For Applied Materials and the Applied Materials Foundation, introducing girls and young women to role models in the semiconductor industry is one way we’re supporting a new generation of women leaders.

As part of this effort, Applied Materials co-hosted the May 13 episode of Mission Unstoppable, a CBS Emmy-nominated show that highlights career paths of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). In this episode, Applied Materials engineer, Erika Gabrielle Hanson, takes Silicon Valley middle school student, Alize, and her TechBridge Girls educator, Julissa, on a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Applied’s Sunnyvale labs. During the visit, our guests learn how sand is engineered into silicon wafers, the impact of semiconductor technology on our everyday lives, and Erika’s experience as a Latina engineer. They also donned full “bunny suits” to get a close-up look at one of Applied’s CMP (chemical mechanical planarization) systems in action.

Hosting visits like this reminds us of the power of role models. After meeting Erika and learning about Applied Materials, Alize remarked “I know that somebody like me belongs in engineering and science. And I know I can make a difference, like Erika.” For Julissa, “knowing that someone like you does this is probably the best part of this entire experience.”

It's also a powerful reminder that each of us, regardless of our title or tenure, can be role models in our community. Prior to this visit, Erika had never thought of herself as a role model. “I never considered myself being someone accomplished enough, interesting enough, or smart enough to ever be someone’s role model,” shares Erika. “Having Alize and Julissa tell me that I was a role model for other Latinas interested in STEM changed the way I view what I do and my role in this industry.”

Visit our website to learn more about how the Applied Materials Foundation’s Generation Girl®  initiative is inspiring girls to pursue their dreams and be sure to check out the full episode of Mission Unstoppable below.