It’s common thing at any ham event in this region to see Joan W1DLC representing the Women Radio Operators of Maine. You’ll find her at hamfests, the Maine ARRL State Convention, and the Ellsworth Ham Radio Symposium. For several years now it has been her mission to promote ham radio to women. She has discovered that women, and men, are surprised and pleased to see that there is such a group. Many have remarked that they know a female ham who isn’t active that might benefit from knowing other female hams in the area. These conversations provide the fuel to continue representing women operators in such a visible way.
The presence of women, or YLs (Young Ladies), in ham radio activities is increasing. It’s growing more common to hear female voices on the air. For example, YL POTA Day, corresponding with International Women’s Day, has gained a large following. A Facebook group called “Ham Radio Women” currently has 4.6K members. In the contesting world, women are participating at all levels, such as Katie KE8LQR who often works SSB and CW for Tim Duffy (of DX Engineering) at K3LR, and Pia DL7PIA who was the 2024 Youth Champion in the CQ DX Marathon program. Women are taking educational roles, as demonstrated by those leading courses for the Long Island CW Club. One of the most active organizations supporting women is the international Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL), formed in 1939. The YLRL has a presence at many large ham radio events and hosts an international gathering every few years. They sponsor numerous scholarships, host contests, maintain a website with many helpful resources (ylrl.net), and publish an extensive bimonthly newsletter called the “YL Harmonics.”
While large scale resources such as the YLRL are valuable and useful, Joan’s efforts remind us that often it’s the local, face-to-face presence that makes the biggest impact. In addition to her dedication to the Women Radio Operators of Maine, Joan has been a mentor to several women in the EAWA. She guided a jittery Marion W1GRL through many contacts on the GOTA station a few years ago. She has worked with Barbara KC1SSY on running local nets and organizing EmComm activities. In 2024 Joan encouraged women to join her for a YL POTA Day activation. Every other month she gathers information from women in this area to write an entry for the YLRL newsletter, giving local active women an international platform. The YL Harmonics newsletter editor and the YLRL district representative for this area often comment on how special our active community of women operators are – a direct outcome of Joan’s efforts and support.
When asked about her radio journey, Joan’s story includes both operating solo for years, and later becoming involved with the larger radio community. She grew up immersed ham radio. Her father, the original W1DLC, was her inspiration and mentor. They often operated together, with November Sweeps being a favorite for many years. Her face beams as she recalls working the radio with her dad, and feeling his pride for his daughter, the only one in the family with an interest in it. She continued his legacy by working diligently to learn Morse code, how to source components and build radio equipment, and how to make satellite contacts. After his passing, she requested his call sign. She sought out the EAWA around 7 years ago to be around other hams. Currently she serves in many critical roles in the club and contributes in significant ways to all of the club’s major events. She also enjoys activating POTA locations, particularly with her son, and working Winter Field Day. She plans to return to working satellites soon.
While Joan’s efforts to promote women often go under the radar, they are impactful. The results of her personal involvement with women in the EAWA and the region show that her actions are valuable and productive. Thank you, Joan, for your willingness to do, and continue, this important work.
Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 