The Tech4Girls event at MWC Las Vegas 2024 was an inspiring gathering that brought together young women eager to learn about careers in technology. Held on October 9th and 10th at the Las Vegas Convention Center, this event, supported by T-Mobile, Verizon, and the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF), provided a unique blend of hands-on workshops, career coaching, and inspiring speeches. With the support of additional partners like the University of Nevada and the City of Las Vegas, Tech4Girls showcased the power of mentorship and the wealth of opportunity available in the wireless industry.
A Mission of Inclusion and Opportunity
Launched in 2018, Tech4Girls is part of the EQUALS Her Digital Skill Coalition and has inspired thousands of young women worldwide, especially from underserved communities, to explore careers in tech. At MWC Las Vegas, the program highlighted how women can play pivotal roles in telecommunications, providing participants with insights, inspiration, and practical skills for the future.
Day One: Exploring the Wireless Telecom Industry
Day One of Tech4Girls opened with a warm welcome from Carlos Bosch and Barbara Pareglio of GSMA, who thanked sponsors and partners for supporting this empowering experience. The morning kicked off with keynotes by influential leaders, including Cathy Mullaney of Verizon and Erin Raney of T-Mobile, who spoke about their journeys into the industry and the value they have experienced working in telecommunications.
Participants then heard from Shilpa Bhanot from T-Mobile, gaining foundational knowledge about wireless industry technologies. In a lively panel discussion moderated by Samantha Kight, Head of Industry Security at GSMA, Shilpa Bhanot and Beth Yglesias of WWLF shared insights on the dynamic opportunities available in telecom. Beth emphasized, “The reason this is a great industry is that there is always change…there is a lot of opportunity in a lot of areas.” Lara Dewar, GSMA’s Chief Marketing Officer, followed with an impactful keynote. She shared personal stories of times she took risks that led her to new experiences, encouraging attendees to approach their careers with courage and curiosity. She emphasized the importance of empathy in her work, noting, “Caring deeply is incredibly important.”
Inspirational Speech and Showroom Floor Tour
The participants got to engage in the inspirational closing talk by Asisat Oshoala, a renowned soccer player and advocate for women in tech. Her words, “Winning is difficult; winning is going to take time—but we will get there one step at a time,” left a lasting impression on the audience, motivating them to persevere in their pursuits. Students were able to ask Oshoala about her own lived experience, highlighting the value of young women leadership.
Following Asisat’s speech, participants were guided through an exclusive tour of the MWC showroom floor. Here, attendees explored the latest innovations and visited booths hosted by leading companies like GSMA, T-Mobile, Booz Allen, and Boldyn. Each stop included discussions with industry professionals, giving the young women a firsthand look at the technologies and roles shaping the future of telecommunications.
The day concluded with a closing talk from John Hoffman, CEO and Director of GSMA Ltd., whose inspiring words reinforced GSMA’s commitment to empowering young women in the industry.
Day Two: Career Advice and Professional Development
On October 10th, Day Two of Tech4Girls was moderated by Yolanda Sanz, GSMA’s Internet Group Director, a leader with over 12 years in the telecom industry and expertise in areas like eSIM and AI. Her experience provided an invaluable perspective as she guided participants through sessions focused on building a strong professional foundation.
The day began with Alison Price from T-Mobile, who led a workshop on creating a personal brand and building a digital persona. Participants not only received practical advice on how to make the most of LinkedIn for networking and job searches, but they were also given the opportunity to take professional LinkedIn headshots during the event. This provided participants with polished profile photos, setting them up for a confident start in their professional networking.
Jill Accettullo from Verizon followed with a session on job search strategies, sharing insights on navigating the job market. The day’s activities also included a moderated Q&A panel featuring Shilpa Bhanot from T-Mobile and Lynn Whitcher of WWLF, who discussed best practices for launching and growing a career in tech.
Hands-On Coaching and Mentorship
The event concluded with roundtable coaching sessions, where industry leaders like Christina Claure from T-Mobile and Beth Yglesias from WWLF offered personal advice on interview techniques and career planning. These one-on-one mentorship moments allowed attendees to ask questions and receive tailored guidance, making the day both empowering and practical.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Tech4Girls at MWC Las Vegas was made possible by the generous support of T-Mobile, Verizon, and WWLF, whose dedication to empowering women in tech helped create a memorable, impactful experience for all participants. This event not only emphasized the value of mentorship but also highlighted how the industry can benefit from a more inclusive workforce.
Looking Forward
Tech4Girls at MWC Las Vegas 2024 was a celebration of learning, community, and future potential. The participants left equipped with new skills, a supportive network, and the confidence to pursue their dreams in technology. As the program grows, we look forward to inspiring even more young women to make their mark in the tech industry.