It’s become more important than ever for organizations to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) challenges and initiatives in the workplace.
That’s why in 2021, we established the 3D InCites DEI Fund to support technology start-ups owned by women and/or underrepresented minorities. Donations to the fund commenced with the 2021 3D InCites Awards mural project. Thanks to the generosity of our Platinum Sponsors, EV Group, KLA, and ASE Group; Silver Sponsor, YES; and Gold Sponsors, Veeco, and CyberOptics; as well as all the mural donors, we were able to seed our DEI Fund with $20,000.
We continued our efforts in 2022, growing the fund to $45,000, with the continued support of our 3D InCites Awards Platinum Sponsors. In addition, we established the Hike for DEI, held during the IMAPS Device Packaging Conference in Scottsdale Arizona. KLA was the title sponsor, and Amkor Technology was a swag sponsor. The 2022 Mural, Taking Strides for DEI, displays the companies that supported this year’s effort.
While we set out initially to raise $100K, we’ve realized that we need to think bigger. Let’s face it, $100K isn’t enough to create a fund that will be an ongoing source of grants to seed tech start-ups owned by women and underrepresented minorities. We need to up our game to create a DEI Startup fund that can become self-sustaining for years to come.
Therefore, in addition to small fundraising events throughout the year, which generally raise $5K-$10K at a time, it makes sense to start a more comprehensive program by partnering with companies on a bigger scale through annual grants, matching programs, etc., so that we can raise enough funds ($1M+) to create a long-term DEI Startup program and a create a legacy that will continue to promote DEI through a network of new and established companies throughout the semiconductor industry. That is our ultimate goal and we looking for your support. We have established a 501 (c) 3 foundation, Impress Foundation, to ensure maximum benefit to our DEI cause.
In the mean time, we plan to continue ongoing fundraising efforts and bring attention to the DEI conversation throughout the year. In doing so, we have established our “Donors Page,” where each $150 donor will get their logo and website link on this page, and those donating over $250 will also receive a keepsake puzzle featuring this year’s artwork.
Diversity: Includes but is not limited to race, color, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, veteran status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, genetic information, and learning styles.
Equity: The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically under-served and under-represented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups.
Inclusion: Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making in a way that shares power and ensures equal access to opportunities and resources.
Thank You to our Donors!
