Release:
July 3, 2024

Women of NATE Today Newsletter
Volume 6, Issue 7

Let freedom ring—and the fireworks bang!

What is the 4th of July (also known as Independence Day)? While you’re thinking of fun 4th of July ideas for this year’s celebration (like planning a trip to see the best fireworks, shopping for great sales, or sharing meaningful quotes on social media), you may wonder about the history of the 4th of July and its meaning to this nation. Why do we celebrate it each year?

This day is very significant in American history. It marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and the United States officially became its own nation. American citizens celebrate America’s birthday with festivals, parades, fireworks, barbecues, and other festive activities.

Many modern Independence Day traditions stem from America’s early independence celebrations. People would attend bonfires, concerts, and parades to celebrate the new nation. It was also common for the Declaration of Independence to be read aloud, followed by muskets and cannons firing. It’s safe to say that the earliest Americans celebrated the 4th of July loudly and proudly!

Over time, those activities evolved into the Independence Day traditions we know and love today. Whether you buy your own fireworks or watch a local fireworks display, lighting fireworks is a long-standing tradition for Americans on the 4th of July. Many people love to celebrate Independence Day with a bang! Many Americans host or attend barbecues and community organized 4^th of July parades. You will see floats, music and a whole lot of red, white and blue. Some parades are followed by festivals, carnivals, or fairs that provide yummy food, fun rides and other family-friendly activities.

Join us for this one-day event filled with inspirational speakers and networking that sparks lifelong friendships and collaborations. Let's ignite a revolution in leadership, setting off fireworks of innovation and illuminating the future of our industry. Whether you are attending to learn, connect, or proudly sponsor this event, join WON in making history as we inspire women's achievements and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Join us on September 19 in celebrating YOU as a leader in San Diego! Click HERE to view all event information.

WON Profile: Evelyn Torres

Solaris Technologies Services is an award-winning global telecommunication, U.S. manufacturing company that provides innovative high-capacity mobile tower solutions also known as Cellular-on-Wheels throughout the Americas. Evelyn also owns patents in tower design and cabling. She is married and has two children and four grandchildren. Evelyn enjoys traveling, sports, and cooking.

What's Happening?

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Independence Day!

On this 4th of July, we give thanks for the most precious gifts of Hope, Peace, and Freedom. We wish you a joyful and safe celebration of this remarkable day in our nation's history. Best wishes for a safe and happy Independence Day!

In observance of Independence Day, the NATE office will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5. The office will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8.

Upcoming Events

The NATE Annual Marketing Toolbox is a comprehensive resource designed to offer extensive opportunities for companies in the communications infrastructure industry. It encompasses various avenues for marketing and brand exposure including exhibiting at events, sponsorship opportunities, print and digital advertising, as well as options for publishing and speaking engagements.

The Toolbox is aimed at enhancing visibility and engagement within the industry, providing detailed information on the diverse range of meetings, exhibitions, and conferences available for participation. It's an essential guide for companies looking to strategically position themselves in the dynamic field of communications infrastructure. Included in the Toolbox are marketing opportunities for events such as NATE UNITE 2025, the Women of NATE (WON) Women's Leadership Summit 2024, NATE Emerging Technologies EXPO and the WIN Regional Conference 2024.

Now is the time to register for this fun-filled in-person event for women, complete with educational sessions, keynote conversations, and a Networking Reception rounding of the day. 

Highlight your company’s name by sponsoring the Women's Leadership Summit. Recognition is given to the companies and people that support Women of NATE (WON), and your company name and/or logo will be included in the various WON social media platforms, websites, and newsletters.

WON is seeking volunteer subject matter experts for moderated panel sessions or standalone presentations on initiatives which impact women and the evolving industry. If you have unique qualifications to present on this subject matter, and are interested in being selected as a speaker for specific topic, please submit your proposal by clicking on the link below.

Click on the link below to consider attending or sponsoring at the Women's Leadership Summit!

If you are interested in sponsoring or registering for the Great Plains Regional Conference, please visit the Great Plains Regional Conference Portal for more information. Sponsorship opportunities can be found on page 14 of the NATE Marketing Toolbox.

