Women of NATE Today Newsletter Volume 8, Issue 9 | September 2, 2026
In this issue: Newsletter Welcome, WON Profile, Events, Feature Article, Book Recommendation, and Get Involved.
Welcome
September: A Season of Connection, Growth & Momentum
September has a way of reminding us that new beginnings don’t only happen in January. As summer winds down and a new season begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect on how far we’ve come, and look ahead to what’s next.
For the women of NATE, this season is about more than turning the page on the calendar, it’s about continuing to build connections, lift one another up, and create opportunities for women to grow and lead within our industry.
As we embrace this spirit of growth and connection, we invite you to join us at the Women's Leadership Summit. The Summit is an opportunity to learn from inspiring leaders, share experiences, build meaningful relationships, and celebrate the incredible contributions women are making throughout the telecommunications industry. Whether you are just beginning your career or are a seasoned professional, the Summit offers valuable insights, encouragement, and connections that can help shape your leadership journey.
Every conversation, mentorship, introduction, and shared experience has the power to make a difference. When we support one another, we don’t just strengthen ourselves, we strengthen the future of telecom.
Kristin Carlin is a Project Manager at Tri County Tower.
WON Profile
Amanda Vaupel
The September WON Profile takes a closer look at Amanda Vaupel, the Director of Process Management at JAG Resources. Click on the button below to learn more about Amanda!
Events
Lead Boldly. Rise Together. Join Us for the 2026 Women's Leadership Summit.
The Women’s Leadership Summit brings together professionals who are passionate about leading with purpose, driving innovation, and creating meaningful change. Hosted by Women of NATE, this premier event celebrates leadership, fosters connection, and empowers attendees to grow both personally and professionally.
✨ Register today
✨ Sponsorship opportunities available - showcase your organization's commitment to advancing women in leadership
Join us for an inspiring event designed to elevate voices, expand networks, and shape the future of leadership. We look forward to welcoming leaders, emerging professionals, allies, and advocates who are committed to advancing women and strengthening our industry.
Plan your experience today! Click the Learn More button to explore the event agenda, discover sponsorship opportunities, and register.
NATE UNITE 2027
Get Ready for NATE UNITE 2027! Booth space and sponsorship opportunities are available now, giving you the chance to showcase your company, connect with industry leaders and maximize your visibility at the industry’s premier event.
Click on the button below to stay up to date on all things NATE UNITE 2027.
Registration and hotel accommodations for NATE UNITE 2027 opens in October.
2027 Tower Family Foundation Golf Tournament
Get an early start to your 2027 golf season by participating in the Tower Family Foundation Golf Tournament! All proceeds raised will benefit tower workers and their families in the aftermath of an industry accident, fatality, or emergency situation.
Don't miss your chance to be part of the Tower Family Foundation Golf Tournament on Thursday, February 25, 2027, at the beautiful Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.
Golf Spots and Sponsorships will sell out quickly, so act fast to secure your spot!
Events NATE Attended in August
Visit our website to see which events our NATE Members and Staff visited this month!
Industry Event Calendar
Discover the upcoming industry and safety events this month. Find events like weekend conferences, networking, trade shows, educational meetings, and more. NATE provides a complete list of every event for you to stay informed. Make the most out of these events!
Feature Article
U.S. Customers' Experiences with and Opinions of AI in Customer Service
A comprehensive ContactBabel study of 1,000 U.S. customers and 200 U.S. organizations revealed a complex landscape of attitudes toward artificial intelligence in customer service. While they acknowledge certain advantages of AI, particularly speed, they harbor significant concerns about accuracy, accessibility to human agents and the overall quality of service.
Among survey respondents who had knowingly experienced AI customer service (84 percent of the total panel), the comparative assessment reveals notable strengths and weaknesses. The greatest strength is the speed advantage. Not unexpectedly, customers generally recognize that AI delivers faster service than human agents, meeting their expectations for immediate and speedy interactions.
Book Recommendation
Riley the Rigging Renegade: Taking the Next Generation to New Heights
The newest release in the Power Tools & Pony Tails children’s STEM book series is especially meaningful because it tells a story that belongs to our industry and to one of Women of NATE’s very own.
Riley the Rigging Renegade is inspired by Molly Cooper and follows the first 14 years of her remarkable career in telecommunications. From learning fiber optics, aviation lighting, rigging and tower safety, Molly’s story shows young readers what is possible when curiosity, courage and determination meet opportunity.
Click on the button below to learn more about this book and the rest of the Power Tools & Pony Tails series.
Get Involved
Discover More Ways to Be Involved With Women of NATE
Visit the Women of NATE section of the NATE website to learn how you can be involved with WON conferences, webinars, networking socials, and more.
*Women of NATE Today reserves the right to select, eliminate or edit any article to maintain editorial and member focus.
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