Darlene LaBuda
Darlene LaBuda is a senior-level Project Management Professional in the telecommunications infrastructure sector, specializing in 5G, long-haul, and FTTP/FTTH fiber deployments. With deep industry experience—most notably leading the nationwide rollout of voice services on soft switches for Verizon—she consistently drives large-scale, mission-critical projects that underpin modern telecom networks. <BR><BR> As a true servant leader, Darlene emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and operational excellence. She has been recognized for outstanding team performance and regularly shares her insights on leadership, team empowerment, and kindness within her organization and beyond. Passionate about developing talent, she actively engages in industry conversations about fiber-optic training, encouraging others to grow and succeed alongside her. <BR><BR> Darlene’s success is rooted in technical mastery, people-first leadership, and an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Whether coordinating vendors, motivating field teams, or steering strategic initiatives, she brings both the vision and experience needed to deliver robust telecom infrastructure at scale.
• CSM
• Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Professional
• University of Maryland Global Campus- M.S.
• Governors State University- B.S.
• IAFP
• Women's Wireless Leadership Forum
• Society of Women Engineers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the invaluable mentorship of Peggy Keegan and Claudia Cuddy, whose guidance at Bell Atlantic and Verizon helped shape my professional development, along with my own hard work and determination to never give up.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the most significant opportunities I’ve experienced in my field was leading the deployment of nationwide voice services on soft switches for Verizon, which showcased the transformative potential of next-generation telecom infrastructure.