We understand that staying ahead in today’s fast-paced environment requires continuous learning and growth. That is why we are excited to extend a special invitation to those who may have missed our previous training courses. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge from the comfort of your own space, ensuring you don't miss out on valuable learning opportunities due to distance.

If you are located more than 100 miles outside of the following cities, we are thrilled to offer you a full day instructor-led remote training option.

• Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
• Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

For those within a 100-mile radius of each city, we kindly require in-person attendance. This is a wonderful chance to engage directly with our expert trainers, network with peers, and experience hands-on learning that is both impactful and inspiring.

Whether you join us remotely or in person, you will gain insights and tools that are crucial for both personal and professional development.

Mark your calendar and take the next step in your professional journey with #NATEsafety.

Investing in employee training is a smart move for any company or organization, especially when it comes to ensuring their safety on the job. Registering your employees for this complimentary, comprehensive PPE training provided by NATE and supported by a U.S. Department of Labor Susan Harwood Training grant (SH-000003-SH3) is a proactive step towards creating a safer workplace environment.

This initiative recognizes the evolving nature of workplace safety and the need to address a wide range of hazards beyond just hard hats. 

The training will provide in-depth education on the applicable Standards, Regulations, and Reference Documents encompassing PPE, JHA Development, Hierarchy of Controls (how to eliminate hazards prior to use of PPE), Fall Protection-specific PPE, Climbing Facilities, Safety Equipment Manufacturers Committee PPE Testing, and the ANSI/ASSP A10.48 - Standard for Telecommunications. In addition, the curriculum will include pertinent OSHA information regarding employer responsibilities, worker rights, and whistleblower laws and complaint procedures (including time constraints). 

On behalf of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, we are encouraging you, your employees, and industry customers/contacts to register for the complimentary in-person or instructor-led remote training PPE for Telecom Workers: Hazard ID, Selection, and Use Training Course.

By providing comprehensive training on hazard identification, proper selection, and use of PPE, telecom workers can better protect themselves from the diverse range of hazards they encounter on the job. Take advantage of this complimentary, industry specific training today by clicking the appropriate option below.

Webinar Registrations

This training is open to NATE members and non-member companies. Please share this information with anyone you think might be interested in attending.

If you have any questions regarding the PPE for Telecom Workers: Hazard ID, Selection, and Use Training, please contact NATE Projects Manager, Kimberly Elliott, at kimberly@natehome.com or 605-882-5865.

Each August, the NATE Summer Conference is a time for the NATE Board of Directors and Committees to conduct business and planning for the Association. The smaller summer conference group provides the opportunity to discuss industry issues while catching up with industry colleagues and friends. Click HERE to review the Meeting Agenda.

If you are on a NATE Standing or Ad Hoc Committee, and are unsure whether or not you should be attending Summer Conference, please reach out to NATE Events and Meetings Manager, Shari Wirkus, at shari@natehome.com or 605-882-5865.

Recent Event Highlights

(Above) The NATE Staff is grateful to Chairman Victor Drouin, Vice Chairman Randy Scott, and Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Dougherty for making time to visit the administrative office in Watertown, South Dakota in early June. Their leadership, guidance, and support underscores their commitment to NATE’s mission, goals, and successes.

(Above) The NATE Safety Equipment Manufacturers Committee (SEMC) conducted a Quick Rigging Connector Testing Event in June at the University of Dayton Research Institute in Dayton, Ohio. The testing was conducted by a great team of industry leaders and subject matter experts. Thank you to all the participating companies involved with this important testing event! 

As Strong as the Woman Next to Me: The Power of Mentorship in Women's Careers, and Lives

March is Women's History Month — a moment where we took a step back to see how far we've come, and where we still have to go, especially regarding progress in the workplace. A long-time essential protective factor for women at work has been mentorship, with innumerable benefits.

Forbes reports that 87% of mentees and even their mentors themselves feel empowered by the relationship, and more confident in the workplace. Yet there are discrepancies in how many women are actually gaining access to mentorship — one survey showed 63% of women have never had a mentor, even though 56% of organizations have a formal mentorship program.

