and Win at Life"
"FARNOOSH TORABI, leading financial expert and creator of the popular podcast So Money, illustrates how fear can be your superpower in this heart-felt and clever guide to maximizing your success to live richer and happier."
The book is officially released on October 3, 2023 and can be pre-ordered through all retailers.
1 Hour Virtual Event!
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 6:00pm Central/7:00 Eastern Zoom Meeting |
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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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