When Zelaya was promoted to SVP of sales and marketing in May, she became the first woman in ATX history to hold the dual role. She’s always been a champion of gender equity, recruiting and promoting women at ATX; over half of the company’s employees are currently women. By introducing sustainable energy technologies to the broadband ecosystem, Zelaya is also proving that sustainability can drive growth while preparing for the future.
What’s your “Roman Empire?” Mentorship. I think about it constantly—how to elevate others, how to create opportunity where it didn’t exist before and how to make sure success isn’t a solo climb but a shared journey. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have mentors who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself, and that changed everything. Now I feel a real responsibility—and joy—in paying that forward. Whether it’s coaching someone through a tough moment, helping them find their voice in a room that once felt intimidating or celebrating their first big win. It’s not just about helping someone grow—it’s about watching them realize they were capable all along.
What part of your job would surprise people the most? Much of my role revolves around people rather than products. As much as I love the technology—from broadband innovations to sustainable energy solutions—most of my time is spent building bridges across teams, partnerships with collaborative companies, and nurturing culture- both inside my organization and with key customer relationships. The human side of leadership is where the real transformation happens. Technology evolves fast, but culture determines how far (and how well) we can take it.
With all the buzz around AI and automation, what’s one “human” skill you think will only grow more valuable? Empathy. In an age where algorithms can optimize almost anything, empathy remains the differentiator. Technology can predict behavior—but only people can understand purpose. In leadership, empathy is the superpower that makes everything else work. It’s how you build trust, inspire creativity, and make sure progress doesn’t lose its humanity.
What kind of innovation will ultra-fast, ubiquitous broadband unlock in the next decade? The obvious answer to me is speed and connectivity, but I think the real magic will be in AI innovations and sustainability. Smarter, greener infrastructure—networks that can self-heal, reduce energy waste, and make communities more resilient. Broadband is becoming the backbone of not just communication, but a smarter, more sustainable digital ecosystem.
What’s your version of a “power move”? Authenticity is my power suit. Fifteen years ago, I thought leadership meant having all the answers and keeping a certain “executive” polish at all times. But I learned that people don’t connect with perfection—they connect with real. Authenticity disarms, connects, and it’s contagious. When you show up as yourself, you give everyone else permission to do the same. And when people feel safe being real, that’s when the best ideas surface and the real magic happens.
The industry is transforming quickly—how are you preparing your teams (or yourself) for what’s next? I focus on continuous learning and real-time coaching. I believe feedback shouldn’t wait for an annual review—it should be part of every interaction. By empowering teams to learn and adapt in real time, we stay ahead of change rather than reacting to it. Growth doesn’t come from one big moment; it’s built in everyday conversations. Staying curious, adaptable, and open keeps us ready for whatever’s next.
What current cultural moment reminds you why visibility for women leaders still matters? Every time a woman uses her platform to challenge the status quo—whether it’s in business, entertainment, politics, or tech—it reminds me why visibility matters. We’re living in a moment where progress is visible, but parity isn’t guaranteed. Seeing women lead boldly and unapologetically matters because it normalizes power in our hands. Representation fuels possibility. It tells the next generation “You belong here too.”