Women leaders at TD Bank have seen first-hand the power of mentorship, benefitting from the knowledge and collaboration of a woman who has walked the path before them. Here's what three of them have to say about why you should invest your time and attention into a mentorship relationship.

Amber Lutz, Senior Manager, Strategic Planning & Initiatives

Amber has always been fascinated by empowered women throughout history and in the present to influence her own career decisions. It became even more important when she became a mother to a daughter.

"Having a daughter has lit a fire under me. Whenever I see women doing very capable things that are typically male-dominated, I point that out to my daughter [explaining] you can do anything you want in this world," she said. In her own career, mentorship is an essential element in reaching success, along with a village of supporters that include her parents, friends, colleagues, leaders at TD and more.

One of those leaders is Diane Callan, Head of U.S. Compliance – Fair & Responsible Banking, CRA Program and Compliance Regulatory Change Office, her mentor who she credits with helping her stay committed to her goals.

"Diane pushes me to keep going," Amber said. "She is a great listener and motivator. She reminds me of how hard I've worked and continues to remind me to be my authentic, real self. She advocates for me and pushes me to speak up and ask for the things I want and deserve in my career and life."

One of the most meaningful conversations regarding her career took place with her first mentor, a college professor. The message means as much to Amber today as when she first heard those impactful words.

Her mentor told Amber that "'you can really be someone and make it. It made me feel that I could have a successful career and be a leader." That was the first time anyone ever motivated or supported Amber outside of her parents.

Kajule Sutton, Senior Business Architect, Change Office Enablement

Some mentors last a lifetime, such as Kajule's, who she met 20 years ago, when she was a recruiter visiting Kajule's college. She's still in her corner, she says. "Not only has she helped me shape who I am today but she has provided tools for me to navigate through my career. She has become so important to me that usually when I am struggling with a decision or even how to approach a problem, she is the first person I turn to."

She gives back by always trying to have one or two mentees in each position she's had. She learns quite a bit herself from interacting with mentees, creating a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship.

She's on a mission to leave a legacy, through these mentorship relationships, and inspired by Women's History Month. "I try to challenge myself to leave my mark as well whether at a macro or micro level. I ask myself all the time, what do you want to leave as a legacy when I leave this world? My impact as an African-American woman is part of that vision," she says.

Tashanna Waymon, Senior Manager of Compliance Testing

Some mentorships fall in our laps, and others are the result of pursuing the relationship intentionally. Tashanna sought out her mentor after being inspired by her "executive presence" at a networking event. "I purposely attended the event to meet her, and establish a rapport," she says. "When I made the request for mentorship, I was specific about wanting to work on my leadership skills and presence, why I wanted to work with her, and I suggested a tentative schedule of how frequently we could meet." It worked, and has developed into a safe space for "real talk" she says, where she can overcome self-doubt and practice new skills.

"This relationship has helped me find my confidence (in what I know and don't know) and has helped me understand and appreciate the value I bring by being my authentic self," she adds, describing mentorship as a lot like holding up a mirror, to help you see the root challenges.

For her, Women's History Month is a time to reflect on not only how she mentors others, but also the sacrifices of women who have come before her.

Tips for a meaningful mentorship

If you are considering finding a mentor, or mentoring someone yourself, our three leaders have a few tips for you.

Consider your goals

If you need specific career advice within your area or path, choose someone else in that same path. Otherwise, you might benefit from someone outside your field, if you are looking for more mindset development, or to broaden your understanding and introspection.

Do your research

Learn about your potential mentor before approaching them, to ensure it's a fit, and to show your intentionality in choosing them. Don't give up if the first person says no, as they might just not have enough time. Head on to the next potential mentor.

Create space for open dialogue

For a mentor to be a fit, both people need to intentionally create a meaningful and genuine environment for open and honest dialogue. Establish a rapport with your mentor to ensure this happens, and remember, it's okay to shop around for a new mentor if it's simply not a fit.

This article was originally featured on stories.td.com/us/en/.

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