Thank you to our Newsletter sponsor: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
WWLF Q3 Introduction
by Erin Smith, Regional Director, Collective Strategic Resources
|
|
|
Building your network is a topic you often hear about at leadership events. I fully agree with this, but I like to drill down and work on building my Female Empire: FEMPIRE! I firmly believe when us women work together and move beyond comparison and negative competition, we can truly make a significant impact and accomplish much more for ourselves, the collective and our organizations.
Some people reading know I am on the Women of NATE (WON) Committee and I co-lead the WON Summit. I am very passionate about supporting women and desire helping them find the confidence to do whatever they have their mind set to do. This passion and desire led me to build a solid FEMPIRE in the telecom space. In 2025, I made it a point to build stronger relationships with my fellow members of the WON Committee, while also finding creative and innovative ways to bring WON and WWLF together. You see, both organizations have the same goal: help build up women in leadership. I have been a member of WWLF for a few years and have always admired what they offer their membership in events, networking, and mentorship. Then, one day, it hit me…why doesn’t WON and WWLF have more collaboration, because our missions are very similar? Simply, build women up and help them find their way to success. So, I took the initiative to start bridging the gap between the two by inviting WWLF leaders to speak at the WON Summit. Today, I am proud to say, we continue to have conversations to promote and support each other.
While all these high-level ideas are wonderful, how do we turn them into reality and start building our FEMPIRES? Allow me to offer suggestions and share where I have found success. Let’s dig in. First, decide what success is and looks for you along with defining your goals. For me, I aim to take my career to the next level. Next, choose to start asking better questions of your professional circle and not just what they could do for you, rather, what you can do for them. Third, think about all the women you have encountered that you admire or who inspire you. If you know them, take time to tell them! And, ask them how they do the things that you admire. If you do not know them, look to your network and find a way to get an introduction-quickly. I promise you someone in your network can connect you, whether it’s directly or indirectly, do it with haste and with confidence! This is a very small, yet, big industry. Finally, have the courage and confidence to go after what you want.
Both WON and WWLF are fantastic organizations. In the years I have been involved with both, I have met some incredible women, some of whom have even become dear friends. I know the FEMPIRE I have built for myself will benefit me both personally and professionally because those women now in my circle have taken the comparison out and replaced it with the understanding that when we work together and/or help each other, we will all be and do better.
Today, I offer my help to you. If you’re feeling lost or do not know how or where to start in creating your FEMPIRE…reach out to me, I’ve got you. But, equally important, I also know the network that encompasses WWLF has your back, too, so get out there and get to one of the many awesome WWLF events!!
Erin Smith
Regional Director, CSR
esmith@thecsrteam.com
614-620-3368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Message from the Editor
by Jaylene Nelson, 2026 WWLF Editor
|
|
|
Hello!
Again, Quarterly Contributors and WWLF resources highlight the importance of supporting leadership and committing to mentoring future generations! Conversations continue to thrive in how to build and uplift one another.
As we all know, championing and creating a mentorship and sponsorship ecosystem requires commitment. By fostering both relationships all of us can ensure one has the support they need to succeed. As always, together, we all can bridge gaps, continue to break barriers and continue to build upon the bright future through our connection: Go WWLF!! With Gratitude Jaylene Nelson, 2026 WWLF Editor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Building the Next Generation of Women Leaders: The Power of Mentorship and Organizational Support
by Arta Kika, Project Manager at Nettxio
|
|
|
"When you learn, teach. When you get, give." — Maya Angelou
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from remarkable women whose guidance, resilience, and support helped shape both the professional and the person I am today. Their example reminds me that leadership is not simply about advancing our own careers, but it is about creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Leadership is often viewed as a destination, a title earned after years of hard work, dedication, and achievement. It is a journey, and very few people travel that path alone. Behind many successful women leaders are colleagues, mentors, sponsors, and organizations that believed in their potential long before they fully recognized it themselves.
As someone who has spent more than a decade working within telecommunications companies, I have experienced firsthand how mentorship and organizational support can shape careers, build confidence, and create opportunities. Looking back on my own journey, I can identify countless moments where guidance from others helped me navigate challenges, develop new skills, and take on greater leadership responsibilities.
One lesson stands out above all others: leadership is not measured solely by personal success. True leadership is reflected in our ability to support, encourage, and empower others. This is particularly important as women continue to face barriers to leadership opportunities across many industries.
Recently, I watched Ladies First, directed by Thea Sharrock. While entertaining and often humorous, the film's reversal of traditional gender roles serves as a powerful reminder that, despite the remarkable strides women have made in education, business, politics, and leadership, achieving true equality is still an ongoing journey. Sometimes, viewing the world through a different lens makes us more aware of the barriers that continue to exist and of the work still ahead.
While many barriers have been broken, women around the world still face challenges in accessing opportunities, advancing into leadership roles, and having their voices equally represented in decision-making. While the obstacles may differ across industries, cultures, and generations, the message remains the same- we are not there yet.
