Woman of the Week ~ Julie Czapla

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name: Julie Czapla

My Current Job/Company: Manager, Telecommunications Project Management at American Electric Power (AEP)

My Work: I manage a team of Telecommunications Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and Project Schedulers. My team works on telecom transmission projects to build out AEP’s fiber-optic network and advance telecommunications. This program includes; infrastructure modernization, station builds, new telecom sites, installing telecom equipment, networking, transport gear, SCADA builds, and running new fiber along portions of 40,000 circuit miles of transmission lines, as well as many other telecom capabilities.

My Passion: My faith, my family, giving back, supporting my community and my intense work ethic.

My Family: Jon (my husband), Corey (son – 16) and Tyson (son – 9). Cats (Brady and Lincoln). Dog (Macy).

My Hero or Heroes: My grandma (Janet Hammond) and my grandfather (Ed Hammond). Everything I am today is because of them. They taught me to be kind, to help others, and to work hard. They taught me to appreciate what I have, to NEVER give up, and to always follow my dreams. Also, my mom (Shelley Ames). She is my biggest cheerleader, has always supported me through each and every journey in life, and is always there to give me a high five or a shoulder to cry on.

My Escape: A night at home with a decent Lifetime movie and a glass of wine.

Pet Peeve: Sneezing into your hand. Being late. Poor manners.

My Indulgence: Oreos & Milk. Ice Cream.

My Roots: Be humble, hungry, and the hardest working person in the room.

My Future: Long, healthy, and surrounded by those I love.

My Favorite Quote: “I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it. (Estee Lauder)”

My Accessory: A dress with pockets. Go-to black heels.

My Advice to Young Women:Never give up. Don’t let one bad experience set the tone for your future. You can be anything you want to be. Accept feedback and use it to learn and grow. “Everyone shines, given the right lighting. (Susan Cain)”

How I Balance it All: A checklist, an organized calendar, my day planner, and a positive support system.