Build the Fempire

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the Women of NATE Today newsletter Volume 5, Issue 6. It has been edited for the MOXY platform with permission from the author. 

Being in a male-dominated industry makes for some fine lines to navigate. I got to thinking about how many times I have dealt with being told I was too confident or too emotional when my male counterparts could act the same way and say the same things with a similar tone and get a pat on the back or have it brushed away as “that is just how they are.” It is true: women are treated differently every step of the way in the workplace, especially in workplaces that are male-dominated, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to overcome the challenges we face.

To begin: Women must support women.

Ever since I started supporting and celebrating the success of other women without jealousy or judgment, but instead with pure pride and happiness, I have found myself to be a better person. For me, it helps bring strength and confidence to hit my own goals and achievements. I believe there is enough success in this world for everyone.

Furthermore, as women, we should never have to apologize for having “too much” confidence; standing our ground when we are passionate about something; or having the right circle of women around us to help us grow.

Being yourself is honestly the biggest life upgrade.

Women of National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) does help to fill this bucket for me professionally, and I am lucky enough to have a “Fempire” (as my friends and I call it) personally. We do nothing but support each other without judgment or jealousy. I encourage everyone to find a group of women like this in their life and be bold enough to stay true to themselves, having confidence in any situation.

If you are on Instagram, I encourage you to follow @womenontopp; it is incredibly inspiring!

We are in this together ladies. Let’s support each other! And always remember, when women support each other, incredible things happen!

About the author: Erin Smith is the Director of Marketing for Thayer Wireless Solutions and a member of the Women of NATE (WON) Committee, as well as part of the OSP Communication Task Team for NATE. She also has experience in small cell site acquisition.