Thank you to our Newsletter sponsor: |
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Dear WWLF Members,
The Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum Executive Leadership team welcomes you into the New Year!
Thank you to all the members, sponsors and supporters of WWLF that have helped shape this community. Although 2021 brought its own challenges and uncertainty, we saw many successes in the WWLF community.
In keeping our commitment to supporting our members and industry colleagues, WWLF was able to facilitate numerous in-person regional events, as well as the national WWLF Networking Reception at the Connectivity Expo in Orlando. We also established new reoccurring virtual events, such as the monthly Monday Motivation & Mugs, quarterly book reads and various educational programs and webinars, such as the four-part series Creating a Virtual Relationship: the Finesse of Interviews and Negotiation, Behavioral Interviewing and Hiring in a Virtual Environment, Taking Care of Yourself So You Can Take Care of Business, and Presenting Your Best Self in a Virtual Environment.
In addition to events, WWLF proudly facilitated over 70 women (36 pairs) in the mentorship program in 2021 and we aim to serve even more as we move through 2022. (If you’d like to get involved in or have questions about the mentorship program, please contact Kelsey Trundle, Co-Executive Director of Programs, via email at programs@wwlf.org.)
If there’s one key observation that has carried me through my tenure in this industry, it’s that we work with some of the most adaptable, resilient, caring and supportive individuals. We recognize this within WWLF and it is my hope that we continue to make strides to provide even more value to the industry as we navigate the New Year.
It has been an honor serving you as President over the past year and I look forward to continued success as we move through 2022.
On behalf of the WWLF Executive Leadership, thank you for your membership and continued support.
Please let us know how we can support you.
Sincerely, |
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Call for Sponsors
Shamrose Ali |
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As we begin a new year, the officers, directors, and members of Women's Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) are very thankful for the continued support of annual sponsors, event sponsors, and industry colleagues. With financial assistance from these loyal supporters, we were able to offer leadership development to members, numerous successful regional events, large National events, and provide a Fellowship Program award to a member who is beginning her career in telecommunications. WWLF could not have continued its 2021 programs, publicity, and events without the support of generous companies within our industry.
We know that you have many sponsorship choices in the industry, and we hope that you will consider continued support with WWLF. We are committed to ensuring that every company finds value in sponsorship through national advertising, complimentary passes to specified events, and regional publicity at networking and educational functions. The form may be requested, completed and returned to WWLF's Executive Director of Ways & Means, Shamrose Ali at shamroseali@gmail.com or sponsorships@wwlf.org. If there are questions regarding sponsorship, feel free to call me 773-943-1968.
Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year! (Back to top)
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Re-think New Year's Resolutions to Make Them Stick Written by Kristen Beckman |
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The new year is here, and with the hopeful fresh start that the new year brings comes the inevitable list of New Year’s Resolutions. Millions of people will pledge to make 2022 the year that they get healthier, save more money, expand their business or spend more time with family among a host of other common resolutions.
But most of those resolutions will go unrealized and uncompleted, research has shown over the years. One often-cited statistic claims that 80 percent of New Year’s Resolutions are abandoned by February, and Strava, a social network for athletes, has actually identified the second Friday of January as “Quitter’s Day” based on research that shows most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by mid-January.
That doesn’t mean resolutions aren’t important or useful; it just means success may depend on re-framing a resolution as a long-term goal that will take self-discipline, perseverance, and an understanding that the process that will include many small victories as well as defeats. Experts offer several ideas that might help you make 2022 the year that you make your resolutions stick. Click to read the full article to get Kristen's 5 tips to make your resolutions stick!
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WWLF Spotlight: Jennifer Patterson West Region Sales Director, Further Enterprise Solutions and WWLF City Rep for Seattle/Portland |
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How long have you been a City Rep for WWLF and what is your territory/region?
I have been the WWLF City Representative for Seattle/Portland for nearly a year.
Why did you join WWLF?
I joined WWLF for a NUMBER of reasons! The first was to just meet more like minded women in the wireless industry that has predominantly been a male-driven industry. There are so many smart, talented, and ambitious women in this industry that love the industry as much as I do. Secondly, I love being involved in causes that drive women to be ambitious, driven, and inspired to carry an ever changing industry like wireless to the next level. Lastly, I chose WWLF to learn. Every time I sit in on a webinar, go to an event, or attend a meeting I ALWAYS learn from those attending those events as well which in the long run makes me a better person and professional in this industry.
How has being a part of WWLF impacted you personally or professionally?
Being a part of WWLF has made me exponentially more confident beyond my 38 years on this earth! I have been able to not only learn from women who have been in this industry longer than me, but I’ve also had the opportunity to mentor those just joining WWLF as well. I have also developed great admiration and really mentors of my own that I love following through the WWLF organization. It’s through those mentors and inspirations that I have been able to evolve my confidence and career positively.
