Workforce development and diversity, equity and inclusion were front and center at SEMICON West 2021 in San Francisco in December as Jennifer Braggin, director of technical training at Entegris, was honored with the inaugural SEMI Foundation Excellence in Achievement Award on the keynote stage for her contributions to advancing workforce development and diversity, equity and inclusion in the microelectronics industry. The award was presented as part of a session titled Elevating Workforce Development and DEI Initiatives.
“It was an honor to accept the award on behalf of Jennifer,” said Bertrand Loy, CEO of Entegris and chairman of the SEMI Foundation board of trustees. “She has a passion for learning, training, and creating valuable connections across Entegris and the broader industry. We are very proud to have her as part of the Entegris team.”
Entegris CEO Bertrand Loy accepts the SEMI Foundation Excellence in Achievement Award from Katherine Dei Cas, Sr. Vice President at EMD Electronics, on behalf of Jennifer Braggin at SEMICON West.
Braggin was honored for her involvement in the industry along with her advocacy of inclusivity and enthusiasm for sharing industry knowledge.
“I was very humbled to learn I won this award,” said Braggin. “As our industry continues to rapidly expand, it’s important to make connections between people and knowledge to leverage the valuable skills and experiences of a diversified workforce. I’m honored to be a part of this effort.”
As part of the SEMI A Day in the Life series featuring video snapshots of various careers in the semiconductor industry, Braggin highlights her pathway into and passion for the industry.
Braggin teaches engineering management and leadership courses at the Tufts Gordon Institute and has promoted engineering careers in the semiconductor industry in presenting at high schools, collegiate Society of Women Engineers events, and on SEMI-sponsored panels. Braggin is a long-time volunteer steering committee member and past co-chair of the SEMI Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Conference (ASMC), and has supported SEMI Foundation work on the SEMI Industry Image and Awareness campaign.
Braggin holds a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Lehigh University, an M.S. in Engineering Science, Microelectronics Manufacturing, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an M.S. in Engineering Management from Tufts University.
“To have one of our employees recognized within the industry for these attributes is especially significant for Entegris," said Sue Rice, senior vice president of Human Resources at Entegris and co-chair of the SEMI Foundation Advisory Council. "It not only demonstrates Jennifer living our company values, but also reinforces the importance of development and inclusion, which is a key pillar of our Corporate Social Responsibility program,”
Do you know someone who is a leader in workforce development or diversity, equity and inclusion? Has this person shown leadership through innovating, volunteering, mentoring, sponsoring, or leading through values? Nominate a colleague or employee. All nominations from SEMI members are welcome.
For more information about the SEMI Foundation Excellence in Achievement Award, please contact Margaret Kindling, senior program manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the SEMI Foundation: mkindling@semi.org
The mission of the SEMI Foundation is to support economic opportunity for workers and the sustained growth of the microelectronics industry. The SEMI Foundation creates pathways and opportunities for job seekers, and tools and systems for semiconductor companies to attract, develop, and retain a diverse, innovative, and skilled workforce.
About the Author
Karen Warren manages field marketing and internal communication efforts at Entegris. She holds a BA in Communications, and has worked in the semiconductor industry for over 18 years.