The Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) is a volunteer association for professional women in the wireless communications industry and a division of PCIA. Through WWLF’s events, members share expertise, broaden contacts and advance their career opportunities. Blair Bode, executive director of industry relations for WWLF, said the majority of the 700 members are employed by wireless carriers, tower companies and service & staffing firms in the wireless industry. You might be surprised at the number of people working behind the scenes on site acquisition & leasing, zoning & permitting, regulatory matters, tower management, project management and other support services.

While men are welcome to join as members, the majority of the membership is comprised of women. The Executive Board is a team of women who volunteer and are appointed or elected. The president of the board is Nicole AndrePont. The WWLF events team is divided into three regions – Western, Central and East, and each is led by a regional director. There are city representatives in more than 20 of the country’s major cities, who plan events for members. Most of the interaction is through the regions’ brown bag Lunch & Learn and socials, such as golf lessons and tournaments as well as networking events, many of which are free to members. WWLF also holds large national networking events at both PCIA and CTIA trade shows. The educational programs cover a broad number of topics relevant to the wireless industry and are also available via webinar. The mission of the WWLF Fellowship Program is to empower and inspire women who are new to the telecommunications industry. The recipient receives a one-year complimentary membership with a number of additional benefits, including being paired with a mentor who has more than 10 years of experience in the industry. The Scholarship Program is similar and is awarded each year to a woman with more than 5 years of experience in the telecommunications industry.