Telecommunications has always been an industry defined by infrastructure. Massive networks, subsea cables, data centers, and the executives who built them. For decades, experience was the currency of influence and leadership tables were shaped by tenure and tradition. But as AI, high-density workloads, and global interconnection redefine the digital landscape, the question is no longer just about capacity and speed – it’s about who is shaping what comes next.

Within that evolving landscape, Emily Newman, Marketing Director at NJFX, has emerged as one of the defining voices of the next generation. Her journey is not just a personal success story. It reflects a broader shift where young leaders are no longer waiting for permission to contribute, but actively shaping the industry’s future.

Identifying the Gap

At major global conferences, the age disparity is evident. While the rooms are filled with decision-makers and influential executives, younger professionals are often underrepresented. The pipeline of emerging talent is thin not because interest was lacking, but because access is limited.

NJFX recognized this early. Under the leadership of Felix Seda, an initiative was introduced at the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) to intentionally create space for younger professionals within the conference ecosystem. What began as a small, focused gathering just 8 to 13 participants quickly revealed its impact.

Emily was among those who stepped into that room. She didn’t enter as an executive. She entered as a professional eager to grow, to understand the broader industry beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, and to build meaningful relationships with peers navigating similar challenges. That decision would redefine her trajectory.

From Participant to Contributor

As the initiative evolved into what is now widely recognized as PTC Beyond, participation grew from a handful of attendees to more than 150 registered professionals by 2026. The program became permanently integrated into PTC’s agenda. Complete with curated educational sessions, targeted networking opportunities, and programming designed specifically for emerging leaders.

Emily did not remain a participant for long. She became actively involved in shaping the very initiative that had shaped her. Her engagement expanded into service on the Advisory Council, where she contributed to internal committees focused on:

Advancing PTC Beyond programming
Elevating Women in Tech initiatives
Strengthening membership engagement
Supporting strategic agenda development

Her work was not symbolic. It was operational. She helped craft agendas, support programming structure, and advocate for continued inclusion of younger voices within high-level industry discussions.

Her contributions were visible and impactful.

Emily’s consistent involvement, thoughtful perspective, and demonstrated commitment to inclusion positioned her as a natural choice to support. She was elected Vice Chair of the Advisory Council an achievement that signaled both trust and recognition from industry peers.

In this role, Emily supports the Board of Governors and contributes to advancing PTC’s broader mission across global telecommunications. Her focus remains clear: ensure the next generation is not only present, but prepared. Her ascent to Vice Chair represents more than a title. It reflects a generational shift. Proof that young professionals can influence governance, programming, and strategic direction within one of the industry’s most respected organizations.

Recognition at PTC ’26

At PTC ’26, Emily’s contributions were formally recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Next Gen Award. This award is not widely distributed. In fact, it had only been presented once before also to Felix Seda, the leader who originally championed the initiative to empower younger professionals. The moment carried weight. It symbolized continuity. It demonstrated that leadership development, when intentional, produces measurable results. It highlighted Emily as a rising force within digital infrastructure. Someone who embodies not only professional excellence but community advancement.

While Emily’s accolades are personal milestones, their impact extends far beyond individual recognition. As Marketing Director at NJFX, she has been instrumental in positioning the company as more than a carrier-neutral cable landing station. Through strategic storytelling, event leadership, and thought leadership engagement, she has helped elevate NJFX’s reputation as a forward-thinking connectivity hub—one that values both infrastructure and inclusion.

Her presence on panels, advisory boards, and industry committees reinforces NJFX’s commitment to:

Supporting young professionals
Advancing diversity and inclusion
Bridging generational gaps within telecom
Building sustainable leadership pipelines

In just three years, Emily has grown from a participant seeking guidance to an industry-recognized leader shaping conversation and strategy at the highest levels.

The Future Is Built by Those Who Show Up

Telecommunications is entering a new era defined by AI workloads, global subsea expansion, hyperscale connectivity, and digital transformation at unprecedented speed. Infrastructure must scale. Networks must evolve. But none of it happens without people.

Emily Newman’s journey underscores a simple but powerful truth: when opportunity meets initiative, industries transform. From an 8-person gathering to a permanent transformative program. From participant to Vice Chair. From attendee to award recipient. Her story reflects the kind of leadership digital infrastructure needs now.

As NJFX continues to expand its global connectivity footprint it does so with confidence that the next generation is not only ready but already leading.