Training tomorrow’s leaders in the infrastructure workforce is Deb Bennett’s specific challenge and inspiration. In her current role with WIA, she not only serves as the Director of Apprenticeship for TIRAP (Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program), she also consults on education/workforce development issues, and advises WWLF (Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum). Most recently, Bennett said WIA worked with TIRAP on the Tower Tech Mentoring and Education Guide, published in February.
Having been in the industry since 1996, she has seen women make significant contributions to what is considered a male dominated industry. One advantage to that, she said, is the standing joke among women about little to no waiting for the ladies room at industry-related conferences. She sees that all changing for the better, however.
“Women continue to make gains in both the filling of key occupations, leadership roles, and business ownership,” Bennett told Inside Towers. “But improvements can always be made, particularly when you look at the C Suites and Boards of Directors for various companies in the industry.”
Ten years ago, Bennett volunteered to help the WWLF as their Executive Director of Education; she later went on to become president of the organization. But in the earlier days, after delivering some leadership development training opportunities to them, she said she was disheartened by the feedback. A group of women from a major employer commented, “The material is very good. However, we will never be leaders in our organization. Can you offer some MS Word classes?”
“I recall being awestruck that this group of talented women (a) didn’t see the value in developing management/leadership skills to support their current role , and (b) felt there was no opportunity for growth within their organization,” Bennett said. “I’ve advocated for more training opportunities and specialty programming ever since. Perhaps that’s what led to my passion of and for WWLF’s mission.”
To Bennett, ‘Keeping Women Connected’ is more than a motto, it’s a way of life for these women. She said the group has been very successful in the identification of topics and programs that address not only women’s issues in the workplace, but also provides technical training topics, matches mentors with mentees, and offers other leadership training opportunities to keep members well rounded in their personal development. 2019 is yet again of growth for this organization. (WWLF will be hosting a series of events around the U.S. beginning with one March 27 in Austin, TX.)
Bennett said WIA’s upcoming Connectivity Expo, aka, ConnectX conference in May, will not only feature a WWLF Networking Reception but will offer companies a chance to find out more about how they can further incorporate women in their workforce.
(Inside Towers wants to highlight the accomplishments of women throughout the wireless infrastructure community; not only those who actually climb towers but women who have made their mark in the corporate offices as well. If you have a potential subject for future issues, contact editor@insidetowers.com)
By Jim Fryer, Managing Editor, Inside Towers
March 22, 2019
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