We've said from the beginning that there is strength in numbers, and we're thrilled to report our numbers keep on growing for Women in Comms. Today, we've announced the addition of seven key new members: Cisco, Hitachi Consulting, Infinera, Netcracker, Redknee, NetNumber and the Open Networking Foundation (ONF).

These seven companies are joining our not-for-profit organization in its mission to provide information, networking, mentorship, access to jobs and support for women in the next-gen communications industry, with the ultimate goals of empowering women, championing change and redressing the industry's gender imbalance.

Most excitedly, they are also joining us in Austin, Texas, for our biggest event of the year on May 23 -- a first-of-its-kind conference with an incredible speaker line up investigating the challenges and opportunities for women in the next-gen comms industry and providing direct access to jobs and new skills via a job fair that is just for women. (See Women in Comms Adds 7 Members, Heads to Austin for more details.)

Interested in joining Women in Comms on our mission to champion change, empower women and redress the gender imbalance in the comms industry? Visit WiC online and get in touch to learn more about how you can become a member!

This event will be unique in that we are opening up the luncheon to men and women to come together to really drill deep into the issues affecting the comms industry today and explore how to bring about positive change for everyone (including the CFO!). It will be a great opportunity to network, provide unprecedented access to senior-level executives in our industry, and leave you with lots to think about -- and, importantly, to act on.

It's also followed by our first job fair that is just for women. It's one of the ways that we hope to level the playing field for women in the industry, students and recent graduates looking to get a foot in the door with top comms companies. You can find more information on both at www.lightreading.com/WICatBCE.

As always, we want to make this event as tailored to your interests as possible, so please don't hesitate to reach out with suggestions for panel topics, questions for our esteemed speakers and more. You can leave them in the comments section below.

We are looking forward to a great second half of the year, and couldn't be happier to have Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO), Hitachi Consulting, Infinera Corp. (Nasdaq: INFN), Netcracker Technology Corp. , Redknee Inc. (Toronto TSX: RKN), NetNumber Inc. and Open Networking Foundation on board with us!

— Sarah Thomas, , Director, Women in Comms