Women in Telecom

About Women in Telecom

The NTCA Women in Telecom (WIT) program is dedicated to supporting and advancing women in rural broadband through professional growth, networking and leadership development. Women in the industry are driving innovation, shaping the future of connectivity and making an impact across the industry.

This program provides a space to connect, share experiences and navigate challenges together. By fostering mentorship, networking and recognition, WIT members aim to create a more dynamic and inclusive industry where diverse perspectives contribute to progress. 

Upcoming Events

Women in Telecom Fly-In 
July 22, 2026 | Washington, D.C.

LEARN MORE

Watch recorded webinars hosted by Women in Telecom. 

WATCH NOW*

*Member login required

Programs

Connect with women on the rise by participating in one of the WIT programs.  

The Meraki Dignity Project

Women in Telecom has been invited to participate in an innovative new technology platform — the Meraki platform. This opportunity allows you to help shape a technology designed specifically for women navigating transitions in health, work, finances, caregiving and purpose. Adding rural voices means helping shape how this technology is built and how it serves women like you. The pilot is limited to 100 members, first come, first served. 

LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP

Mentoring Program

Interested in growing your network, building meaningful connections, and supporting others? The Mentoring Program is open for applications from individuals wishing to participate as mentors or mentees. Designed to offer a supportive space for learning, connection and growth, the program welcomes both new and continuing mentoring relationships.

Those who already have an established mentor or mentee and wish to continue that partnership may indicate this within the application form.

Apply Now

WIT Fly-In

July 22, 2026
Washington, D.C.

Connect with industry peers and bring rural broadband priorities directly to Capitol Hill during the 10th annual Women in Telecom Fly-In.

This year’s program will feature fundraisers supporting two female members of Congress, discussions with policy and industry leaders, professional development programming and networking opportunities with women from across the industry. The event offers attendees a valuable opportunity to strengthen industry connections, engage in important policy conversations and elevate the voice of rural broadband in Washington.

Registration

Visit Member Central and select “2026 Women in Telecom Fly-In” under “Event Registrations.”

There is no registration fee to attend the fly-in; however, attendees are asked to make personal contributions to the members of Congress for whom fundraisers will be held. The requested contribution is $500-$1,000 per person per fundraiser (typically two fundraisers are scheduled). Campaigns establish fundraising goals for these events, and every contribution helps support those efforts. Additional information regarding campaign contributions will be shared with attendees closer to the event date. (PAC prior approval is required, and Michelle Ly, Director of Government Affairs, NTCA, will follow up with attendees as needed.)

Registration deadline: July 17

Register Now

Hotel Accommodations

Attendees are responsible for booking their own flights and hotel accommodations (a room block has not been secured for the event). Because all activities will take place in the Capitol Hill area, staying in Washington, D.C., is recommended for convenience. In previous years, many attendees have stayed at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, the host hotel for the annual Legislative and Policy Conference.

Agenda

While the full agenda is still being finalized, programming will take place July 22 from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. We look forward to seeing you in Washington this summer as women across the industry come together to strengthen connections, support advocacy efforts and help shape the future of rural broadband.

Book Club

Read the latest or recommended literary works of art that inspire, motivate or help you to discover your potential or reach your goals.

Browse the Book List*

*This link directs to Goodreads, an external site that may require an account.

History and Leadership

The journey of WIT began in 1990 with a small but determined group of women seeking connection in a male-dominated industry. At the time, women in telecommunications found themselves isolated with few opportunities to exchange ideas and navigate shared challenges. A group of 12 women gathered for the first-ever Women in Telecom luncheon at the NTCA Annual Meeting (now RTIME), creating a space for open dialogue and mutual support. What started as an annual gathering, expanded to twice a year at both RTIME and Fall Conference.

As the WIT grew, a dedicated listserv was introduced, allowing members to stay connected year-round. WIT has now evolved into a thriving community of more than 500 participants, offering webinars, fly-ins, a mentorship program and special events.