Mentorship plays a critical role in addressing this challenge. At its core, mentorship is about sharing knowledge, experience, and perspective. A mentor can help someone see possibilities they may not yet recognize, navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to take the next step in their career. Sometimes, the most valuable thing a mentor can offer is simply believing in someone before they fully believe in themselves. Click to continue reading the full article on the WWLF website. Arta is a Project Manager at Nettxio, a global operations company, delivering seamless solutions to clients worldwide. She resides and works in Kosovo!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Message to Our Members: Let’s Talk About the Election
by Deb Bennett, VP of Apprenticeship at WIA and Victoria Weidenthaler, WWLF President
|
|
|
|
|
Deb Bennett, VP of Apprenticeship at WIA
|
|
|
|
Victoria Weidenthaler, WWLF President |
|
|
As we look ahead to this year's leadership election, WWLF has received inquiries from members with questions about the process - and we welcome them. Transparency and open participation are at the heart of who we are, and this is a good opportunity to share what the process looks like, what we're doing to ensure it's fair, and how you can get involved.
We want every member to feel genuinely invited to engage - whether that means asking questions, submitting a nomination, or simply staying informed. This post is our commitment to that openness.
The election is open — and we mean it
We want to be direct about something: no outcome has been decided. There are no pre-selected candidates, and there are no backroom conversations that will determine who leads this organization. Every eligible candidate who steps forward will receive equal consideration, full stop.
If you've thought about running, even briefly, we genuinely encourage you to do it. Your perspective, your voice, and your willingness to serve are exactly what WWLF needs. Leadership isn't a club; it's a responsibility, and it belongs to those willing to step up.
Transparency, from here forward
We're committing to publishing the full election process in writing, shared with all members, no ambiguity, no assumptions. If you have questions about any part of the process, ask us directly. We will answer.
The election schedule
Here is the full timeline for the 2026 election process. All key dates will also be communicated via email and LinkedIn.
October 5, 2026
Nominations open
Announced via email and LinkedIn
October 19, 2026
Nominations close
Open for a minimum of two weeks
October 30, 2026
President platform submission deadline
Candidates submit their platforms for member review
November 11, 2026
Ballot opens
All eligible members will receive voting instructions
November 30 & December 8, 2026
Reminders to vote
Sent to all members who have not yet cast a ballot
December 11, 2026
Ballot closes
Open for a minimum of three weeks
No later than December 21, 2026
Results published
Announced via e-blast and LinkedIn
December 31, 2026
2025/2026 term ends
Incoming leadership assumes their roles
What we're asking of you
Run, if you've considered it. Ask questions if you have them. We're proud of this organization and the members who make it what it is - and we look forward to a process that reflects that. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Breaking the Code: Women in IT Are Changing the Industry—Now the Industry Needs to Catch Up by Richard Wright
|
|
|
Imagine walking into a meeting where you're the only woman in the room. You pitch an idea. Crickets. Five minutes later, someone else repeats the exact same idea, and suddenly it's "innovative." If that scenario sounds oddly familiar, congratulations—you've stumbled into one of the more frustrating traditions of the tech industry.
The good news is that women have made significant strides in information technology over the past few decades. The bad news? Progress sometimes moves at the speed of a software update over hotel Wi-Fi.
Today, women make up roughly 26% to 28% of the global technology workforce, with representation varying by specialty. About 39% of systems analysts and 29% of IT support specialists are women, yet only around 21% of software developers are female. Those numbers are improving, but they're also a reminder that many technical teams still look like they've been running the same default settings for decades.
One of the biggest challenges is simple math: when women are vastly outnumbered, it can be difficult to find mentors, allies, or even someone who shares similar experiences. Being "the only one" on a project team isn't just awkward—it can make every mistake feel magnified and every success seem like a surprise.
Then there's unconscious bias. Unlike a computer virus, it doesn't announce itself—it quietly runs in the background, influencing hiring, promotions, and opportunities before anyone realizes it's there. Many women report having to prove their technical expertise more often than their male colleagues or finding themselves overlooked for high-visibility assignments. The bias isn't always intentional, but it can quietly shape who gets the exciting project, the promotion, or the invitation to the meeting where important decisions are made.
The leadership numbers tell a similar story. While women have steadily entered the technology workforce, executive offices remain a different landscape altogether. Women hold only about one-quarter of C-suite positions across industries, and technology companies continue to trail behind many other sectors. Leadership roles such as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) are still overwhelmingly occupied by men. After all, it's difficult to imagine yourself in the captain's chair if you've rarely seen someone who looks like you sitting there.
Culture also matters—sometimes more than companies realize. Many women describe working in environments where networking opportunities happen on the golf course, at late-night gaming sessions, or in social circles that unintentionally leave others out. Add in occasional microaggressions or assumptions about technical ability, and it's easy to understand why some talented professionals decide to leave the field altogether. As it turns out, fixing toxic culture isn't as easy as rebooting a server.
Fortunately, there are strategies that actually work... Click to continue reading the full article on the WWLF website to learn about those strategies.
