Paving the Way to Inclusion: Applied Materials Women in Engineering Talent Development Program

 By Alyssa Desuacido | Culture of Inclusion Specialist | Applied Materials

As the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world, Applied Materials knows that different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are key to delivering innovations that will shape the future.

One way Applied continues to pave the way for equity and inclusion is through the Women in Engineering Talent Development Program (WE TDP). This two-year program creates career development opportunities for women through networking, conference participation, professional skill development workshops, career development roundtables and mentoring workshops.

WE TDP’s executive sponsor, Loanne Luu, says there’s no better time for women in the semiconductor industry. And she should know. With more than 21 years of industry experience, she has been pivotal in driving positive change in the development and execution of new products critical for Applied’s future growth.

Luu says she hopes her experience can inspire the next generation of women leaders by showing them what’s possible.

“The semiconductor industry is in a phenomenal position with high-growth opportunities and an increasing need for highly innovative solutions,” said Luu, who is Vice President of Strategic Program Management in Applied’s Semiconductor Products Group. “Strong, intelligent women who want to solve high-value problems now have an excellent opportunity to show what they can bring to the table. Our space is a great place to build on innovation and take it to the next level.”

And speaking of next level, since its establishment in 2016, WE TDP has grown from a pilot program of 34 members representing one Applied business unit to nearly 200 members and alumni representing 10 business units and spanning 14 locations across the U.S. Participants have improved their performance ratings and 43% of year two members and alumni have received promotions.

“The WE TDP program not only helped with my career mapping, but it also provided the foundation for success that enabled me to make the jump from an Applications Engineer to Operations Manager,” said 2021 WE TDP graduate Alison Nalven.

“WE TDP has been one of my best experiences at Applied,” said Deepika Mutukuri, Product Quality and Reliability Engineer. “It provided me with the tools to take charge of my career path, understand my inherent skills, and learn how I can augment my experiences to be a better contributor to my team and Applied Materials.”

Seeing the program’s tremendous momentum and continued success, Luu envisions WE TDP as the steppingstone for women at Applied to embrace greater challenges. She encourages all women to venture outside of their comfort zone and explore their own potential.

“Don’t wait for someone to empower or give you the authority to take charge and lead something,” said Luu. “It may sound bold, but if there is an opportunity to solve a high-value problem, take the opportunity, run with it and drive results – even if it is beyond your job scope.”
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About Alyssa Desuacido
Alyssa Desuacido is a Culture of Inclusion Specialist at Applied Materials where she advocates, communicates, and advises the company’s commitment to expand workforce diversity and workplace inclusion. A second-degree black belt, Alyssa enjoys exercising at her local CrossFit gym as well as practicing and teaching martial arts in the Bay Area.