 

WIT Advisory Council

The council provides strategic oversight and guidance for the program’s initiatives.

Meet the advisory council:

Chair: Kristi Westbrock

CEO and General Manager
Consolidated Telephone Co. (Brainerd, Minn.)

Jackie Bove

Senior Vice President, Digital Infrastructure Banking Group
CoBank (Greenwood Village, Colo.)

Catherine Moyer

CEO
Pioneer Communications (Ulysses, Kan.)   

Jill Canfield

Senior Counsel
Womble Bond Dickinson (Washington, DC)

Jennifer Prather

CEO
Totelcom Communications LLC (De Leon, Texas)

Pam Ferguson

Corporate Vice President, Marketing
Calix (San Jose, Calif.)

Cheryl Rue

CEO
Tri-County Communications Cooperative (Strum, Wis.)

Michele Friedman

Chief Operating Officer
JSI (Greenbelt, Md.)

Lauren Sanders

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Big Bend Telecom (Alpine, Texas)

Laura Gullickson

Senior Director of Finance
Mosaic Technologies (Cameron, Wis.)

Kara Semmler

Executive Director
South Dakota Telecommunications Association (Pierre, S.D.)

Cassidy Hjelmstad

CEO/General Manager    
SRT Communications Inc. (Minot, N.D.)

Kim Shepherd

CEO
SkyLine Membership Corp. (West Jefferson, N.C.)

Jill Huffman

CEO/General Manager
MiBroadband and Spring Grove Communications (Harmony, Minn.)

Holly Utke

CEO/General Manager
Dakota Central Telecommunications (Carrington, N.D)

Karen Jackson-Furman

CEO
West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative (Mayfield, Ky.)

Jana Wallace

CEO
Panhandle Telecommunication Systems Inc. (Guymon, Okla.)

Jill Kuehny

CEO
Kanokla (Caldwell, Kan.)

Mary Schwartz Westerhold

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Madison Telephone Co. (Staunton, Ill.)

Jill Maison

Senior Vice President
National Cooperative Services Corporation, NCSC (Dulles, Va.)

Kandra Young

CEO/General Manager
Coleman Country Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Santa Anna, Texas)

Tonya Mayer

CEO/General Manager
Hemingford Cooperative Telephone Co. (Hemingford, Neb.) 

 

 

FAQS

  1. What is WIT?
    WIT is an initiative within NTCA designed to support and empower women in the rural broadband industry. It provides networking, mentorship and leadership development opportunities to help women advance in their careers and contribute to the growth and innovation of the sector.
     
  2. Who can join WIT?
    The program is open to women in all stages of their careers within the rural broadband industry. Whether you are early in your career or are a seasoned professional, you will find valuable resources and a supportive community.
     
  3. How can I get involved with the program?
    You can get involved by attending WIT virtual or in-person events, subscribing to the listserv or joining the NTCA WIT LinkedIn group.
     
  4. Is the program only for women?
    While the program is focused on supporting women in telecommunication, WIT wholeheartedly encourage the participation of anyone committed to fostering a more inclusive industry. Everyone has a role to play in driving change.
     
  5. Is there a playlist?
    Discover a curated selection of music designed to inspire focus, creativity, and connection. Ideal for work, reflection, or simply setting the right tone throughout the day. Launch Playlist

If you have an interest in participating in the program, contact NTCA at [email protected].

Thank You to the Women in Telecom Program Sponsors

Diamond Sponsor


  • CoBank


Platinum Sponsors


  • Calix
  • JSI
  • NCSC
  • NISC
  • NOKIA
  • Womble Bond Dickinson


Founding Sponsor


  • Moss Adams


Champion Sponsors


  • Consortia Consulting
  • Innovative Systems
  • Interstate Telecom Consulting Group, Inc. (ITCI)
  • Monte R. Lee & Company (MRL)
  • NRTC
  • Olsen Thielen & Co.
  • TCA