Even before the invention of the first semiconductor, women have been making significant contributions to technology. As of July 2024, 27.6% of the tech workforce identified as female. During the last 5 years, the percentage of women represented in tech increased by less than 3%. A bright spot is the semiconductor industry, where women comprise nearly 29% of the workforce. However, there’s still a long way to go until we see greater gender equity.
Although women aren’t always highly visible in their roles, their achievements are significant. The slide show featured at the Women in Semiconductors (WiS) reception during SEMI’s Industry Strategy Symposium (ISS) 2025 earlier this month highlighted only a small number of the many women who have made a positive and lasting impact on technology. From Ada Lovelace, founder of scientific computing, to Lisa Su, AMD CEO who was named Time’s CEO of 2024, women have long been technology trailblazers and role models to inspire future female leaders.
At this year’s WiS reception, attendees joined in a celebration of industry pioneers, both past and present. “When women come together, amazing things happen,” said Shari Liss, SEMI Vice President of Global Workforce Development & Initiatives. “The event was all about connection, mentorship, allyship, and lifting each other up. In a world that can feel heavy, it was a reminder of the strength we have when we support one another and work together to shape the future of our industry,” said Liss. WiS continues to be an important part of SEMI Foundation workforce development programming.
In her welcoming remarks, Debbie Gustafson, CEO of Energetiq Technology, Inc., a Hamamatsu Company and a member of the SEMI Foundation Board of Trustees, asked how many people in the audience feel that they can make a difference, and only half raised their hands. She shared a story of how she has made a difference by making her company realize the important role women play in bringing innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. “Everyone can help improve the number of women in your companies by creating an effective place for women to have a personal life and also have a career!”
This is the second year Energetiq has sponsored the WiS reception at ISS. “It’s a way to show my support for SEMI events and encourage men to attend as allies to women,” said Gustafson, as images of industry luminaries were projected on the screen behind her. She recalled her first ISS and how few women were in attendance. The gender gap has declined over the years, but the number of women, including speakers, at ISS and other SEMI programs remain low. “I hope that every one of the women and allies will volunteer and raise their voices,” urged Gustafson.
Gustafson asked for additional comments from the audience, and SEMI President and CEO Ajit Manocha immediately volunteered to add his voice in support. “Our industry must do a better job of recruiting and retaining women – and most importantly – providing leadership opportunities,” said Manocha. “The benefits of diversity and female leadership to business operations and the bottom line are well documented. Women are crucial to narrowing the talent gap, and ultimately, to our industry’s future.”
Celebrating Women in Semiconductors at ISS 2025
Creating true inclusion and equity in the workplace is critical to everyone’s success. Since its inception almost a decade ago, Women in Semiconductors has highlighted women’s contributions and leadership in the semiconductor industry and recognizing the need to bridge the workplace gender gap.
Our upcoming May 2025 program, which will be held in conjunction with ASMC, will highlight authentic stories to inspire and provide actionable insights. The agenda will include skills development which incorporates decision-making, strategic thinking, negotiation, as well as networking opportunities to connect aspiring leaders with experienced mentors who can provide guidance.
In 2025, we’re excited to expand the WiS initiative to programs in Arizona, Michigan and Ohio with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and David and Lucile Packard Foundation. An important piece of this work is SEMI Foundation’s Chips & Childcare program. Through Chips & Childcare, SEMI Foundation partners with Policy Equity Group and other organizations across the country to support companies in designing stronger childcare plans and systems. Affordable, accessible, and quality childcare is a critical element of successful workforce development and paramount to not just helping families thrive, but ensuring that communities, cities, and the country can meet economic goals. Part of this program is providing industry awareness and outreach to women and parents who rely on childcare to work, and expanding Women in Semiconductors to new regions will support Chips & Childcare goals. Learn more about the Chips & Childcare program in SEMI’s blog: Affordable, Accessible, and Quality Childcare: A Critical Workforce Development Strategy for the Semiconductor Industry.”
Companies that embrace inclusion, leveraging the strengths of all workers – including women – create dynamic and innovative work environments. We encourage everyone in the industry to focus on steps they can make, collectively or individually and regardless of position, to drive meaningful progress to advance women and a thriving semiconductor industry.
The next WiS event will transition beyond discussions to providing practical strategies that can help women secure internal job opportunities and build skills needed for career advancement, and how can we empower changes that lead to meaningful improvements that drive lasting impact for everyone.
Learn more about empowering change at Women in Semiconductors on May 8, 2025. For details, visit https://www.semi.org/en/connect/events/women-in-semiconductors-wis
Margaret Kindling is Senior Program Manager at the SEMI Foundation. She promotes inclusive workplaces via initiatives like WiS, Semiconductor PRIDE and workforce development programming at SEMICON West and SEMIEXPO Heartland.
