Cassandra Melvin
Senior Director of Business Development & Operations
SEMI Europe

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.

At the Top, a New Leadership Agenda is Emerging!

Richard Goddard
Global Practice Lead, Technology
Mercuri Urval

Abstract
To deal with the top-themes and challenges of the semiconductor industry; Global Economic Outlook, Path to net Zero, Supply Chain Redesign, Resilient company, and War for Talent, leaders need to unlearn “the old”, bring in new capabilities, prepare for the unannounced, and live the values, if they want their companies to be the long-term winners in the industry transformation.

Biography
•Richard Goddard is the Head of the Global Technology Practice for Mercuri Urval, a leading Executive Search and Leadership Advisory firm, with teams operating across Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.•As an executive search leader, he has specialized in the Global Semiconductor and Deep Tech ecosystem since 1991, working with early-stage, scale-ups, public organizations, venture capital and private equity.•During his career he has lived and worked in the UK, Germany and Singapore, where he has supported organizations on strategic hiring programs across all functional disciplines within the industry and across both mature and emerging markets.•He is a passionate advocate of the Semiconductor and Deep Tech industry and is committed to sharing his extensive experience and insights to help the industry capitalize on its path to shaping a $1trillion era.

Challenges and opportunities surrounding your Talent Pipeline

Dan Collins
General Manager
SPTS Division within KLA Corp

Abstract
At KLA in the UK we have developed a number of strategies to overcome our talent pipeline challenges. This presentation will explore these challenges and how we have developed new initiatives that have enabled us to overcome these, whilst enhancing inclusivity and diversity, thus attracting top talent and strengthening our business performance.

Biography
Dan Collins is General Manager of the SPTS Division within KLA Corp. After joining SPTS in 2016 as Supply Chain Director, Dan was promoted to VP Operations in 2019 and has been instrumental in driving the improvements to the company’s manufacturing operations. As General Manager he is overseeing the integration of SPTS into KLA, involving new processes, systems and employee culture during a period of significant growth for the business. He has previous operations experience with Edwards and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company with exposure to supply chain management in the semiconductor, automotive, and other industries. He holds a BSc(Hons) in Astrophysics from Queen Mary University of London, and MSc in Technology Management

Sustainability through Inclusion: how Surveys (Insights) + Analysis Support our Understanding of Generational Expectations

Christine Pelissier
General Manager, Customer Center EMEA
Edwards

Abstract
Join us to gain valuable insights into how Edwards Semiconductor Divisions are leveraging data-driven strategies to promote inclusion, diversity, and unity within the organization. Discover how this approach not only bridges generational gaps but also reinforces the shared vision of a workplace that inspires and supports every individual.In the dynamic landscape of the semiconductor industry, fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is not just a commitment but a strategic imperative. Edwards Semiconductor Divisions, conduct a employee survey every two years to continuously improve its work environment. This year, a new dimension was added to the survey - Inclusion and Diversity. In this presentation, Christine will delve into the insights derived from this survey, showcasing how data can drive a meaningful dialogue and enhance employee engagement.One of the standout revelations from the survey is the exploration of generational differences. By dissecting the data across generations, Christine uncovered surprising and positive trends that challenge conventional wisdom. She will shed light on the distinct priorities of different generations within the organization, offering compelling conclusions and actionable adjustments that can be considered to nurture a workplace that caters to all.Beyond the generational divide, Christine's presentation will also explore the fundamental similarities in what employees across all generations seek and need from their workplace. By identifying these common threads, Edwards Semiconductor Divisions aim to create a workplace culture that fosters inclusivity, enhances diversity, and, most importantly, empowers every employee to thrive.

Biography
Christine has a proven track record of hiring, developing and managing high performance teams which consistently create superior value. She has over 30 years’ experience successfully growing markets and customers in a high-tech environment and has broad international experience building networks in North America, Europe, and Asia. Prior to joining Edwards in 2018, Christine has held senior strategic marketing positions, business development, operations and applications roles with Applied Materials, KLA-Tencor and Soitec.

Cassandra Melvin
Senior Director of Business Development & Operations
SEMI Europe

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.

New educational activities for the European Microelectronics & chips (r)evolution

Manuel Castro
Professor
UNED

Abstract
There wil be presented in a shor and summary way the ECoVEM project, Euroepan Centre of Vocational Excellence in Microelectronics, as well as their main goals and objectives, focusing in the educational activities and in their implementation.

Biography
Manuel Castro, Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor in the Spanish University for Distance Education (UNED), is expert in Applications of Simulation and Electronics and in Technology Enhanced Learning. He co-chaired the conferences LWMOOCS 2022, WEEF/GEDC 2021, LWMOOCS 2018, EDUCON 2018, REV 2016, FIE 2014. Is IEEE Fellow, IEEE HKN (Eta Kappa Nu) Professional member, President Emeritus of the IEEE Education Society and Past Director of the IEEE Division VI. He has been awarded among others with: IEEE EdSoc William E. Sayle Award for Achievement in Education, TAEE (Technologies Applied to Electronics Education) Tomás Pollán to Discipline Merit, and IGIP (International Society for Engineering Pedagogy) Nicola Tesla Chain. Is Honour Ambassador of Madrid Convention Bureau and past co-editor of IEEE-RITA.

