the WWLF Connection

Dear member,

We are now 5 months away from 2022, as you look back on how you spent the past couple of months, ask yourself, what have you done to add value to the community? Have you taken time to reflect to see how you can positively impact individuals around you? In these last several months, as we return to normal and attend industry events, I can proudly say that WWLF has encouraged many individuals in the WWLF community to attend and take a step in the right direction to grow their business and self-reflect to gain mentorship to thrive in their careers.

With that being said, I encourage you to participate in the upcoming WWLF events. With the option of both in-person and virtual events, there’s a lot of opportunity to network and get engaged with the WWLF community. The WWLF events are full of enthusiastic individuals who want to take their business or career to the next level.

As we approach Connect X and MWC, WWLF will be offering several different event sponsorship opportunities to further help industry colleagues showcase their businesses at the WWLF sponsored events at both of these industry conferences. Event sponsorship is a great way to market your business, as well as provide opportunities for those in your organization or network to feel empowered as we continue to return to normal and attend industry events again. We encourage you to become an event sponsor with WWLF. You can reach out to me directly at sponsorships@wwlf.org or shamrose@texwireless.com for more details on how you can sponsor one of our upcoming events.

Lastly, we would love to help you add value to your organization. As we continue to navigate the rest of the year, let us know how we can support you. The Executive Leadership Team, and Executive Directors for other programs would love to help you and continue to support you.

Sincerely,

Shamrose Ali

Executive Director of Ways and Means

Shamrose Ali, Executive Director of Ways and Means

 WWLF Leaders Share Perspectives at South Wireless Summit


Written by Kristen Beckman

Headshot of Kristin Beckman

Current and past leaders of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum shared their thoughts and experiences about WWLF, women in the wireless industry, the importance of mentorship, and leadership advice during a panel at South Wireless Summit in Nashville. Amanda Cahill, President of WWLF, and Beth Martindale, Vice President, joined past presidents Carolyn Hardwick and Amelia DeJesus and past vice president Debra Mercier on the panel hosted by Carrie Charles, a WWLF executive director.

Cahill opened the panel by talking about the importance of WWLF and its programs geared toward helping women share industry knowledge, expand their network and advance their careers. “My involvement in WWLF has helped to shape the woman I am today,” Cahill said. “The community at WWLF truly helped me build confidence, especially early on in my career, and gave me the opportunity to shine in areas that I was really uncomfortable stepping into. I think that’s the beauty of an organization like WWLF. It was my first experience seeing the power of how mentorship and guidance and leadership from those who have done it can shape a person’s career and life and truly change the path you are on and open your eyes to things that maybe you didn’t even realize were possible.”

Cahill said one of the reasons she ran for president of WWLF was to give back to the organization from which she has gained so much. The other panelists also shared the value they’ve found in being involved with WWLF, including a strong network of women and men to learn from and lean on, programs that build confidence, and the power of connection.

For Martindale, WWLF has provided support and empowerment. “I didn’t know what WWLF was when I joined. I knew it was a women’s organization but didn’t know what it represented. Under Carolyn’s guidance, she explained it’s not just about women, it’s not just about empowering women, it’s about empowering anyone who feels like they are not represented.”

The panelists also reflected on the importance of women to the industry, especially in leadership roles.

Read the full article on the WWLF website.

WWLF Spotlight: Jennifer Winters

Jennifer has been the City Rep for Orange County/Los Angeles, CA since 2018

Headshot of Tara Rand

Where did you get your start in the industry? What is your current role? 

Before Telecom, I worked for a retail car sales business as a manager, coming off my maternity leave after having my son. I realized maintaining a retail management career while being a first-time mom was not going to allow me the work life balance I was striving for. It took no time at all for me to fall in love with the industry and the ever changing environment. From there, I was able to be a part of the Verizon Wireless team in Irvine working for both the small cell and modifications teams. I now work as the Network Real Estate Department Manager for Tangent Inc. I manage an insanely motivated and intelligent team who continually strives to make the customer experience the best it can be. 

Why did you join WWLF?

I joined WWLF to be a part of a community that is built on raising people up. So many times, in an industry that tends to be male dominated, you see competition amongst females, almost in a “there can only be one” fashion. WWLF is a place where I feel I would go out of my way to ensure I support and lift the women around me and those around me would do the same.

What are your top 3 leadership lessons or advice?

Take chances – Don’t be afraid to jump into something new with both feet, and even more so, don’t be afraid to fall. “I don’t know” are three incredibly powerful words. 

Learn often and talk less - Sometimes the best lessons you can learn are taught by the people around you, and more often those who work for you. Being a leader doesn’t always mean teaching or assigning items and tasks. Some of the best lessons I have learned have come from those who had little to no experience in a given subject and were not afraid to suggest. Ask questions instead of giving answers. 

Be passionate – Let a failure hurt a bit. Feel a win with excitement and pride. Share your passion and love for a position with those around you. Simon Sinek said “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Passion can be contagious.

Read the full interview on the WWLF to learn more about Jennifer Winters.


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Upcoming Events

ALL FIRED UP!  

WWLF is All Fired Up to see you for a fun night of pottery painting, refreshments  great conversation, and an opportunity to give back to your local community.

We will be collecting items for Pebble Tossers’ (a youth development nonprofit with a mission to empower and equip youth to lead through service) back to school drive; specific items requested are listed on the attached flyer.

This event is limited to 30 people, so please RSVP right away!

Wednesday, August 11th 
6PM-9PM (EDT)
All Fired Up, 53 S Main St. #1, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Cost: Individual attendees will be responsible for their own pottery purchase

We hope to see you there!


If you're unable to attend and would like to donate, please check out:

https://www.pebbletossers.org/donate/

 
 
REGISTER HERE

 

Monthly Networking Events!
WWLF Members Only

 

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 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..

September 13, 2021 Motivation and Mugs

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)

Zoom link to be sent before the event

Registration closes the Friday before the event.

 
REGISTER HERE FOR THE SEPTEMBER 13 MOTIVATION AND MUGS

All events open to WWLF members

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


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© 2021 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.