Insights from Susan King, Director of Sales
At a recent industry event, I met a young woman working in broadband construction and engineering who was looking for a mentor.
As she described her career path, I immediately thought of another woman I had met at a previous conference – someone who had come up through that same side of the industry and now serves in a vice president role. A few text messages later, they were connected.
It was a simple moment, but it stayed with me long after the event ended.
Because moments like that are often how careers grow.
They grow through introductions, conversations, shared experiences, and people who are willing to help someone else take the next step. Throughout my career in technology and communications, I’ve learned that no one builds a career alone. The people we meet, the relationships we develop, and the communities we become part of often shape our professional journeys in ways we don’t fully appreciate until years later.
For women in technology, those connections can be especially valuable.
While our industry has made tremendous progress, many of us have spent time in meetings, technical discussions, leadership conversations, and conference rooms where women were underrepresented. That’s changing, and it’s encouraging to see. More women are building careers across sales, operations, engineering, construction, product development, technology, and executive leadership. More women are helping shape the future of communications.
But progress doesn’t happen automatically. It requires continued investment in the relationships, networks, and communities that help people grow.
Connection Is How Careers Grow
In a male-dominated industry, having access to peers, mentors, and professional networks can make a meaningful difference.
Sometimes that support comes through a formal mentorship program. Other times, it happens during a conference luncheon, a networking mixer, a hallway conversation, or a simple introduction between two people who should know each other.
The young woman I met at that recent event is a perfect example. She was looking for guidance from someone who had navigated a similar path. I happened to know someone who could provide that perspective, and making that connection took only a few minutes.
What struck me was how powerful such a small act can be.
Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do for one another is simply say, “I know someone you should meet.”
Visibility Helps Women See What’s Possible
One of the most encouraging things I noticed at Fiber Connect this year was the number of women participating across so many different areas of the industry.
Women were represented in engineering, network construction, operations, leadership, sales, customer engagement, technology, and countless other disciplines. That visibility matters.
When younger professionals see women succeeding in technical, operational, and leadership roles, it helps them envision possibilities for their own careers. It also reminds those of us who have been in the industry longer that we have an opportunity – and a responsibility – to support the next generation.
The Women in Fiber luncheon at Fiber Connect was a great example of that momentum. The event featured Abby Rogers, EVP of Growth & Customer Engagement at the YMCA, and a fireside chat with Ramsey Alwin, President & CEO of the National Council on Aging. The conversations centered on leadership, growth, and expanding opportunities for women across the industry.
I also ran into a longtime industry colleague at the luncheon. We both commented on how much the event had grown. Just a few years ago, the gathering felt significantly smaller. This year, every seat was filled, and many of the attendees were younger women entering or advancing within the industry.
That felt like real progress.
Industry Organizations Create Meaningful Opportunities
Organizations like Women in Fiber, Strong Women Alliance, Women in Tech, and WICT play an important role in creating spaces where women can connect, learn, and grow.
While each organization has a unique mission, they all share a common purpose: helping women build relationships, develop professionally, learn from one another, and grow as leaders.
IDI’s relationship with Strong Women Alliance began after we were invited by founder Ellen Schned to attend one of their mixers during Broadband Nation in 2025. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to support additional events at Metro Connect and Fiber Connect.
What stood out to me wasn’t simply the attendance or the fundraising efforts. It was the quality of the conversations.
The events brought together professionals from across the broadband and communications ecosystem, including service providers, technology partners, industry leaders, and individuals at various stages of their careers. The atmosphere was welcoming, supportive, and authentic.
To me, that’s what makes these events successful.
Not just the number of people who attend, but whether someone leaves with a new relationship, a fresh perspective, a future mentor, or a little more confidence than they had when they arrived.
Creating Space For People To Grow
At IDI, these values aren’t limited to industry events. They’re reflected in how we approach community, professional development, and employee engagement.
Through initiatives like IDI Women in Tech and our involvement with local organizations and RIT affinity groups to our work with United Way, we’ve tried to create opportunities for people to connect, learn, and support one another.
While every program looks different, the goal is the same – creating an environment where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to contribute.
That’s important in any workplace. It’s especially important in technology, where innovation depends on collaboration, diverse perspectives, and people who feel empowered to share their ideas.
Building A Stronger Industry Together
The progress I’ve seen across the industry is encouraging.
More women are entering the field. More women are stepping into leadership positions. More women are contributing to the technical, operational, and strategic work that drives our industry forward.
But there’s still more work to do.
We need to keep creating spaces where women can connect and be heard. We need to support mentorship, leadership development, education, and professional networking. Most importantly, we need to ensure the next generation sees clear opportunities for themselves in this industry.
Progress doesn’t happen because industries simply decide it’s time.
It happens because people make introductions. They share experiences. They mentor someone newer to the field. They create opportunities for others to grow.
The communications industry has made meaningful strides, and it’s exciting to see that momentum continue.
Because when more voices are welcomed into the conversation, the entire industry becomes stronger.
Want to learn more about IDI’s culture, solutions, and commitment to building better experiences? Reach out by calling 800.208.6151 or contact us here.