In The December 2023 Issue: |
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Thank you to our Newsletter sponsor: |
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Message from Ashli Fuselier
WWLF Secretary,
TXWA President, SMW Engineering Group |
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Work is tough, how can we avoid burnout?
The last three years have been a strange time professionally. The pandemic exacerbated the added workloads, scary layoff news, and demanding work environments. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 3 in 5 employees reported negative impacts of work-related stress1 and that stress can lead to burn-out2. Recognizing burnout in yourself is an important self-awareness skill, but how do we do that and then how can we reset before it's too late? Steps to take to recognize heading towards burn out such as: emotional response to non- emotional events, physical environment changes out of norm, over or under eating, physically getting sick for no explainable reason.
My high alert notices are that my living space is unorganized and dirty, I cry at kitten videos, and I over-snack. These signs all point to Ashli needing to check in, reset, and set some boundaries. If that includes backing out of something I’ve said yes to, asking for extensions, creating a hard stop in work or personal life, travel – or anything else I can do to get back to a place where I can breathe and be a good person in both my personal and professional life before I crash. It’s important to take note of your burn out signs, to avoid the crash- and having a support group like WWLF to help you notice and rest is important. The version of our communities have changed over time with technology allowing us to be connected to those that are normally out of reach.3
I also believe in professional help. The stigma around responsibly prescribed medicine and therapy is shedding quickly as it should. Sometimes your village and community involve professionals and that’s something to be proud of, not ashamed of. I have been a proud member of the consistent therapy community for 4+ years, and in my early twenties used prescribed medicines to support myself when it was needed. A professor once told me “You are not less of a person for using resources, you become a full you.” My life changed for the better that day, realizing that using help wasn’t cheating, it was smart.
Create a village that works for you, using the resources that make sense for your lifestyle. Create a check-in list that asks “how am I really doing?”, and “how can I make it easier or better for me?” and don’t forget to be a village for others only when you can handle the weight of it. |
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Carrying A Heavy Load
WWLF Educational Event Summary
Written by Courtney Davis, WWLF Co-Director of Education, Vice-President at MD7 |
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World Mental Health Day takes place every year on October 10 to raise worldwide awareness of mental health issues. This year, WWLF hosted a webinar panel titled, “Carrying a Heavy Load,” to bring awareness to World Mental Health Day and specifically how it relates to women in our industry. The panel was made up of a team of female leaders in our industry, as well as a mental health expert.
Panelists included:
Carolyn Hardwick (Moderator) – President at Stratis, Inc. (WWLF Vice President and Past President) Amanda Cahill – Sr. Director, Business Development at Network Connex (Past WWLF President) Ashli Fuslier – Multi-Tasking Queen at SMW Engineering (Current WWLF Secretary) Patti Ringo – (WWLF Founder and Past President) Waverly Cole, MFTI – Family Therapist
As women, we often find ourselves shouldering a substantial mental load as we navigate through a myriad of responsibilities. World Mental Health Day provided a timely opportunity to shed light on the challenges we face and explore effective strategies to alleviate the mental burden. Patti Ringo's insightful advice, "Learn to use the tools all around you to simplify your life. Your phone, your computer, written notes, Alexa…whatever you like the best. It may feel a little time-consuming and overwhelming to spend time getting your devices to cater to your life, but ultimately it is an investment in your mental health," serves as a wonderful suggestion for women seeking balance in their lives.
Continue reading the full article on the WWLF website |
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Empowering Connectivity and Leadership: Women's Wireless Leadership Forum Focus on the Southeast Region: Sara Muehlberger |
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The Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) continues to pave the way for empowerment and innovation within the telecommunications industry, fostering an environment that promotes growth, leadership, and community engagement.
About our Southeast Regional Rep:
Sara Muehlberger's journey within the WWLF is marked by her leadership and dedication to advancing the role of women in the telecommunications sector. Having served as the Atlanta City Representative from 2019 to 2023, Sara's passion for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment has been evident throughout her tenure. Her recent appointment as the Southeast Regional Director further solidifies her commitment to driving growth and empowerment within the region's telecommunications landscape.