Official national VET administration accreditation of ECOVEM Spanish courses

Imma Miralles
President
ASOCIACION NACIONAL DE CENTROS CON CERTIFICADOS DE PROFESIONALIDAD

Abstract
1. ECOVEM Spanish Official Courses Acreditationa. National VET Organic Law 3/2022, of March 31, on the organization and integration of Vocational TrainingCHAPTER II Types of offers and degrees of training-Article 27. Titles, certificates and accreditations.-Article 28. Typology of offers.b. Course accreditation process2. VET teachers accreditation a. Accreditation process (Regional)b. Reference professional qualification:SSC448_3 Teaching training for employment. (RD 1096/2011, of July 22, 2011)

Biography
Master in clinical psychology and gerontology degree. Founder and president of Asociación FRESS. Social and Sanitary Research and Studies. Board member of CRES – Centre for Research and European Studies. Vice-president and responsible of the training committee of ACOFESAL (Association of consultants and trainers from Spain in food security) and president of ANCCP (National Association of Professional Certification Centers). Contribution in European collaborative networks like European Network of Innovation for Inclusion and representing the CEDDD (Consejo Español para la Defensa de la Discapacidad y la Dependencia) as member of Forum on Education of the EASPD (European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities). Manager of European and national projects for ANCCP (recently with ERASMUS+ acreditation) and for other organizations as IEF (Financial Estudis Institut) or EFPA Spain

ECoVEM project: Path to certification and recognition

Maria Mavromoustakou
Project Manager
European Association of Career Guidance

Abstract
The ECoVEM project is a collaborative effort that unites vocational education and training (VET) centers, polytechnics, industrial associations, and social partners. Its aim is to establish a European Cooperation platform of Vocational Excellence in Microelectronics to address various challenges, including digitalization, artificial intelligence, green technologies, gender equality, and the integration of migrants. ECoVEM leverages and complements the strengths of national VET systems, particularly in countries with more advanced VET programs, while also supporting less advanced regions in their journey towards achieving VET excellence. The project adopts innovative instructional methods that promote lifelong learning, encompassing both hard and soft skills, using theoretical models based on ecosystems and performance support systems. The ECoVEM consortium developed the path to certification and mutual recognition of the ECoVEM curriculum and training, which consists of six distinct courses covering microelectronics and its applications, with a total of thirty-three modules. All available courses can be accessed on the project's official website, www.ecovem.eu. The project provides a flexible path, serving as an open methodology for planning and implementing the certification and recognition process.

Biography
Maria Mavromoustakou is a Project Manager at the European Association of Career Guidance in Cyprus, where her primary role encompasses project implementation and management. Her professional journey commenced at the University of Nicosia, where she held the position of Environmental Researcher. During this tenure, she made significant contributions to the preparation of numerous European-funded environmental projects. Subsequently, she worked as a Project Manager at the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, a nonprofit organization in Cyprus. In this capacity, her core responsibilities included crafting project proposals and overseeing projects related to sustainability initiatives. Maria then advanced her career as a Training and Development Officer and Erasmus Officer at the University of Nicosia. Her academic qualifications include an M.Sc. in Ecotourism from Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland) and a B.Sc. in Environmental Management from the University of Hertfordshire (UK).

Learn more about SEMI University and What We Offer

Naresh Naik
Director, SEMI University
Semi

Abstract
Learn more about SEMI University and what we offer

Biography
With over two decades of experience in edtech, Naresh stands as a veteran in crafting and deploying impactful learning solutions tailored to various industries and demographics. As the Director of SEMI University, he helms a global training enterprise focused specifically on the semiconductor sector—a field renowned for its dynamism and innovation. The platform he oversees offers an extensive range of over 525 cutting-edge courses, each meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of the semiconductor industry. His guiding mission is to empower customers, employees, and individual learners to reach their aspirations and further their careers through these educational offerings.Before his tenure at SEMI University, Naresh held leadership roles in Training & Development at several prestigious organizations, including Google, Workday, Autodesk, and Atlassian.

European Chips Skills Academy

Victoria Cummings
Senior Manager, Workforce Development and Skills
Semi Europe

Abstract
TBCto be added

Biography
Victoria joined SEMI Europe in 2023 to support initiatives related to workforce development and lead the implementation of associated EU projects. In this role she coordinates the EU Erasmus+ project “European Chips Skills Academy” and engages with the European institutions and industry stakeholders to develop and promote skills-related activities. Prior to joining SEMI Europe, Victoria advised on policies concerning the functioning of the EU Internal Energy Market. She holds a Master's Degree in Political Science from Boston University.