Victoria Weidenthaler

In November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act came into law establishing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. BEAD set an unprecedented amount of funding ($42.5B) towards advancing nationwide connectivity. As the parameters of BEAD funding were being established, I closely collaborated with WIA, NTIA and members of Congress to promote technology neutrality within BEAD funding allocation. We successfully advocated for the inclusion of wireless technologies in states such as California, Louisiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. These states implemented legislation that embraced a flexible framework as BEAD funds are disbursed. As a result, in collaboration with our carrier and ISP partners, we can continue playing a pivotal role to address connectivity gaps in unserved and underserved areas nationwide.

Beyond my recent contributions with BEAD advocacy, my involvement in the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF) has also been a meaningful part of my professional journey. I have been a WWLF member for nine years – six of which I sat on the Board. In my prior role as Director of Programs I launched WWLF’s first Mentorship Program, which has rapidly grown over the years and empowered young leaders in the telecommunications industry. Currently, as Co-Director of Education I have initiated the “Intro to Telecom” web-series – designed to educate WWLF’s member base of newcomers and industry veterans, by covering various sub-sectors in telecom (e.g., zoning, M&A, regulatory compliance, RF, and construction). I am grateful to be part of a company like SBA that recognizes and encourages my contributions to WWLF as we work to empower and uplift others in the industry.