Release:
March 1, 2023

Women of NATE Today Newsletter
Volume 5, Issue 3

The month of March brings the hope of Spring with budding trees, brave blossoming tulips, and hand-picked strawberries. During March, the Sun crosses the equator on its migration North ushering in earlier dawns and later sunsets. Spring provides an opportunity to start fresh, a “do-over” in case January resolutions have fallen to the wayside. It is celebrated with green beer, family trips, and, most importantly, International Women’s Day on March 8.

In honor of International Women’s Day, we invite each of you to honor a Woman Hero in your life. We encourage you to submit a short paragraph explaining how the woman inspired you. Women of NATE will share your stories on social media throughout the month of March. Let us take this opportunity to lift up women around the world and recognize the important role they have played in our personal journeys and the ongoing journey to equality for all women.

WON Profile: Annmarie Feiler

Annmarie has a lifelong commitment to the food and beverage industry which has activated her passion for food security, empowerment, and equal opportunity for women in business.

Annmarie has been actively mentoring young women in hospitality and trade show management for the past 20 years. Feiler has served on various Boards of Directors, Advisory Boards, and community action committees including The NATE Golf Committee, The Governor’s Council on Food Security for the State of Nevada, Three Square Food Bank, Blind Connect, Southern Nevada Lacrosse Association, Past Vice President of the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada, Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Veteran’s Village Las Vegas. Annmarie was honored as one of Las Vegas’s most philanthropic leaders of 2018 at the 10th Annual Vegas Gives event.

The Feiler family are supporters of UNLV’s College of Hospitality and College of Engineering. The Feiler family resides in Las Vegas and North Carolina. Annmarie is married to Andrew Feiler, and mom to three great children: daughter Mackenzie, sons Yosef and Ari, and their two pups Dreidel and Izzy.  

International Women's Day 2023 Campaign Theme: #EmbraceEquity

For International Women's Day and beyond, let us all fully #EmbraceEquity. Equity is not just a nice-to-have, it is a must-have. A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society's DNA. And it's critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.

The IWD 2023 campaign theme drives worldwide understanding of why Equal opportunities are not enough!

We can all truly embrace equity. It is not just something we say. It is not just something we write about. It is something we need to think about, know, value, and embrace. It is what we believe in, unconditionally. Equity means creating an inclusive world.

Each one of us can actively support and embrace equity within our own sphere of influence. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all embrace equity. 

Forging gender equity is not limited to women solely fighting the good fight. Allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, cultural, and political advancement of women.

Everyone everywhere can play a part. All IWD activity is valid. That is what makes IWD so inclusive. Collectively, we can all forge positive change.

When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion. We embrace equity to forge harmony and unity, and to help drive success for all. Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there. Through the process of equity, we can reach equality.

Do not just say it. Think it. Be it. Do it. Value it. Truly embrace it. Embrace equity in all its forms.

How will you embrace equity? Share the passion and excitement that comes from valuing and supporting difference. Reflect on how we can all be part of the solution, not the problem. Encourage and rally your friends, family, colleagues, and community to embrace equity.

Together we can work collectively to impact positive change. Together we can all help forge an equal world. Let's all embrace equity today, and always.

Are you in? Will you embrace equity? 

Show the world your huge embrace. Strike the IWD #EmbraceEquity pose to show solidarity.

Share your #EmbraceEquity image, video, resources, presentation, and articles across social media using #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity to encourage others to help forge an inclusive world.

Let's forge that tremendous worldwide unity and support again for 2023.

Let's all step forward and commit to #EmbraceEquity.

Where will you find the Women of NATE?

Take Women of NATE with you!

Are you traveling for work or taking a leisure vacation?

Take a creative photo holding a Women of NATE (WON) logo in front of a landmark that lets us know where you are. 

(Above) NATE member Rebecca Bertram of Pinkham Cyr, Inc; Women of NATE (WON) Committee member Jessica Cobb of MDTS; WON Chairwoman Andy Page Lee of Lee Antenna & Line Service, Inc.; and WON Committee member Lymaris Pabellon of Learning Alliance Corporation pose with the Learning Alliance mascot at the Women of NATE Meet & Greet during NATE UNITE 2023.

Upcoming Events

Women of NATE (WON) Chairwoman, Andy Lee, to Present at Women in Telco Conference

It has been widely reported there is a large gender gap in the technology industry, with the gap widening further in the telecoms sector. This event will seek to provide a community for women wanting to enter the sector, develop their careers, and for leaders to attract and retain talent. The event will provide delegates with practical information to enhance their professional growth and promote diversity in the telecoms industry.

Register now and stay tuned for more information on when you can attend this session!

Recent Event Highlights

(Below) NATE UNITE attendees are up before the sun registering for the Women of NATE 5K Fun Run/Walk. It was a beautiful morning for a run - no snow in sight!

