GSA Women's Leadership Initiative

Every career has a story worth sharing. Join us as we finish out our imec takeover, and continue celebrating the women whose passion, curiosity, and leadership are shaping technology and inspiring the next generation. Today's we're spotlighting Birgit Päivänranta, Vice President R&D at imec Finland (Helsinki). "My journey has been shaped by my interest in optics and photonics. After starting university in mathematics, I discovered optics and found a field that perfectly combined scientific curiosity with real-world impact. Since then, I have been inspired by the opportunities that optical and photonic technologies create across industries and society. Much of my career has unfolded within the semiconductor ecosystem, at the intersection of deep technology, innovation, and industrial impact. What motivates me most is contributing to technologies that make a difference while building organizations where people can succeed together. Challenges are inevitable, so I learned how to step back and address each one at a time. I am particularly passionate about creating high-performing organizations built on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to results. Outside work, my spouse and I both work in technology, and balancing family life and a career with children requires constant coordination. I stay active through running, cycling, cross-country skiing, football, and coaching local youth football. Professionally and personally, I believe growth comes from embracing challenges with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Above all, I am grateful for the talented people and relationships that have enriched my career and life." Thank you for sharing with us, Birgit! 💙 What an inspiring week! Thank you for joining us as we celebrated the incredible women of imec and the stories that make innovation possible. We hope these journeys sparked new ideas, encouraged meaningful conversations, and inspired the next generation of women leaders. Until next time! If you'd like to learn more about WLI, including how to be featured in future spotlights, visit our website here ---> https://hubs.la/Q04r3VFK0 #wli #leadership #semiconductor #womeninleadership #careerjourney #stem

The future of innovation is built by people with bold ideas. We're proud to feature the women of imec as they share their experiences, lessons learned, and what motivates them to keep pushing boundaries. Today's inspiring story is Emily Gallagher, R&D Manager at imec Belgium (HQ). "I grew up with a strong respect for knowledge, something I learned from my mother, an architect trained at MIT. She showed me that work could be more than a job—it could be something you genuinely care about. That idea stayed with me as I pursued physics, driven by a fascination with what science can reveal about our present and what it might teach us about our future. During my PhD, I worked on free electron lasers, and during this period, I was discovering another passion: the outdoors. That connection to nature shaped not just how I live, but how I think about impact. When I started my career at IBM in Vermont, I wanted both intellectual challenge and a life that kept me grounded. I learned a lot from the global network of IBM colleagues but was drawn to the full-time research environment at imec and joined in 2014 to continue lithography development. For many years, those two parts of my life—my work in semiconductors and my personal commitment to living lightly on the planet—ran in parallel. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a pause and a reassessment for so many. I realized I didn’t want sustainability to remain a personal value on the side—I wanted it to become central to my professional work. Around that time, imec launched the Sustainable Semiconductor Technology and Systems (SSTS) program. This was an opportunity to work at the heart of an industry that is critical to modern society, while actively working to reduce its environmental footprint. It became my full-time focus, and eventually a leadership role, to shape collaboration across the ecosystem to drive more sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. If I were to offer a guiding attribute, it would be “stay curious.” Curiosity prompts better questions, encourages us to look beyond immediate technical challenges, and to connect ideas across disciplines. I believe that curiosity and inclusivity are linked—when you are genuinely curious, you listen more, you create space for different perspectives, and you make it easier for others to contribute, regardless of their background or communication style. I see my role not just in advancing technology, but in helping shape its direction—and in supporting those who will take it further. Sustainability is one of the defining challenges of our time, and the next generation of researchers and leaders will play a critical role in addressing it. If I can help create an environment where they feel empowered, included, and motivated to think differently, then I know I’m contributing in the way that matters most." Thank you for sharing with us, Emily! #wli #leadership #semiconductor #womeninleadership #career...

We're keeping the momentum going! 💙 As our imec takeover continues, we're highlighting the women behind the breakthroughs. From career journeys to personal insights, each story reminds us that innovation thrives when diverse voices are heard. Let's get to know kaoutar Bertrand, MBA, Program Manager at imec Belgium (HQ). "Over two decades in semiconductors, spanning technical execution, customer relationships, complex programs, and more recently sustainability in deep tech, one principle has guided me: purposeful progress, moving with rigor, humanity, and a commitment to excellence as the standard, not the aspiration. My career has taken me across cultures and operating environments, from Asia to Europe and beyond. What I value most is bringing together different ways of thinking, leading, and building around shared ambition. In this industry, impact is not created by technology alone; it emerges when expertise, trust, and disciplined execution meet with a long-term view in mind. As a mother of three, leadership has also taken on a very personal meaning. It is not about constant availability, but about being present, courageous, and seeking quality in the moments that matter. One of my proudest moments is seeing my eldest daughter choose microengineering at EPFL, with an exchange year at NUS already ahead of her.A reminder that example often speaks louder than words. My message to women entering this industry: hold your standards, trust your voice, and do not wait for perfect conditions to grow. Progress rarely comes in ideal circumstances; it comes when you step forward." Thank you for sharing with us, Kaoutar! Come back tomorrow as we continue our takeover week with imec! #wli #leadership #semiconductor #womeninleadership #stem #careerjourney

