Traditionally, FierceWireless has compiled annual lists of influential women in wireless – women who deserve to be singled out due to their influence in the industry.
This year we’re taking a slightly different tact. This year we’re recognizing a handful of women who, we believe, deserve accolades for their achievements related to wireless networking and engineering.
Despite efforts over the years to encourage and support more women in all facets of the wireless industry, women are still under-represented, especially in areas like engineering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up 47 percent of the total U.S. workforce, but they’re much less represented in science and engineering occupations. Getting more women interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers remains a fundamental goal.
And that’s what we’re highlighting with this new feature. We’ve selected five women in the networking and engineering segment of the industry who are confident, articulate and not afraid to stand out from the crowd. They’ve all accomplished a great deal in their careers thus far, and they’re poised to continue doing so. They realize the impact technology has on society and they all want to be part of the change.
As the industry hurtles toward a 5G future, it’s worth stepping back for a moment and recognizing the achievements of these women who have blazed trails. Many of them were the only women in the room when they started their careers, and it’s no accident that they’re often heavily involved in STEM work to encourage other women to consider careers in engineering and the sciences.
Each day for the next five days, we’ll publish our profiles of the women on our list. And we would like to see the list grow. Let us know if you have any suggestions. – Monica