Making History Together

Last week, I had the honor of hosting the Federal Communications Bar Association’s virtual Celebration—their first ever event headlined by a Chairwoman. For me, this was a big deal. Not only because it was an opportunity to have a laugh with colleagues, but as the first permanent female Chair of the FCC, having this event during Women’s History Month was an opportunity to highlight and mark the importance of women’s participation and representation across all of our work. It was also a rare opportunity to hear from past FCC female Commissioners on what this historic moment meant for them. Many shared stories to show how long the road to equality for women has been. Other Commissioners offered words of advice and encouragement. I was particularly inspired by the words of my friend Mignon Clyburn, who served as Acting FCC Chairwoman in 2017. “At the FCC, there were many firsts put before my name,” she said. “Sometimes I was filled with pride. Many times I was a little intimidated. But at all times I knew that the call that I answered was a call to the American public and whatever first could never be the last.” They say you have to see it, to be it. And in too many rooms I’ve been in, there are too few women. We need more women in more places in the telecommunications and technology sector. After all, the connections we create and the networks we build are stronger if they are more diverse and reach more of us. It’s something to keep in mind during Women’s History Month—and always.