In The Summer/Fall 2025 Issue:

Conference Season Highlights:

Insights, Connections, and Next Steps

Wireless Infrastructure is AI Infrastructure

Upcoming Events

Thank you to our Newsletter sponsor:

Letter from the Editor

Hello WWLF Members,

Conference season is in full swing—and what a remarkable summer it's been! From the vibrant energy of the South Wireless Summit, through the insightful sessions at Wireless West, to the collaborative spirit of Connect(X) Chicago, this past quarter reaffirmed why it pays to stay connected, informed, and proactive. These events weren’t just about learning—they were about forging relationships, amplifying women’s leadership in wireless, and equipping ourselves to drive tangible change.

I’m proud of the leadership and presence WWLF demonstrated across these events. As we turn the page to a new season, let’s carry forward the inspiration, the tools, and the connections we gained. Together, we’ll transform conference insights into action and momentum into lasting impact.

Here's to a wonderful summer,
Stephanie Whitlock
Newsletter Editor, Women in Wireless Leadership Foundation

Fellowship Award Winner

We’re proud to announce Michelle Floyd of Verizon as the 2025 WWLF Fellowship Award Winner!

Michelle will be mentored by Anisa Green of AT&T, a respected leader in the wireless space. We’re excited to witness the growth and impact this mentorship will bring over the coming year.

The WWLF Fellowship is designed to empower the next generation of female leaders in telecom—and Michelle represents everything this award stands for.

Please join us in celebrating Michelle and cheering her on as she begins this exciting journey!

South Wireless Summit – Nashville (March)

At this year’s Summit, remarks by Yannis Macheras, CEO of Harmoni, echoed throughout the hall: “Keep it simple.” It was a powerful reminder that in a complex, fast-changing industry, clarity and focus never go out of style.

WWLF is proud to have been a Platinum Sponsor and host of the Networking Event during South Wireless Summit.  WWLF leaders, Ashli Fuselier, Carolyn Hardwick, and Kristen Beyer shared their experiences navigating transitions in the ever-evolving telecom industry – including opportunities for cross-industry collaboration and strategies for career shifts. This panel was moderated by the current WWLF Secretary, Lauren Goff.

Key insight: The 5G rollout is just starting to scale—and tools like AI and blockchain are poised to streamline the next phase of deployment.

Wireless West – Western U.S. (April)

This regional conference brought a perfect blend: deep dives into spectrum policy, environmental permitting, small cell deployment—and a lively bowling tournament to nail the networking!

The WWLF-led session, “Now More Than Ever: Leadership, Connection, Staying Ahead,” highlighted our commitment to joining broader conversations while carving out space for women’s voices in wireless. Attendees described the atmosphere as “Pixie Dust–level energy”: professional yet playful, policy‑focused yet warm.

Key takeaway: Strong policy discussions + light-hearted networking = the secret to building lasting, meaningful industry relationships.

Connect(X) Chicago – (May)

Chicago came alive with broadband innovation—and WWLF was at the center. Highlights included:

• Women in Leadership Symposium: A half‑day event to equip leaders with skills to effectively communicate their value, drive innovation, and build successful relationships in a competitive business landscape. .
• Networking Reception at the Chicago Sports Museum: Over 350 attendees filled the Chicago Sports Museum where dueling pianos filled the atmosphere amid networking —proof that our community is growing and thriving.
• Telecom Trailblazers Workshop: Presented to 50+ Chicago high school students, this session sparked conversations around careers in STEM, professional branding, and navigating the tech space.
• Broad Conference Themes: 5G evolution, private networks, AI‑powered asset management, broadband equity, satellite integration, and future‑forward tower design.

Speaker spotlight: Leadership from Verizon, AT&T, Crown Castle, Qualcomm, and USCellular drove thought-provoking dialogue on how to sustainably and equitably scale connectivity.

Connections Made & Moving Forward

Connections Made & Moving Forward

Member Reflections

“I loved connecting with women at the Women in Wireless Supper Club dinner…celebrating the next generation of industry leaders.”

"Luis Reyes from T-Mobile and Jake Hamilton from Verizon Wireless delivered incredibly insightful presentations at Wireless West.It was really inspiring to hear firsthand about growth across their networks, but even more impactful was their emphasis on the importance of strong service partner relationships. Their vision reinforced how collaboration is driving the future of connectivity."