Beyond her role within the WWLF, Sara has been employed at Terracon Consultants since 2014 as a Client Development Specialist and National Accounts Manager. Sara also holds a pivotal position as the Vice President of the Georgia Wireless Association, as well as serving on the South Wireless Summit Committee, as the Assistant Director of Registration. Sara’s involvement with these professional affiliations underscores her dedication to fostering collaboration and networking opportunities within the telecommunications community.
Read the full article on the WWLF website |
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Southeast Reps Give Back! 2023 |
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The Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to giving back and fostering growth within local communities across the Southeast. Through the remarkable efforts of its dedicated City Representatives, the WWLF has been instrumental in driving impactful charitable initiatives that resonate with the organization's mission of empowering women and supporting meaningful causes.
Let's delve into some of the exceptional charitable events hosted by our esteemed City Representatives:
Bailey Lively's STEM and Art Studio Setup - April 2023 (Columbia, SC)
In April 2023, Bailey Lively, the WWLF City Representative for Columbia, collaborated with the Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands. Their joint efforts focused on setting up a cutting-edge STEM Lab and Art Studio, enhancing the organization's headquarters facility. This significant initiative aimed to prepare the Girl Scouts for their upcoming camps, providing a conducive environment for girls in grades K-12 to explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, and art.
Jennifer Jack's Meal Packing Event – April 2023 (Louisville, KY)
In an impactful endeavor, Jennifer Jack, the WWLF City Representative for Louisville, led a compassionate mission at Lifeline Christian Mission of Louisville. Jennifer, along with fellow WWLF members, contributed their time and effort to pack an astounding 3,672 meals for those in need. Their collaboration exemplified the profound impact that collective action can have in combatting hunger and fostering a spirit of solidarity within the local community.
Click to continue reading the full article on our website to learn about the other initiatives such as: Megan Reed's School Drive Event - June 2023 (Charlotte, NC), Leticia Latino-van Splunteren's EmpowHER Event - September 2023 (Boca Raton, FL) and Robin Clement's Women Shelter Donation Drive - October 2023 (Raleigh, NC) |
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WWLF values every member's voice. Our new members often express their desire to be more active within WWLF; however, they may be unsure how they can make that aspiration a reality. This is where our Membership Engagement Team (“MET”) comes into play.
MET is a dynamic initiative, constantly evolving to effectively engage our members. We are developing various outreach methods, including an engagement survey which our dedicated team will utilize to understand each member's interests, skills and availability. Armed with this valuable information we will tailor options that align with each member's unique profile.
MET’s initiative doesn't end with new members. We extend the opportunity to all WWLF members to utilize this tool, empowering everyone to deepen their involvement with WWLF.
Our current objective is to establish a robust foundation by early 2024, and we will continue to expand and adapt as WWLF evolves and grows.
Join us in shaping WWLF’s future and become a part of MET's journey to elevate your engagement and make a lasting impact on our community.
Want to know more? Email us at MET@wwlf.org and we can connect on TEAMs. |
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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. |
Jan 8 2024 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) Zoom | Register |
Feb 5, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) Zoom | Register |
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Join the WWLF for a Volunteer Day at the Girl Scouts of South Carolina |
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Join WWLF in South Carolina for another volunteer event with Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands!
Volunteers will help facilitate the LEGO League after-school STEM program where girls will learn engineering, coding, and design using LEGO bricks and a structured curriculum. Hope to see you there!
Both members and non-members are welcome.
We hope to see you there! |
Dec 13, 2023
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM (EST)
Girl Scouts of South Carolina
Mountains to Midlands - Headquarters
1107 Williams St, Columbia, SC 29201 |
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WWLF Winter Virtual Happy Hour! |
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"Bring Your Own Beverage" and come relax and socialize with fellow WWLF members. Cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate, tea or cider, a glass of wine, or whatever brings you joy! We will keep it light and bask in an evening of putting aside our "to-do" lists.
A great chance to network in a low-pressure setting.
Maybe even play some games!
Ugly Sweaters encouraged!!!
Members only event. |
December 14, 2023
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Central
(Online video link to be sent prior to event) |
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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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