Kristina Hawthorne, Recognized by Influential Women, Leads as a Voice & Collaboration Strategist in Telecom
Kristina Hawthorne is a Voice and Collaboration Modernization Strategist with over 27 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Her career began with a legal-focused Associate Degree and early work as a paralegal, but a pivotal moment came when she was unexpectedly let go from a receptionist position due to workplace bias. Rather than allowing this challenge to define her trajectory, Kristina quickly pivoted: within a month, she connected with a woman-owned telecommunications company and mastered their telephone system training. This opportunity launched her long-standing career in voice and collaboration solutions, ultimately leading her to senior roles managing multi-platform deployments for companies such as Blue Wire Communications.
Kristina’s expertise spans the full client lifecycle, from pre-sales and quoting to implementation, training, and post-sale support. She has successfully led transitions from legacy hardware systems to cloud-based solutions, including Avaya Cloud Office, RingCentral, and Zoom, ensuring seamless virtual communication for clients—a critical achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for her meticulous project management and technical adaptability, she has executed multi-site UCaaS migrations, streamlined user adoption, and contributed significantly to company growth and client satisfaction. Her dual certifications in RingCentral and Zoom, combined with decades of hands-on experience, underscore her position as a trusted and highly capable leader in her field.
Kristina attributes her success to persistence and a commitment to continual learning. She strives to excel in every role, taking initiative to stay current with new technologies, pursue certifications even when not required, and gather insights from each experience. She emphasizes learning from both successes and setbacks: lessons from what works inform future opportunities, while lessons from what doesn’t prevent repeated mistakes. She lives by the mantra, “Get up, dress up, and show up—no matter what.” Kristina believes emotions should not dictate performance, highlighting that while women may experience strong feelings, the ability to focus and perform despite them is crucial to professional success.
The best career advice Kristina has received is to “Get up. Dress up. Show up…EVERY SINGLE TIME!” She stresses that because opportunities are never guaranteed, preparation and consistent effort are essential to seizing them when they arise.
For young women entering the telecommunications industry, Kristina encourages strength, confidence, and proactive growth. She advises seeking opportunities to learn and master necessary skills through training, certifications, or hands-on experience. She emphasizes that challenges should be approached as chances to demonstrate capability, advocate for oneself, and build meaningful professional relationships—qualities essential for long-term success and advancement in a competitive, evolving field.
Kristina acknowledges that one of the industry’s biggest challenges is the persistence of a “good old boys’ club” culture, which has historically limited women’s representation and career growth, specifically in technology. She sees this challenge as an opportunity: by fostering inclusion, mentorship, and allyship, women can help create a more equitable and collaborative environment, paving the way for diverse perspectives, innovation, and long-term success for future leaders.
Integrity, honesty, and dependability are the values Kristina holds most important in both her professional and personal life. She emphasizes that these principles are foundational to success and influence the way she selects whom to trust with critical decisions. While not everyone deserves a seat at the table, maintaining professionalism, staying focused on priorities, and surrounding oneself with trustworthy collaborators are key to achieving meaningful results.
Outside of work, Kristina is deeply committed to her family and personal passions. She enjoys traveling for family vacations, spending time with her children, and grandchildren. Living on 13 acres of hobby farmland, she and her husband produce fresh produce for their family each year. She is also an active Tier One member of A Girl and a Gun, an organization promoting confidence and training for women firearm owners.
Describing herself as a workaholic with a passion for learning, Kristina Hawthorne has continually advanced her skills through manufacturer certifications and hands-on experience, embodying both dedication and resilience throughout her remarkable career. Her journey reflects not only technical expertise and leadership but also a commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and empowering the next generation of women in telecommunications.
Learn More about Kristina Hawthorne:
Through her Influential Women profile, https://influentialwomen.com/connect/kristina-hawthorne
Influential Women
Influential Women provides a platform where women from all backgrounds can connect, share their perspectives, and create content that empowers themselves and others. Through storytelling, thought leadership, and creative expression, Influential Women amplifies voices that inspire change.
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