“Excited for Connect X 2025 in our hometown: Chicago…great show.”

These powerful moments remind us: conference season isn’t just about content—it’s about community. Your Post-Conference Action Plan

1. Follow-up – Reach out on LinkedIn and tag WWLF (#WWLFconnect) to keep the conversation alive.
2. Share Knowledge – Host a team debrief or write a summary of the sessions you attended.
3. Stay Connected – Join upcoming regional and national WWLF events—virtual or in-person.
4. Get Involved – Consider mentoring, volunteering, or becoming a speaker in the next conference circuit. Please reach out to Victoria Weidenthaler at President@wwlf.org if you are interested in any of these opportunities.

• Share your moments – Post a photo from industry events—at booths, sessions, dinners—on LinkedIn and tag @WWLF.
• Submit your recaps – Send a 2–3 sentence highlight + optional photo for next season’s feature.
• Invite a peer – Encourage a colleague to join WWLF and receive a complimentary ticket to our next virtual event.
• Become a Sponsor - Annual Sponsorships open up in October for Company sponsorship
• Get Involved - Become a City Rep , Join a virtual event, or Join a Committee! 

Wireless Infrastructure is AI Infrastructure

An Update by WIA

Wireless Infrastructure is AI Infrastructure

The Trump Administration released an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan laying out the Administration’s vision. As a senior NVIDIA executive recently testified before Congress, “the convergence of AI and wireless infrastructure will fundamentally reshape the global telecommunications landscape.”

WIA congratulates the Trump Administration on the release of America’s AI Action Plan, particularly its focus on modernizing permitting processes to accelerate AI infrastructure deployment. WIA is making sure the administration and policymakers at every level of government, and our membership, understand that wireless infrastructure is AI infrastructure. This includes embracing our calls for a strong national permitting framework, freeing up new spectrum for commercial use, and ensuring technology-neutral broadband funding programs. 

In support of this:

· WIA just released a new infographic explaining “How 5G Wireless Infrastructure Powers AI Across Industries.”

· We have produced educational materials on the intersection of AI and wireless (AI in the RAN; Technical Applications of AI in the RAN; Challenges of AI in the RAN; AI-Native Networks and the Implications for 6G).

· WIA SVP of Government Affairs Mike Saperstein wrote a column touting FCC Chairman Carr’s Build America agenda focused on unleashing infrastructure deployment and restoring U.S. wireless leadership, and making the connection between that effort and the President’s focus on winning the global AI race.

· WIA VP of Apprenticeship Deb Bennett has an  important blog highlighting the importance of connecting the workforce development and apprenticeship efforts focused on traditional physical infrastructure jobs (like WIA’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program) and the emerging education and training initiatives that are focused on AI.

WIA’s members support many different aspects of wireless infrastructure, and therefore the AI ecosystem. WIA is making sure your voices are represented throughout this technological revolution.

Upcoming Events

Join us for our next WWLF Book Discussion as we dive into Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working by bestselling author Dan Heath. This insightful and practical book explores how we can break out of frustrating cycles, rethink outdated systems, and create meaningful change in our work, communities, and personal lives.
Through compelling case studies and actionable strategies, Heath guides readers on how to spot the hidden forces behind broken systems and take steps to fix them. Whether you’re leading a team, working to improve a process, or simply seeking a fresh perspective, this discussion will spark ideas and inspire change.
Bring your thoughts, questions, and reflections as we explore what it means to hit reset and move forward with intention.

September 10th

6:30-8:00pm

Monthly Networking Event: Motivation and Mugs

With all of the transition and new information in our industry, where can we turn our attention for guidance and encouragement? Join your fellow WWLF members for a morning motivation and the opportunity to connect while enjoying your beverage of choice.

Unless there is a holiday, we meet for Motivation and Mugs the first Monday of each month. You'll have the opportunity to introduce yourself and share in a discussion about the overlap of our industry, your professional journey, and any personal details you're comfortable sharing.

Regional Meetup Hubs

 NATE at the Women’s Leadership Summit

Join Women of NATE at the Women’s Leadership Summit in Baltimore, Maryland on September 18, 2025, where inspirational career-defining moments happen! Register today and be part of something extraordinary.

September 18, 2025
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor

401 West Pratt Street, Baltimore Maryland

Become a new member of WWLF or renew your membership today!

Thank you to our exclusive newsletter sponsor

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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.