Richard Wright is an information technology professional with more than 22 years of experience in IT service management, operations, and enterprise technology. He is an ITIL® v3 Expert and writes about technology, leadership, and workforce trends.
|
|
|
|
|
Chicago Summer Networking Event
22 Jul 2026 6:00 PM (CDT)
More Brewing - 121 W Railroad Ave, Bartlett, IL 60103 |
|
|
Join WWLF for a night of networking, relationship building and giving back to our community! |
|
|
Founded in 1980, Sarah’s Inn has grown to be one of the most comprehensive domestic violence agencies serving the City of Chicago and the Western Suburbs. Our mission is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Sarah’s Inn has three core program areas: The Intervention Program provides supportive services for families affected by domestic violence in order to safely navigate crises, effectively process trauma and establish self-sufficiency. The Together Strong Project provides school-based violence prevention education programming for youth. The Training and Education Program maximizes reach by creating a network of skilled bystanders to appropriately intervene as first responders and community advocates. Sarah’s Inn engages over 23,000 individuals annually across our three program areas.
Items to be collected:
- Non-perishable food items
- Full sized & unopened cleaning supplies
- Full sized & unopened hygiene products & toiletries
- Pull ups, diapers, & wipes
- Gift cards must be $25 or more to better meet the needs of the families we serve.
Amazon Wish list: Wish List here.
Target Wish List: Wish List here.
SEEKING SPONSORS
Sponsorship Levels:
- Ruby $1,500 - 12 ticket to event, table available for marketing materials
- Diamond $1,000 - 8 ticket to event
- Emerald $500 - 4 tickets to event
- Sapphire $250 – 2 ticket to event
Company logo and special highlight on WWLF website
Company logo on event invite through all media and all pre-event marketing
Company logo on event signage
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WWLF – Golf Clinic at Strawberry Farms
22 Jul 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (PDT)
Strawberry Farms Golf Course
11 Strawberry Farm Rd, Irvine, CA 92612
Tee up your Golf game with WWLF!
Whether you're new to golf or looking to sharpen your skills, Join WWLF for an evening or learning, networking and fun at one of Southern California's most beautiful golf courses.
Spend the evening connecting with fellow wireless industry professionals while receiving golf instructions in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
$45 Member | $60 Non-members
Space is limited, register early to reserve your spot! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly Networking Event: Motivation and Mugs
03 Aug 2026, 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM (EDT) - Register 14 Sep 2026 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) - Register 05 Oct 2026 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) - Register 02 Nov 2026 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) - Register 07 Dec 2026 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EDT) - Register
Teams Link to be provided prior to the Event
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.
We look forward to seeing you on our next call! Registration closes the Thursday prior to the meeting. |
|
|
|
|
WWLF Webinar: Digital Infrastructure to Enable Smart Communities
06 Aug 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (CDT)
Zoom link to be provided upon registration
Members Only
Master-planned communities are redefining how Americans live, work, and play. Destinations like Lake Nona in Orlando let residents do all three without ever leaving the development. As more master developers embrace the smart-community model, one truth comes into focus: a smart community is only as smart as the telecom infrastructure underneath it. Smart cameras, autonomous shuttles, intelligent lighting, and community-wide Wi-Fi all sit on top of a converged stack — macro tower coverage and distributed small cells for ubiquitous wireless, fiber to every building and home for capacity and low latency, and an on-site edge data center to compute close to where the data is generated.
Join this Digital Infrastructure to Enable Smart Communities webinar for a walk-through of the infrastructure that makes a smart community actually smart: what each layer does, how the layers integrate, and what master developers and their technology partners need to plan for upfront so connectivity scales with the rest of the community vision.
SPEAKER: |
|
|
Piyush Raj, VP, Connectivity Solution, SBA Communications Corporation
Piyush Raj is Vice President, Connectivity Solutions at SBA Communications, where he leads the company's Connectivity Solutions business, partnering with building owners, developers, andmunicipalities to design and deploy neutral host wireless and fiber infrastructure. He also serves asa Board Member at Andorix, a next-generation in-building connectivity platform.
With more than 20 years in the wireless industry, Raj has built a track record of commercializing emerging technologies (including CBRS), forming strategic industry alliances, and scaling new lines of business. Before joining SBA, he spent nine years at American Tower, most recently as SeniorDirector of Technology Innovation, and earlier in engineering and network planning roles withwireless carriers.
Raj holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Finance from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, an M.S. in Computer Science (Networking and Telecommunications) from The University of Texas at Dallas, and a Bachelor of Engineering from MANIT in India. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
WWLF Golf Series: Etiquette, Lessons & Networking
14 Oct 2026, 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)
PGA Training Center, 3255-701 PGA Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034
Ready to level up your golf game and your networking game? Whether you’re a seasoned player or just here for the vibes, join WWLF for a fun and empowering Golf Etiquette & Lessons Experience!
We’ll cover the essentials from how to confidently step onto the course to perfecting your swing so you can show up polished, prepared, and powerful.
What to expect:
Golf etiquette made easy (no more guessing on the green)
Hands-on lessons with pros
A welcoming, no-pressure environment for all skill levels
And of course… post-class bites + a celebratory toast
Because at WWLF, we believe in building skills, confidence, and community on and off the course. Come for the lesson, stay for the connections.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you to our exclusive newsletter sponsor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
© 2026 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. |
|
|
|
