Women's Day 2021

Meet the Women of WIA: Working on Behalf of Members and the Wireless Infrastructure Industry

As WIA wraps up its celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month during March, we highlight the contributions of some of the women working at WIA on behalf of our members and the entire wireless infrastructure industry. It takes many different types of people playing a variety of roles to support the wireless infrastructure industry’s goals and objectives, from helping to streamline siting across the country to training the next generation of wireless technicians. WIA is proud of the women who are making these things happen.

Kelsey Trundle WIAKelsey Trundle

Director, Telecommunications Education Center

My role at WIA: As Director of TEC, I support organizations to strategize and create training programs utilizing TEC courses to support their workforce development needs (i.e on-boarding, succession planning, and upskilling.)

A fun fact about me: I love to travel (preferably to warm destinations) and surf.

What I love about my job: It truly amazes me to be a part of an industry that consistently evolves and innovates. The cross functionality of our industry reaches the lives of so many. As the technology evolution expands, WIA’s workforce development initiatives continue to drive forward, and I am proud to work for an organization that advocates the importance of diversity and inclusion within these efforts.

Taylor Thornton

Staff Coordinator

My role at WIA: I wear a few different hats at WIA. I assist the senior staff members with project coordination and organization. I schedule and run priority meetings such as our board of directors meetings. I also assist the communications team with various projects, particularly those pertaining to the website.

A fun fact about me: I used to perform colorguard on a world class level and I coached a high school team for over 6 years.

What I love about my job: I enjoy working in the wireless industry because the work we do at WIA has a large impact on people everywhere. Improving wireless infrastructure will not only make webpages load faster on your phone, but this will assist emergency response teams and has the possibility to save lives of people everywhere by cutting down on response times.

Emily Swain WIAEmily Swain

Operations Manager, Telecommunications Education Center (TEC)

My role at WIA: I work closely with the TEC team of instructional designers and industry experts to identify, develop, and implement training for the industry. Current initiatives include the development and expansion of eLearning curricula to increase educational access through TEC’s unique blended learning environments.

A fun fact about me: In my spare time, I enjoy long distance running, traveling, and am always up for any outdoor adventure!

What I love about my job: I love being part of an organization who has developed industry-recognized training devoted to enabling and promoting a qualified, skilled workforce. Given 5G’s scope touching virtually everything in our daily live, it has been incredibly exciting to learn how WIA’s members and industry leaders are driving the development and deployment of a robust and secure 5G ecosystem.

Marta Sokol WIAMarta Sokol

Vice President of Finance and Administration

My role at WIA: I lead all finance, human resource and office management functions and I am responsible for establishing the association’s culture, fostering innovation and collaboration.

A fun fact about me: I am formerly a professional ballroom dancer – there might even be a few YouTube videos!

What I love about my job: I genuinely enjoy the variety of work that comes with an organization that is growing and so passionate about pursuing activities which align with its core values. I see my contributions reaching far beyond making sure that the lights are on and every nickel is accounted for, I like being in the thick of discussions on diversity and inclusion and workforce development and working closely with our counterparts at the Department of Labor on these important matters.

Lauren Madelmayer WIALauren Madelmayer

Senior Coordinator of Meetings & Events

My role at WIA: As a part of the Events Team, I plan and execute live and virtual events ranging from webinars to our annual Connectivity Expo.

A fun fact about me: I enjoy planning events for family and friends, some of my favorites have been scavenger hunts around town and minute-to-win-it holiday parties.

What I love about my job: Since joining the WIA team, I have enjoyed working alongside passionate and driven colleagues all working together to advance the wireless industry. Throughout such a challenging year I was constantly reminded that our daily efforts have impacts far beyond our industry. I love being part of an organization that helps improve the lives of millions of people.

Maggie Langan WIAMaggie Langan

Manager of Meetings & Events

My role at WIA: I assist in the planning, marketing, and implementation of the industry’s leading trade show, Connectivity Expo, WIA Awards, and other events throughout the year.

A fun fact about me: I earned a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

What I love about my job: The best part of my job is producing innovative and educational events for our members and the wireless industry. There is nothing like seeing a blank canvas transformed into a memorable event.

Ashley Jackson WIAAshley Jackson

Director, State Wireless Associations

My role at WIA: I help the State Wireless Associations with programs to achieve their goals.

A fun fact about me: I am an avid LSU Tiger fan – GEAUX!

What I love about my job: I love working at WIA and specifically the membership team because we accomplish a lot together and it is a true collaborative effort. I also really enjoy working with all members of the State Wireless Association community as we work to accomplish their goals.

Kristen Beckman WIA

Kristen Beckman

Community Manager

My role at WIA: I engage with our members and provide thought leadership opportunities through blogs, white papers and other content.

A fun fact about me: I am a third-generation FCC-licensed HAM radio operator, call sign KE0EYY.

What I love about my job: The best part of my job is getting to know our members and learning about the work they are doing to ensure everyone has access to broadband connectivity. As a former journalist in the industry, I was able to write stories about the industry as it moved from 2G to 3G, 4G and now 5G. Now I get to help our members tell their stories in a world where connectivity is more important than ever.

Amy-Gabrielle Bartolac WIAAmy-Gabrielle Bartolac

Public Affairs Manager and Spokesperson

My role at WIA: I advocate for the responsible deployment of wireless infrastructure. I communicate legislative, regulatory, and industry priorities in wireless to policymakers, regulators, government agencies, the media, industry, and other important audiences and communities who can propel 5G deployment when the need for connectivity is at an all-time high.

A fun fact about me: I played NCAA Women’s Division II golf. Playing golf is one of my favorite activities because it provides exercise, energy, and relaxation all in one.

What I love about my job: Engaging in an industry that’s changing the world is exciting and dynamic. I enjoy working at the nexus of government, media, and industry to advance 5G and broadband for a connected nation. I’m also incredibly proud to be a part of expanding wireless workforce training through WIA’s Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program to sustainably meet the build-out needs of 5G.

 

See also:

Meet the Women Making a Difference in the Wireless Infrastructure Industry