Innovation is powered by people, and this week, we're celebrating the women helping lead the way! Follow along as our imec takeover continues, featuring the experiences, insights, and achievements of the talented women driving impact every day. Today, we're spotlighting Veerle (Vee) Reumers, Head of Health Strategy & Portfolio at imec USA (Cambridge, Massachusetts)! "My career has been driven by a commitment to translating scientific outcomes into real-world healthcare innovation. After earning a master’s degree and PhD in Medical Sciences at KU Leuven, I pursued postdoctoral research in Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School. What attracted me to imec was the unique combination of creativity in early-stage publicly funded research and the focus of industry-driven product development projects. I was excited about the opportunity to return to the United States to establish a new research division and strengthen our international collaboration. Moving away from family and friends was a challenging adventure that strengthened our family’s resilience, adaptability, and appreciation for different perspectives. Today, as Head of Health Strategy at imec USA, I focus on expanding imec’s health activities in the United States and fostering strategic partnerships between researchers, clinicians, technology developers, and industry leaders. I believe in creating an environment where people can grow, excel, and contribute through their unique strengths. As a visiting scientist at MIT, I am reminded every day that curiosity drives progress. My passion is to connect people across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to solve complex challenges and create meaningful societal impact that would not be possible in isolation." Thank you for sharing with us, Veerle! We love hearing about the career journeys of the women of imec! #wli #leadership #semiconductor #womeninleadership #stem #careerjourney

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Our imec Takeover Week continues! ✨ Join us as we learn more about the amazing women at imec and their journeys to leadership. Today, we're highlighting Julie Moeyersoms, R&D Manager at imec Belgium (HQ)! "I never had a master plan for my career, but looking back, the path does make sense. Guided by curiosity and an openness to new opportunities, I went from business engineering to a PhD in AI, followed by a research stay in NYC, developing AI applications in finance, and ultimately working at the forefront of AI innovation. What continues to inspire me about AI is its extraordinary pace of innovation and its impact across the entire technology stack. I enjoy working at the intersection of software, hardware, and applications, helping transform breakthroughs into meaningful value. Along the way, I have learned that no career is built alone. I have been fortunate to meet people who recognized my potential and supported me throughout my journey. Their influence shaped my leadership style: bringing together diverse perspectives, connecting people, and combining empathy with a strong focus on results. Above all, I am the mother of three young boys. Balancing motherhood with a demanding career is often chaotic but deeply rewarding. My sons keep me grounded, curious, and adaptable. Thanks to a strong support network, I can combine my professional and family life in a meaningful way while still finding time to enjoy running, camping, or bike-packing together." Thank you for sharing with us, Julie! Come back tomorrow as we share more stories from the women of imec! #wli #leadership #semiconductor #womeninleadership #stem #careerjourney

As women continue to make significant strides in executive leadership, many are looking for opportunities to extend their impact through public board service. Our 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱-𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 is designed to help senior women leaders in the semiconductor industry learn from accomplished female directors who have successfully navigated the path to the boardroom. Thank you to our distinguished speakers and panelists for sharing your time, expertise, and personal journeys! We appreciate your investment in the next generation of women leaders and for making this an impactful and inspiring conversation. 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀 🟣 Host Sponsor - Credo 🟣 Bain & Company 🟣 Egon Zehnder 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 🟣 Diane Vanasse | VP of Marketing Communications | Credo 🟣 Jon Carter | Board and CEO Leadership Advisory | Egon Zehnder 🟣 David Crawford | Chairman of Global Technology & Cloud Services | Bain & Company 🟣 Sarah Van Dyck | Global Consumer Practice Co-Leader | Egon Zehnder 🟣 Sophia Marzouk | Technology & Semiconductors Practices Consultant | Egon Zehnder 🟣 Claudia Fan Munce | Venture Advisor, Board Member, Faculty | New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Best Buy, Arteris, BMO, Stanford University Graduate School of Business 🟣 Laurie Yoler | Partner, Board Director, Technical Advisor, Stanford | Playground Global, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Voltera Power, NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) NorCal, Aptiv, Lecturer 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 🟣 Moderator - Deirdre Hanford | Semiconductor Consultant and Advisor 🟣 Sylvia Acevedo | Professional Speaker, Lead Independent Board Director, Author | Qualcomm, Credo 🟣 Ellen Barker | Independent Director; Chair of the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee | Microchip Technology Inc. 🟣 Judy Bruner | Board Member and Committee Chair | Applied Materials, Qorvo, Inc., Rapid7 🟣 Diane Bryant | Board Committee Chair, Independent Director, Former CEO | ScaleFlux, mmTron Inc., Haemonetics, Broadcom, University of California, Davis 🟣 Patricia Kummrow | Board Member and Nom/Gov Chair, Board Member and Comp Chair | Synaptics Incorporated, Napatech This invite-only event will be held August 25th. For more information, visit our website at the link ---> https://lnkd.in/eipECMDG #WLI #WomenInLeadership #BoardLeadership #SemiconductorIndustry #WomenOnBoards #Leadership

