Celebrated each year on March 8, International Women’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it is a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that lies ahead.
This year’s theme is “Give to Gain” and at the Women of STAC (WoS) Committee, we strive to exemplify this motto in everything we do. Our vision is to empower women in the telecommunications sector through mentorship, financial support, and advocacy. Since our founding in 2018, we have seen firsthand that when we give our industry colleagues opportunities for growth, the entire telecommunications industry gains a more inclusive and resilient future.
Through the committee’s dedication to giving back, we gain a stronger industry. Every meeting, successful female leaders give back to the tower climbing community by sharing their knowledge and reflecting on their professional experience. In return, they gain the benefit of stronger female colleagues across the industry. They also gain the knowledge that they have helped other women navigate and excel in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Here’s a look at some of the ways the WoS Committee is making a difference:
Professional Development and Financial Support
Providing the right tools is an essential component to elevating women in the STAC community and helping them grow their careers. Oftentimes, this can mean financial help, or timely career advice.
Made possible through the fund’s sustaining sponsor—the Canadian Telecommunications Association—and contributions from other industry donors each year, the Women of STAC Bursary Fund features two signature financial programs:
- The Education Bursary: Supporting women pursuing higher education to enhance their technical and leadership skills.
- The STAC Conference Bursary: Ensuring women can attend the annual conference and connect with their peers by removing financial barriers to entry.
Beyond financial aid, our industry-led annual WoS Mentorship Program pairs women with veterans to help them navigate career growth opportunities in our industry. It offers a “safe space where we can connect, network, and build relationships with ease, fun, and genuine complicity.” This exchange is a core part of our “Give to Gain” philosophy: by sharing their experience, our mentors help build a more confident and skilled workforce to work with in their daily activities.
Community in Action: STAC 2026
WoS also maintains a constant presence at STAC events, including a booth each year at the annual STAC conference, where attendees can connect with us directly. This April, we have a full schedule of events planned for STAC 2026 in Ottawa:
- Networking Luncheon (sponsored by iLOQ): Join us at 11:00 am ET on April 20th for a light luncheon that lets WoS Committee members listen, learn and network with other women from across the industry.
- Welcome Reception: All STAC attendees are invited to our annual Women of STAC Welcome Reception, taking place this year on the opening night of the conference at 6:00 pm ET.
The Women of STAC Luncheon at STAC 2025 in Halifax, featuring Guest Speaker Dana Wells-Durocher.
WoS Committee Members Laura Marcinwe, Valerie Girard, and Veronica Howat at the WoS booth at STAC 2025.
Whether you’re stopping by our booth during the trade show or joining us for the reception, these are the best opportunities to meet the WoS members and learn more about our committee. Our advocacy also continues on the conference stage, where we help host one or more conference panel each year. Following up on previous impactful sessions on leadership and the PPE “safety gap,” there will be two WoS-hosted sessions this year: one that will dive back into the topic of inclusive PPE, and another focused on the WoS committee itself.
Opening Doors Through the WCT Partnership
In our efforts to continue to improve the way we serve our community, the WoS Committee leadership is constantly finding new ways to bring more to the table. Through a partnership between Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) and the Canadian Telecommunications Association, under which STAC is administered, we have opened up a broader range of professional resources for our community. This collaboration brings specialized workshops, additional mentorship opportunities, and keynotes directly to our members. It enriches a network that is already incredibly diverse, representing professionals in engineering, health and safety, project management, and finance who work for carriers, tower operators, engineering firms, and construction companies.
WCT CEO Sarah Hashem presenting at the 2025 Women of STAC Summer Meeting.
This collaboration brings specialized workshops, additional mentorship opportunities, and keynotes directly to our members. It enriches a network that is already incredibly diverse, representing professionals in engineering, health and safety, project management, and finance who work for carriers, tower operators, engineering firms, and construction companies.
The Human Impact
The true value of WoS is best expressed by the women in our community. Members describe being part of the committee as an “energizing, transformative experience.” By providing a platform for unbiased support, the committee encourages women to step outside their comfort zones and “stand up with more confidence.”
This confidence is a direct result of the “Give to Gain” mindset—as we give our support to one another, the entire industry gains more capable and empowered leaders.
WoS Committee members at the 2025 Women of STAC Summer Meeting.
Join Our Community
The Women of STAC committee is always looking for new members, including both women and allies. If you’re interested in becoming a member, email [email protected] and [email protected], or come visit us at the STAC 2026 Conference & Exhibition in Ottawa on April 21 and 22, 2026.
When we choose to give our time, knowledge, and support, we don’t just uplift one another—we build a stronger future for our entire industry. This International Women’s Day and beyond, may we all embrace the “Give to Gain” spirit.