Read the full interview on the WWLF website.
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The Secret to Ending "Manels" (It Might be Easier than You Think) written by Lynn Whitcher |
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Lynn Whitcher
We have all been there – sitting at a business conference (virtually or IRL) facing a(nother) line-up of all-male panelists (a.k.a. the “manel”).[1] Despite years of increased conversations around diversity in the workplace, the percentage of women speakers has not significantly shifted.[2]
We are long past the point where industry leaders need to be convinced of the value of diversity. Diversity drives business performance.[3] Full stop. This is because different voices and different ways of thinking are critical to innovation and effective problem-solving.
If diversity is so critical to business success, why the continued preponderance of the all-male industry conference panel?
Certainly, there is something to be said for conference planners taking the easy path and looking solely within their current network or past speakers lists to find panelists.
However, there are industry groups, state wireless associations, regional conferences, and trade publications looking to highlight new and different speakers. From my perspective chairing and volunteering on various educational committees, we need to do a better job of connecting conference planners with fresh ideas and new perspectives.
Here are my tips for conference planners, employers, and prospective speakers to help capitalize on these invaluable opportunities and support diverse thought leadership in our industry:
1.) Conference Planners: Ensure diversity of thought on your panels by having a diverse conference planning team. Reach out to diverse organizations and educational institutions to help identify experts outside your immediate network. If your educational committee has not had any recent additions, find new volunteers to help inject a new perspective. (PS: it is really hard to find good volunteers for these committees).
2.) Employers: Encourage employees to volunteer for conference committees and help support their travel and related expenses for the show. This is really a win-win for both the employee and the employer. Not only do volunteers often get free or reduced tickets to the show, but they often get early management experience planning the conference while simultaneously connecting with thought leaders and industry experts who are happy to share their insights with the next generation of leaders. This helps prepare the employee to take on increased responsibilities at the office, while also highlighting the company as a great place to work.
Read the rest of the article by Lynn Whitcher on the WWLF website.
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Members from the Atlanta chapter of Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum gathered at AR Workshop in Milton, GA on 11/18/21. The ladies each chose a project to create, rolled up their sleeves, and got busy making their masterpieces. Cox Business generously provided refreshments for the group, and members were encouraged to bring donations of winter hats and gloves to benefit a local charity organization called Pebble Tossers. The beautiful thing about WWLF is how ladies (and men) from all different roles within the telecom industry can attend these events to offer support and encouragement to each other. We have senior directors, project coordinators, account managers, and many other professionals come to our events. Sure, business-talk comes up, but these events are opportunities for women to come together and support other women, regardless of their titles, roles, or positions. This isn’t all about who can help who professionally, it’s about how we can learn and grow from each other personally.
Thank you,
Sara Muehlberger
WWLF City Rep – Atlanta
Attention WWLF City Reps! We want to highlight your successful events. Please send your notes and pictures to Lauren @ lgoff@ramaker.com to be included in the upcoming Newsletters! |
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Monthly Networking Events!
WWLF Members Only |
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Please join WWLF for our Monthly Networking Event: Motivation and Mugs
The 1st Monday of every month.
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..
January 10, 2022
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)
Zoom link to be sent before the event
Registration closes the Friday before the event. |
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Quarterly Event: Book Read!
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Join WWLF for our January 2022 Book Discussion!
This event will be an open discussion with an opportunity for everyone to share comments, questions, and insights!
We will be reading and discussing "Choose Possibility: Take Risks and Thrive (Even When You Fail)” By: Sukhinder Singh Cassidy |
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A Wall Street Journal bestseller. An indispensable guide to decision-making and risk-taking for anyone who finds themselves afraid of making a wrong choice in their career. This fresh, new approach comes from one of the most highly regarded and well-respected female tech executives in Silicon Valley, who made many wrong choices in her career, but learned how to turn those down moments into successes. Life is made up of a series of choices. What do you do if one of those choices turns out poorly, especially if it was carefully considered? How do you trust your instinctive decision-making skills and make the next right choice? How do you continue to take risks when, suddenly, your risks are not working out? Grab your book and read over the holidays! January 19, 2022 6:30 - 8:00PM (CST) Zoom link to be provided prior to the event
Registration closes on January 17, 2021
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Monthly Networking Events!
WWLF Members Only |
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Please join WWLF for our Monthly Networking Event: Motivation and Mugs
The 1st Monday of every month.
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..
February 07, 2022
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)
Zoom link to be sent before the event
Registration closes the Friday before the 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
© 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. |
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