Opening Remarks

Cassandra Melvin
Senior Director of Business Development and Operations SEMI Europe
SEMI Europe

Abstract
Opening Remarks

Biography
Cassandra joined SEMI Europe in 2018 to lead its operations, business development and strategic initiatives related to diversity and inclusion. In this role she is responsible for leading a culturally diverse team, enhancing member value, and directing operations for optimized financial performance. Prior to joining SEMI, she held the position Global Product Manager at Atotech for its semiconductor division. She began her career at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute as a Business Manager focused on technical programs for chemistry and equipment manufacturers and held project management roles in clean room operations and IT. Cassandra's written work has been published in leading technical magazines and presented at conferences globally. She holds a BS in Business Management, and Minor in Neuropsychology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The Work Force Supply-Chain Crunch and Need for a Diverse and Innovative Workforce Development.

Shari Liss
Executive Director
SEMI Foundation

Abstract
Shari Liss, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation, will share information on the organization's workforce development and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives designed to expand and diversify the global talent pipeline. The Foundation's work includes the Industry Image and Awareness Campaign, including a powerful career portal (careers.semi.org) and a PBS documentary about the microelectronics industry; VetWorks, which helps companies attract talented individuals transitioning out of the military; High Tech U, which brings immersive STEM experiences to students worldwide; the SEMI Career and Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) which helps companies grow their own workforce through apprenticeships; SEMI University, designed to help train and upskill talent; the American Semiconductor Academy, an effort to unite higher education around microelectronics training and learning; and the Foundation's extensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, events, and tools. Learn more about Shari and the Foundation's initiatives at https://www.semi.org/en/workforce-development/semi-foundation.

Biography
Shari Liss has more than 25 years of experience supporting education, career awareness and workforce development throughout the technology industry. She is currently the Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. The foundation focuses on Workforce Development programs and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives supporting more than 2500 companies within the microelectronics industry.She was formerly the CEO of Ignited, one of the nation’s most successful STEM teacher professional development organizations. Their work connected companies to classrooms throughout Silicon Valley and gave over 4,000 teachers and 3.2 million students more insights into the skills and experiences needed to succeed in STEM-oriented professions and companies. Prior to Ignited, Shari was a teacher and curriculum developer, serving in a variety of positions with a focus on mathematics and at-risk students. She has developed an alternative school on the East Coast serving at-risk high school students, created curriculum for NASA and established a mathematics program for both gifted and challenged students in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Accelerating Gender Balance in the Semiconductor Talent Pool

Francoise Chombar
Chairwoman
Melexis

Abstract
Coming soon

Biography
Françoise Chombar is Chairwoman and co-founder of Melexis. She served as the CEO of Melexis for 18 years (from 2003 to 2021). She is currently a member of the Board of Umicore, the Board of Soitec, Chairwoman of the Board of BioRICS and member of the advisory Board to Byteflies. From May 1 2022 onwards, she will join the Board of Antwerp Management School. She is equally president of the STEM platform, an advisory board to the Flemish government, aiming to encourage young people to pursue a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics education. Françoise Chombar’s long-term commitment to actively advocating more STEM and more gender balance is driven by the profound belief in their positive societal impact. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Vlerick Award, the Global Prize for Women Entrepreneurs of BNP Paribas, ICT-Personality of the Year by Datanews, Science Fellowship at the VUB, Honorary Award by the Flemish Community, the Computable Lifetime Achievement Award and a Honorary Award by the KUL. Ms. Chombar holds a Master’s Degree in interpreting (Dutch, English, and Spanish) from Ghent University.

Coming Soon

Tom Lievens
VP People & Culture
Edwards Vacuum

Abstract
Coming Soon

Biography
Tom Lievens has worked in Human Resources for 20+ years. Holding a degree in Social Science he began his career for an employer federation in Belgium. Tom was active in HR consultancy (Competence and Reward Management) before becoming HR Director Belgium and France for a Dutch industrial group. In 2011 he joined the Atlas Copco Group as Vice President Human Resources covering the Power Technique business area. In his current role, Tom holds a global responsibility with a high focus on employee engagement, leadership and employee development and diversity and inclusion in order to support the achievement of the business goals and objectives. Tom is a Belgian citizen and currently lives in the United Kingdom.

Welcome Remarks

Christopher Frieling
Director Advocacy and Public Policy
SEMI Europe

Abstract
Welcome Remarks

Biography
Christopher Frieling is Director for Advocacy and Public Policy at the SEMI Europe Brussels Office. Christopher has a background in EU affairs, innovation, and tech policy. Prior to SEMI he worked at the Brussels office of Fraunhofer in several roles including most recently as Senior Advisor. Christopher holds an MSc in Economics of Science and Innovation and a Bachelor of Business Administration.