When people think of the semiconductor industry, they picture precision, innovation, and advanced technology – but rarely do they picture women leading the charge. This is a reality I’ve had to navigate throughout my career, where being a woman in a deeply technical field meant proving, time and again, that I belonged.
The lack of female representation in semiconductors isn’t just about numbers – it’s about perception. There is an outdated belief that engineering, manufacturing, and deep-tech sectors are “men’s domains”, while women should take on “softer” roles. But let me be clear: This industry is for anyone with the expertise, drive, and vision to make an impact.
My journey in semiconductors has not been about fitting into an existing structure, but rather about reshaping that structure to be more inclusive. As Executive Director at Global TechSolutions (GTS), I oversee operations, company culture, and talent development, ensuring that our workplace isn’t just about delivering cutting-edge solutions – it’s about fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
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- WHY REPRESENTATION MATTERS
- EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
- THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN SEMICONDUCTORS
Why Representation Matters
I have met incredibly talented women in engineering, operations, and leadership, but the challenge is visibility. Without role models in leadership, young women often don’t see the semiconductor industry as a place where they can build long-term, fulfilling careers.
At GTS, I am actively changing that narrative. Through structured career progression, fair employment practices, and leadership development, I ensure that women have the opportunities, training, and confidence to step into leadership roles. But beyond my company, I work to challenge industry norms by making real, internal changes that open doors for women.
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“For women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields, my message is simple: You belong here. You do not need to ask for permission to take up space in an industry that needs your skills and vision.” - Brenda Lee
- WHY REPRESENTATION MATTERS
- EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
- THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN SEMICONDUCTORS
Empowerment Through Education
Real change doesn’t always start on stage or in a conference room – it often begins in the everyday decisions made within a company. At GTS, I’ve focused on building an internal infrastructure that ensures women in our company aren’t just hired, but supported, mentored, and empowered to advance.
Our initiatives are designed to help employees – especially women – transition into technical roles they might not have originally considered. The semiconductor industry can be intimidating for those without formal engineering backgrounds, and too often, women are steered toward administrative or operational roles instead of technical or leadership positions.
To change that, I worked with our team to identify women within GTS who showed strong analytical or problem-solving skills, even if they weren’t in engineering roles, and provided them with hands-on training, mentorship from senior engineers, and structured pathways into technical and leadership positions. The goal? To break the perception that if you didn’t start in a technical role, you can’t grow into one.
This wasn’t about hiring more women for the sake of numbers – it was about creating real opportunities for career mobility and ensuring that talent, not background, determines professional growth. Seeing women transition from support roles into engineering, field service, and leadership positions has reinforced my belief that diversity in semiconductors isn’t just possible – it’s necessary.
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- WHY REPRESENTATION MATTERS
- EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
- THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN SEMICONDUCTORS
The Future of Women in Semiconductors
I firmly believe that true innovation requires diverse thinking. A semiconductor industry that welcomes more women isn’t just good for gender equality, but it’s also good for business, creativity, and progress.
For women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields, my message is simple: You belong here. You do not need to ask for permission to take up space in an industry that needs your skills and vision. The barriers that exist today? They are not walls; they are glass ceilings waiting to be shattered.
The future of this industry isn’t just technical – it’s diverse, dynamic, and, most importantly, open to all who dare to make an impact.
And to the industry leaders, decision-makers, and business owners reading this: It’s time to redefine what leadership in tech looks like – because real progress begins when talent, not gender, dictates opportunity.
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