Congratulations on winning the Member Engagement Individual Award! Could you tell us more about your background, and your role within the FTTH Council Europe?
I'm truly delighted and deeply honored to receive this recognition. It's especially meaningful as it reflects dedication, creativity and the spirit of collaboration, as recognized by our esteemed international Board members.
I joined the FTTH Council Europe in 2019 as a volunteer in the Deployment & Operations Committee and the “Women in Fiber” Working Group. Over the years, as new committees were formed, I've also participated in the Sustainability and In-Home Broadband Excellence Committees. I strive to attend regular meetings as much as possible, in addition to my daily work at Adtran, because I find these engagements immensely valuable for both personal and professional growth. I actively contribute whenever I can, sharing my knowledge and staying informed about industry developments.
In the picture on the right, Barbara after receiving the Member Engagement Individual Award at the Spring General Assembly 2024 of the FTTH Council Europe.
What is your main motivation in contributing to the fibre industry and in the activities of the FTTH Council Europe?
The FTTH Council Europe provides an excellent platform to share experiences within our sector and to help shape the future of our industry from multiple perspectives. Being part of the Council keeps me constantly updated on industry developments in Europe, allowing me to compare them with our local scenarios and gain a global viewpoint. Additionally, collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds is incredibly enriching, opening my mind and inspiring continuous self-improvement.
I particularly value the human connections and the positive, enlightening environment that our regular work creates. Ultimately, what drives me to contribute is the personal and professional growth I experience through my involvement.
What are the key benefits you derive form your membership in the FTTH Council Europe?
As a Sales Engineer, I see several key benefits from my membership in the FTTH Council Europe:
- I can contribute to updates on FTTH technical aspects while also receiving the latest information from the Council and other industry experts.
- Membership allows me to network with professionals in the same sector, keeping me informed about ongoing developments in Europe's fibre industry.
- Stepping away from day-to-day tasks and gaining an outside view of my work provides a broader context and helps me continuously update the perspective on my activities.
In the picture on the left, Barbara while receiving the Member Engagement Individual Award at the Spring General Assembly 2024 of the FTTH Council Europe.
What advice would you give to other member representatives who aspire to be more active and engaged within the FTTH Council Europe and its Committees?
My advice is to simply give it a try. The FTTH Council Europe is a very open-minded and enjoyable environment, offering the opportunity to join multiple committees to find the best fit for your aspirations. Since participation is voluntary, there's no downside to getting involved – you can always step back if it doesn't suit you. However, I believe that once you begin to understand the FTTH Council Europe’s fascinating work and engage with the professionals involved, you'll become more motivated to stay involved rather than step back.