(Above) Congratulations to the top three male and female finishers of the Women of NATE 5K Fun Run/Walk! Pictured from left to right are: Cory Samples of Telamon (1st place male); Nicolas Doare of MVG (2nd place male); Cameron Clark of Nokia (3rd place male); Jamie Polanco of PPC Broadband, Inc. (1st place female); Megan Reiffenberger of NATE (2nd place female); and Oliva Vitaterna of NWA Tower Services (3rd place female). 

(Above) Women of NATE highlighted Heart Health Month for Women during the Meet & Greet at the NATE UNITE 2023 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. NATE UNITE attendees enjoyed networking, a paramedic AED demonstration, and special WON logoed dessert items at the event.

The Alpha Female: 9 Ways You Can Tell Who is an Alpha Woman

The term ‘alpha female’ is thrown around casually, but what does the science have to say? Here are the nine traits alpha females share.

The term ‘alpha female’ is thrown around casually, but what does the science have to say? What is an alpha female? Here is the real definition of an alpha female, based on the latest research:

Alpha Female: A woman who has embraced her leadership ambitions. She is talented, highly motivated, and self-confident.

Female alphas embrace their confidence and this helps them lead others. An alpha female tends to:

• believe her ability to achieve is limitless;
• self-identify as an alpha female;
• have a confidence that is contagious, which leads others to respect her as an equal;
• showcase leadership characteristics;
• be recognized by others as being impactful; and
• have extremely high ambitions

The term ‘alpha’ actually comes from research on animal behavior. Traditionally, it is used to designate the male animal that is the leader of a pack. These days, the term “alpha” has morphed.

Next, let’s dive into alpha female strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

They Offer Fearless Leadership

In one study, “Defining the Alpha Female: A Female Leadership Measure,” researchers developed a 14-item questionnaire to measure the alpha female personality. They looked at qualities such as self-esteem, emotional intelligence, leadership, gender ideals, and extroversion. They found that alpha females embrace their leadership roles and tendencies. No reluctant leaders here! Why does reluctance matter? A woman can be in a leadership role and not embrace it. This doesn’t make her any more or less of a leader, but it does mark her as a non-alpha female. Look at the differences in these self-identifying statements.

A reluctant female leader might say…

• I’m not sure if I belong in this leadership role.
• I’m not a natural-born leader.
• I don’t know enough / earn enough / do enough to lead.

A fearless alpha female might say…

• I know I can inspire others.
• I love being a leader.
• I know I can make a great impact in this world.

Many of the alpha females in the study described a level of comfort and relative advantage in the role of Alpha Female. In other words, they believe their alpha-ness works for them — and they make it so.

They Possess High Emotional Intelligence

Researchers also found that alpha females have extremely high emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence (aka EQ or EI) is our ability to:

• recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions;
• recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others; and
• be aware that emotions can drive our behavior and impact people (positively and negatively)

Because alpha females have such high emotional intelligence, they often serve as social lubricators and business mediators.

Often, alpha females are able to bring social ease to a group. They tell jokes. They start conversations. They introduce people. They smooth over business disagreements and take charge.

They Are Obsessive Learners

In a study called “Leadership Influences of the Veteran Alpha Female,” the researchers found that a common theme among veteran alpha female leaders was the importance of continuous learning. One hundred percent of the female leaders involved in the study expressed appreciation for their ability to learn to face challenges, learn from experience, or learn from others. 100%! Alpha females prioritize their learning. They:

• read constantly — books about what they do AND books in subjects completely new to them;
• dive deep into their expertise. They like to be experts;
• learn about new fields, research and topics;
• take professional development courses to further their development;
• ask questions; and
• learn from their experiences.

Another aspect of obsessive learning is that alpha females also embrace learning from their challenges.

The ability to learn from our obstacles is a skill.

Many of the alpha females found that their challenges were actually instrumental toward shaping their experience and talents.

They Are Strong

I was surprised when I discovered this quality listed in the research. Of course I knew alpha females had to be strong, but I didn’t necessarily equate that with female toughness. One of the questionnaires asked alpha females if they agreed with the following statements:

___ I consider myself tough.

___ I am stronger than most girls I know.

___ I enjoy athletics and physical activity.

It seems mental strength is related to physical strength. This could be a side door into more alpha-ness. Want to feel more mentally tough? Maybe it’s time to join a bootcamp. Wish you had a thicker skin? Go lift some weights!

Remember, alpha female-hood is not like pregnancy (you are or you aren’t). I believe alpha female-ness is more of a spectrum. Some women have a high tendency to be alpha. They enjoy social conducting: being the leader and/or the center of attention. Some women only like being alpha females in their home, not in their business environment. Some women are only social alphas around certain groups of friends. That’s okay!

They Are Sought Out

Do people constantly ask your opinion? Are you the go-to person in your group of friends? Do you give advice? Researchers found that alpha females are often put in a position of mentorship, whether they like it or not. People seek their guidance. People ask them for advice. People put them in leadership positions.

Alpha females are sought out for their help.

Alpha females also seek out ways to help.

