Looking back over my 28 years of telecommunications experience, the growth of women in tech positions in our industry is inspiring. We still have so much work to do and opportunities to help women grow to achieve leadership positions so they are at the board table using their voices. That is why I am so passionate about the NTCA Women in Telecom (WIT) program. This initiative isn’t just a professional network; it’s a movement that is helping to reshape the future of our industry by uplifting women in this technical field of work.
The telecom industry, like many technical fields of work, has historically been male dominated. Strides have been made. Yet, there is still a gender gap when it comes to leadership roles and visibility for women in telecom. The growth of WIT has been a powerful way to network with other women in the industry and to have a place learn and explore one’s potential. For many years and still at times today I would be the only woman in an industry meeting. There were moments when I would experience imposter syndrome, feel inadequate and have a difficult time finding the most effective way to use my voice. WIT gave me a network of women with whom I could discuss these moments and learn through understanding their experiences, fostering me to be the leader I am today.
I have benefited both personally and professionally from the WIT program. The friendships I have made through the industry are some of the best that I will ever have in my life. These deeply rooted friendships were developed from intense conversations, the sharing of emotional struggles and how to balance career with being an amazing mom. They were developed through being able to make mistakes and laugh at the ridiculous ideas we could generate together. Without this network, my career path would have looked different, and I would have been afraid of the “ask” to advance myself. WIT has provided a place of belonging.
Ultimately, my passion for the NTCA Women in Telecom program is to leave the industry stronger with future female leaders that can continue to compete in a technical environment and have fulfilling careers with a work-family balance. I am honored to be the chair of the WIT Advisory Council and continue to be excited about the growth and involvement of many to understand the importance of workforce development for females. As we look ahead to the coming year, we’re thrilled to share that there’s so much more in store for our community of women. We invite you to bring your peers along for the journey. Let’s continue to grow, connect and empower each other in 2025 and beyond.
Keep breaking glass, ladies.
These blogs are brought to you by NTCA Women in Telecom, a program dedicated to empowering women in the telecommunications industry. To learn more about the program, connect with the WIT community, or explore opportunities for involvement, visit ntca.org/wit