The donations are in, the expenses tallied, and we’re excited to report that the 3D InCites DEI Fund has grown to a healthy $61,672.52 thanks to the generosity of our 2023 3D InCites Awards sponsors, our annual Mural Sponsors, and our second annual Hike for DEI, and our event partners, the International Microelectronics and Packaging Society (IMAPS).
This year’s 3D InCites Awards sponsors included:
- KLA – Platinum Sponsor and Title Hike for DEI Sponsor
- EV Group – Platinum Sponsor
- ASE Group – Platinum Sponsor
- Evatec – Gold Sponsor
- Veeco – Silver Sponsor
Mural Sponsors included:
- 3D Plus
- ClassOne
- Deca
- ERS Electronic GmbH
- ESPAT Consulting
- Kiterocket
- Koh Young Europe
- Namics
- Nordson Test & Inspection
- StratEdge
- QP Technologies
All these events took place at IMAPS DPC 2023, March 13-15, in Fountain Hills AZ. Since 2018, the IMAPS committee has graciously shared their venue to host our annual 3D InCites Awards Ceremony, Mural Project, and DEI Fund Night. We are proud to be their Official Industry Partner. Like the sign says, This. Is. Community.
In a year where everyone is tightening their budgets in anticipation of a looming recession, we were thrilled to add another $16,672.52 to the fund coffers. Slowly, we’re inching toward our initial goal of $100,000.
Last year at SEMICON West, we set in motion efforts to up-level our fundraising efforts beyond those that only allow us to raise 5-10K at a time. We realize that to really seed a fund that will make an impact, we need to increase our goal to $1M. But that needs greater efforts than costly annual awards programs and hikes. So plans are slowly moving – we’ve got learning to do – but we’re still determined to create a legacy that will continue to promote DEI through a network of new and established companies throughout the semiconductor industry.
DEI It Takes a Village
In the meantime, we continue to leverage 3D InCites to help build awareness around Diversity Equity, and Inclusion. At IMAPS DPC, I moderated a town hall discussion, DEI: It Takes a Village.
I’ve been participating in these discussions across the industry for several years, and it was gratifying to see the audience not only be larger than others but also had a solid representation of white men who were interested in learning about being better allies to their peers from underrepresented groups. It was quite an animated discussion that asked some hard questions, like: Why should I care? Why do I need to use my pronouns? What can I do/say to have an impact on our company culture?
In case you missed it, we recorded the entire discussion and it’s featured on the 3D InCites Podcast this week. Listen below:
