the WWLF Connection
 

2025 - An Energizing Year for WWLF by Taylor Weltmeyer, WWLF Vice President

Hello WWLF Members,

I hope this message finds you well and that you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. As we enter the final month of 2025, I want to extend warm wishes for a blessed and joyful holiday season.

This has been an incredibly energizing year for WWLF, and together we continue to build meaningful momentum—strengthening programs, deepening partnerships, and expanding our vibrant community.

In mid-September, many of our members participated in the Women of NATE Summit, both as speakers and attendees. This event showcased the strength, expertise, and leadership of women across our industry—each one raising the bar for themselves and their organizations.

Another standout this quarter was our Telecom Trailblazers Program. In late September, we hosted one of our largest student-focused events at RF Industries, welcoming more than 60 students who explored how STEM connects to telecommunications and impacts daily life. In early November, we continued this momentum with a remarkable Trailblazers event hosted at the Verizon Innovation Lab in San Francisco. This program brought together industry leaders for an immersive experience, featuring cutting-edge demonstrations and a fireside chat—including a panelist joining via hologram—highlighting the future of connectivity and innovation in our field.

From our November 14 annual networking celebration in South Florida—hosted in partnership with the Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers at the Inter Miami CF Experience Center—to our many regional engagements this year, we are grateful for the strong participation and enthusiasm from our members.

As we move into the final stretch of the year, we invite you to stay connected through our December 8 “Motivation and Mugs” morning virtual networking session, where we’ll continue to foster meaningful connections, leadership development, and industry insight.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to close out the year with continued engagement and the upcoming release of our 2026 Annual Sponsorship Opportunities, which will be opening very soon.

I’m grateful for all we’ve accomplished together in 2025 and inspired by what’s to come. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to connect or get more involved with WWLF.

Warm regards,

Taylor Weltmeyer - Sierra

Vice President WWLF

Program Manager eX2


 

Infastructure Deserves Influence
by Abigail Crawford

Originally published September 18, 2025

Infrastructure deserves influence.

Six months ago, I entered a world I knew almost nothing about—telecom and digital infrastructure. I didn’t come from a technical background, and I wasn’t sure how I’d fit into a space filled with engineers, field crews, and legacy systems.

But I was curious. And I asked a lot of questions.

“I’ve had the privilege of starting my telecom journey with FiberCom Engineering, SkyCom Engineering, and SkyWare — three companies that are deeply committed to building smarter infrastructure and empowering the people behind it. From drone-enabled field solutions to AI-powered permitting automation, their mission is clear: to modernize the way infrastructure is deployed and maintained. But what’s made the biggest impact on me is their investment in people — fostering a culture of innovation, mentorship, and real support for their employees.”

Today, as the Executive Projects & Communications Lead for FiberCom Engineering, I’ve learned more than I expected—not just about networks and permitting, but about leadership, innovation, and the power of collaboration.

This isn’t a technical breakdown. It’s a reflection on what it’s like to jump into a fast-moving, complex industry and find your footing.

Whether you're new to telecom or just curious, here are six takeaways from my first six months:

1. You Don’t Need to Know Everything to Add Value

Curiosity and communication go a long way. Thoughtful questions have helped me connect dots, translate jargon, and see the bigger picture. If you’re willing to learn, you’ll find ways to contribute beyond your job title.

2. Infrastructure Is Invisible—Until You Start Looking

Before this role, I never noticed utility poles or fiber lines. Now I see them everywhere—and understand the permitting, trenching, and ripple effects they have on daily life. There’s a real opportunity to make infrastructure visible and relatable through storytelling.

3. Content Builds Connection

Content isn’t just marketing—it’s a bridge. Sharing our work through posts, videos, or podcasts has sparked conversations and created new relationships. In a legacy industry, fresh voices can make a big impact.

4. Relationships Drive Everything

From permitting to project delivery, collaboration is key. A single conversation can unlock a partnership or shift a strategy. Strong relationships are the foundation of forward progress.

5. AI Isn’t Just a Buzzword—It’s Solving Real Problems

Working with SkyWare has shown me how AI is transforming workflows—automating permitting, improving compliance, and saving hours of manual work. This is real innovation, and it’s already here.

6. The Best Leaders Are Great Listeners

The most impactful leaders I’ve met listen deeply, stay curious, and make space for others to contribute. Their trust and encouragement have helped me grow faster and lead with confidence.

Final Thought

Telecom and infrastructure are evolving rapidly—and there’s room for new energy, ideas, and voices. If you’re curious about this space, don’t wait for permission. Ask questions. Show up. You might be surprised where it takes you.

Telecom Trailblazers Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators at Verizon Innovation Lab, San Francisco

 

On November 5th, Telecom Trailblazers welcomed over 40 high school students from across the San Francisco Bay Area for an immersive day at the Verizon Edge and AI Innovation Lab. Students gained hands-on exposure to telecommunications, IoT, and AI technologies shaping the way the world communicates and operates.

The event was generously sponsored by American Tower and hosted by Verizon, giving students unique access to industry leaders through engaging panels:

Fireside Chat: How AI & Connectivity Power Our World Moderated by Lynn Whitcher (Executive Directors of Programs, Telecom Trailblazers), featuring Eric McClanahan (Verizon) and Zain Admani (Inorsa). Panelists discussed practical applications of AI, from real-time data analysis to network optimization and highlighted the critical role of connectivity in powering smart cities, IoT devices, and emerging technologies.

Career Pathways Panel Discussion Moderated by Taylor Weltmeyer-Sierra (WWLF Vice President), with panelists Jessica Turner (American Tower), Talisha Germain (RF Industries / WWLF), and Jennifer Winters (Motive Infrastructure / WWLF) sharing insights on career opportunities in telecom, technology, and infrastructure.

Students also explored an immersive lab experience, working with cutting-edge technologies like private 5G, real-time AI inference, robotics, and AR/VR, seeing firsthand how modern communication networks operate and how AI optimizes infrastructure workflows.

Telecom Trailblazers continues its mission to educate, inspire, and connect the next generation of innovators, providing students from diverse backgrounds with early exposure to the telecommunications and technology industries.

The next event will be held at the Verizon Policy Lab in Washington, DC, on February 18th, 2026.

Get Involved: Interested in participating, hosting, or sponsoring a Telecom Trailblazers event? Contact Talisha Germain & Lynn Whitcher, Executive Directors of Programs, at telecomtrailblazers@wwlf.org.

2026 Sponsorships Open Soon – More information to come. Reach out to sponsorships@wwlf.org for more information.

Upcoming Events

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.

We look forward to seeing you on our next call! Registration closes the Thursday prior to the meeting.

Dec 8, 2025, 10:00-10:45am (EST)
Teams link will be sent prior to the event

Register

SAVE THE DATE!
WWLF's 2026 Events 

Celebrating, Recognizing, and Empowering the women in our industry

February 17, 2026

Salamander Washington DC

Event Information

WWLF Leadership Symposium – Fort Lauderdale, FL

May 4, 2026

Event Information

WWLF Networking Event at Connect X – Fort Lauderdale, FL

May 6, 2026

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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.