As part of Women’s History Month, the Fiber Broadband Association announced the formation of its Women in Fiber Steering Committee. Five women have been named to the committee: Alexa Edens, director of sales at KGPCo; Mary Ellen Grom, executive director of marketing at AFL; Kim Hartwell, senior vice president and chief commercial officer at Corning; Tanya Kanczuzewski, senior manager of marketing and communications at Dura-Line; and Holly Ruser, manager of specialty business at Graybar. The committee will direct the work of the association’s Women in Fiber group, and the promotion of women in the industry.
“The Women in Fiber group grew from a desire to promote women in the industry, and to keep continued conversations about their leadership and advancement as a priority in the workplace,” the Fiber Broadband Association said when announcing the steering committee. “It also helps carry out the mission of the association to bring futureproof, high-speed all-fiber networks to more Americans.”
“Every year, the Fiber Broadband Association hosts a Women in Fiber luncheon at our annual Fiber Connect event,” said Lisa R. Youngers, the association’s president and chief executive officer. “As more women joined us for conversations about the industry, how the technology workforce is changing and the unique challenges women face, it became apparent to us the association needed to have a place for these discussions year-round. We believe the advancement of women within the industry is a key part of advancing the field as a whole. The association and the Women in Fiber group hope to continue facilitating professional development and education, driving change and bringing innovative ideas to the table.”
The Women in Fiber group plans to host several webinars throughout the year, engaging members at association events and collaborating with other women’s groups in similar industry sectors, the Fiber Broadband Association added. The purpose of these efforts is to share insights into professional development and discuss opportunities for women to achieve their full potential in the field.
“The Women in Fiber group and its steering committee offer a unique opportunity for women to not only come together to connect, but to grow from one another,” said Katie Espeseth, vice president of new products at EPB and the current board chair for the Fiber Broadband Association. “We are proud that the Fiber Broadband Association is taking a proactive step to make the industry more inclusive and to promote the amazing work women do.”
Association member interested in getting involved with the Women in Fiber Group can email Sarah Langan ([email protected]) and/or join the LinkedIn group.