Welcome to imec's Takeover Week! 🎉 All week long, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible women of imec as they share their stories, career journeys, and the passion that drives their work. Join us as we celebrate the diverse experiences, perspectives, and achievements of the women helping shape the future of innovation. You won't want to miss these inspiring stories! 💙 First up, let's get to know elena capogreco, R&D Manager at imec Belgium (HQ)! "I arrived at imec in 2012 as a master’s student with a scholarship, speaking very little English. Since then, imec has become my second home. Although I once dreamed of becoming a doctor, I graduated in electronic engineering, completed my PhD with the memory research group, and later joined the logic group as a process integration engineer. I have never considered myself particularly ambitious. Instead, curiosity and resilience have guided my journey, helping me see challenges and changes as opportunities. My move into people management happened almost by chance, following a career conversation with my manager. Much of my growth is rooted in the values of my late father, who taught me to never give up, and in the support of exceptional mentors and colleagues who broadened my perspective. While I have always loved reading books, my favorite “reading” as a leader is understanding the stories of the people I work with. Learning about their experiences and motivations helps create the trust and openness needed in an environment where successes and struggles are shared. Balancing leadership and motherhood is not always easy. Over time, I have learned to focus on what matters most and to accept imperfections along the way." Thank you for sharing with us, Elena! And stay tuned as we continue featuring leaders from imec this week! #wli #leadership #semiconductor #womeninleadership #stem #careerjourney

🎉ATX….what a turnout! Our latest edition of WLI Lunch & Learn took place Friday at AMD in Austin! These curated events are designed to create space for connection, mentorship, and shared experiences to create pathways for the next generation of leaders. Thank you to AMD for hosting us, and thank you to everyone that attended and our amazing speakers! Speakers: 🟣 Kim M. Vo, Corporate Vice President and Chief IP Officer, AMD 🟣 Rita Gupta, Fellow, AMD 🟣 Pankaj Sharma , Senior Manager Design Engineering, AMD 🟣 Cristina Beldica , Sr Director, HPC and AI Software Engineering, Intel 🟣 Lisa Dulchinos, Chief Financial Officer, Ayar Labs Susan Graham, Director and Distinguished Engineer Technology Enablement & Analytics – Solution Engineering, Arm 🟣 Pratima Rao, Materials Engineering Director, Lam Research 🟣 Lisa Ryan, Partner, Fragomen See you at the next edition! 🔗Upcoming WLI events: https://lnkd.in/giAzC4t9 #WLI #semiconductor #womenintech

🌠 It's Visibility Series Friday! 🌠 Today we're getting to know Nunzia Verduci, Global Key Account Manager at STMicroelectronics!  🌟 Meet Nunzia Verduci — Turning Human Connections into Business Impact Customer-centric, performance-driven, and endlessly curious, Nunzia Verduci is a Global Key Account Manager at STMicroelectronics with more than five years of experience driving growth in highly demanding markets. Nunzia has built her career around what matters most to her: people, partnerships, and problem-solving. For her, sales is never about pushing products — it’s about understanding challenges and creating real value. Thanks to her strong problem-solving skills, she has successfully overcome challenges across the industries she works in, including luxury, automotive, and semiconductor, while bringing a positive attitude and strong energy to every interaction. Holding a Master’s degree in International Business, with a thesis on international negotiations, she also has a strong interest in business sustainability and languages. She speaks four languages, a true asset when connecting with colleagues and customers across the globe. Her story comes from a rich multicultural upbringing: a Franco-Italian father, a Brazilian mother, and an international environment that naturally shaped her open-minded personality and passion for human connections. Since joining STMicroelectronics, Nunzia has discovered a world she never expected to love so much — the fast-paced, ever-evolving semiconductor industry. What makes her role so exciting? She collaborates daily with people across regions and organizations, meets new colleagues constantly, and supports customers from a wide variety of industries and geographies. Every day brings new challenges, opportunities, and the chance to build relationships that can generate future business. We hope you enjoyed getting to know Nunzia! Learn more about WLI at the link: https://hubs.la/Q04qK0xy0 #WLI #leadership #semiconductor