The research also found that the majority of the female leaders reported feeling an internal satisfaction in being able to give back to others. They mentored, volunteered, and gave back to the people around them. I’ve seen this phenomenon in action. One of our Science of People programs is a certification in body language.

They Are Highly Ambitious

I was very inspired while reading the studies on alpha females. Alpha females feel their ambition is limitless; that the bounds of their success do not exist; that they could achieve anything. How incredible! This doesn’t mean that alphas have to go it alone. In fact, quite the contrary. Many of the veteran alpha female leaders discussed the essential influential factor of having emotional support from others. And this external support didn’t have to come from a traditional two-parent home or immediate family. 

Ambitious alpha females:

• seek out mentors;
• seek out challenges;
• look for new opportunities; and
• want more — more income, more chances, more from life.

The research also found that the alpha females who self-identified as leaders felt a sense of personal charisma and empowerment. And, luckily, these traits can and should be learned (see the importance of learning in Trait #3).

They Love Their Mommas (and Daddies)

In the study “College Student Leaders: Meet the Alpha Female,” researchers found that the family situations and early socialization of alpha females mattered. Their relationship with their parents was strong, especially with their mothers. This makes sense — when women come from a strong, solid family foundation, they feel they have more courage to venture out. A motherly female role model (whether the mother was alpha or not) also gives encouragement to a budding alpha personality.

You might be wondering if alpha-ness is nature or nurture? The answer is still unclear. The research indicates many alpha qualities can emerge early, but most attributes take time to develop.

They Cultivate Harmony

In the book The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine, she discusses the evolutionary and biological importance for females to get along and keep harmony in a group. From a very young age girls are taught—far more than boys–to share, cooperate, and play fair. Girls get very good at reading others’ emotions and adapting to the tone of a group. Alpha females actually make it easier for a group of girls to interact because there is one unspoken leader. This leader sets the tone for the group and allows girls to get along without having a power struggle. In this way, alpha females are often social conductors. Some other interesting alpha female phenomena I personally have noticed:

Alpha females are social conductors; non-alpha females are her orchestra.

The next time you are at a party or networking event, try this fascinating experiment: find a group of three or more women —you do not need to be close enough to hear them; they just should be in your line of sight. Put a five-minute timer on your phone or watch and take note of the direction of the women’s feet. Almost always, women point their feet toward the person they are most interested in or who they feel is leading the group’s tempo. In only five minutes you will be able to see where the majority of the women are pointing their feet. Amazingly, you will notice that most of the women in the group will be pointing toward the same woman–even if they are in a circle, and even if that woman is not talking.

When the alpha female leaves, a social vacuum is created.

Another way you can spot the alpha female of a group is by watching how each group member exits. When non-alphas leave the group nothing much happens — the conversation continues, the gap closes and group members move on. However, when THE alpha female (and there can only be one, see below for details) leaves, you will see something odd happen. Either conversation stops completely and the group members look around expectantly for a new alpha, or the group disperses.

There can be only one alpha female per cluster.

What happens when two alpha females are in the same office? One word: Disaster. Or, maybe two words: Disaster and Drama. The alpha female with the higher degree of alpha-ness usually takes charge and the second alpha female backs down. Well, she seethes, plots revenge, and then backs down. In social groups, most of the female drama comes when two alpha females are competing to be the social conductor and non-alpha females (or alpha females to a lesser degree) are not sure who to follow.

But…there must be at least one alpha female.

Oddly, there must only be one alpha female, but there also must be AT LEAST one. We all have experienced (whether we knew it or not) a group without an alpha female. We might describe it as “awkward,” “weird,” or “boring.” This is because, in a group of women with very low alpha female tendencies, no one is sure how to act, what to talk about, or what the social pace is. Alpha females actually have a very important role in social lubrication.

They Have Exceptional Confidence

The alpha woman considers herself equal to her peers and believes her ability to achieve success is limitless. Many alpha women are able to maintain high achievement in educational and career endeavors and have demonstrated more ambition than the traditional female leader.

Confidence is contagious. With this confidence comes a kind of contagion. If you ever are observing an alpha female in a group, you will notice that the entire group is taking social cues from her. The other women might hold their bodies like she does. They might talk in the same voice tone. They might even laugh for the same amount of time as the alpha does.

While being an alpha female is incredibly powerful, alpha females also report some negative aspects. The research participants in a study in the Journal of Leadership Education expressed having to pay a price for their status and strong alpha female identity. They felt at times that they were negatively labeled and stereotyped. They also reported feeling forced to live up to very high expectations. What does this mean? Female alphas need to come up with creative ways to manage the negative effects of their power while reaping the benefits.

Still not sure if you are an alpha female? Be sure to take our alpha female quiz!

I created People School for students who want to be master communicators. My mission is to help introverts leverage their strengths, show high achievers how to activate their secret skills, and teach awkward people to feel more confident. I currently live in Austin, Texas, with my daughter and husband of 10+ years.

This article was previously published on scienceofpeople.com.   https://www.scienceofpeople.com/alpha-female/