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Read the 2024 Wesco Sustainability Report here

Health and Safety

Dedication to Safety Excellence

We work hard to keep each other safe. It is the first tenet in our core value of commitment to our people. In our commitment to health and safety, we strive 
for zero incidents and continuously work towards reducing associated risks. This dedication is reflected in our comprehensive approach to improvement, encompassing dedicated programs, employee best practice sharing, and extensive training initiatives.

Health and Safety Management System

At the core of our safety efforts is a robust health and safety management system covering all internal work- related functions across our facilities, customer locations and corporate offices. This systematic approach involves assessing risks, implementing controls, evaluating their effectiveness, and acting on identified trends through preventative and responsive measures. Our tracked metrics provide valuable insights for the ongoing performance of our health and safety program. They include near miss reporting, training completion statistics, injury rates and data from key initiatives like ergonomic wearable feedback.

The oversight of our health and safety management system is entrusted to our global corporate safety team, ensuring a cohesive and standardized approach. Every employee plays a pivotal role in contributing to our enterprise-wide safety performance objectives, with individual contributions and actions being closely measured. Aligned with OHSAS-18001 and ISO-45001 guidelines, our health and safety program include the following.

Social Goals

Target: Achieve a 15% reduction in Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) by 2030 from a 2020 baseline.

Progress: Met in 2022; 2023 TRIR was 0.5 (6% increase from baseline)*

Target: Provide 425,000 hours of safety training and development to our employees by 2030.

Progress: 292,033 hours of safety training completed

*While our TRIR increased 6% from the baseline, it is favorable to the industry average.  Data available by NAICS code for 2022 shows the applicable industry average TRIR of 2.3; Wesco’s TRIR of 0.5 is favorable to the industry benchmark.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

The vigilance of our global corporate safety team is maintained through performance reviews with key leadership, daily interactions with operations leaders, routine KPI reviews, and regular facility audits to verify compliance. Further reinforcing our commitment, each location benefits from a dedicated regional health and safety advisor responsible for overseeing local leadership, ensuring compliance, conducting routine facility audits, evaluating training needs, planning training calendars, and tracking, trending, and reporting on health and safety metrics.

In 2023, Wesco relaunched our Safety Committee initiative featuring an updated charter and Safety Committee member training. Safety Committees have been implemented at all Regional Distribution Centers, with a target to include all Regional Distribution Centers and Branches in 2024.

Management and Supervisory Responsibilities: Define specific protocols for management to support involvement with the program.Employee Responsibilities: Outlines the health and safety rules employees are expected to follow.Accident Investigation Processes: Establishes process to be followed in the event of an accident or near miss.Enforcement Procedure: Provides a system of actions and outlines steps to be taken if health and safety policies aren’t followed.Reporting of Safety Concerns: Offers a means for employees to provide input to the health and safety program suggesting any preventative considerations.Safety Committee Systems: Outlines the framework of a site safety committee, including the layout of an agenda, membership and method for taking minutes.New Employee Orientation: All employee’s complete health and safety training as part of their orientation and introduction to their facility.Regulatory Compliance: Ensures we communicate relevant information on legal and other requirements to our employees and other interested parties.

Risk and Incident Management

We employ a robust risk management process to eliminate potential hazards before anyone becomes sick or injured while at work. Our employees assess work areas for hazards or safety risks and when identified, promptly report them, enabling rapid rectification of potential risk or hazards by supervisors. All employees have the right to challenge any unsafe work situation, and they can do so anonymously. When unsafe work conditions are reported, an evaluation is conducted, and the employee is notified of the action taken to address the situation.

At each location, monthly safety inspections are conducted using a checklist of key hazards and risks. This checklist is regularly updated to include new hazard awareness trends as they emerge. Meanwhile, managers are informally inspecting working activities for safety hazards on an ongoing basis. When a near-miss occurs, reports are used to create awareness of the conditions or behaviors that can be corrected to prevent future incidents. Lastly, an emergency action plan is reviewed and updated regularly. The plan includes current contact information, logged drills and facility response. In the event of an incident—no matter how minor—we require that it be reported promptly to the frontline supervisor for investigation and evaluation.

Since every incident includes a sequence of contributing risks, it may be possible to avoid a repeat of the first event by recognizing and eliminating these risks. The removal of even a single risk may prevent a recurrence. Our supervisors are trained in incident investigation procedures and techniques, such as the “five whys”— the practice of asking why repeatedly to discover the root cause of an issue—to begin gathering data and understanding what hazards existed and what controls may have failed or may not have existed. Robust documentation protocols ensure event information can be fully vetted and reviewed by business leadership and the location’s health and safety advisor, with a strong focus on corrective action plans. Once the contributing factors and/or root causes have been determined, the corporate health and safety advisor will communicate a global safety alert with the corrective actions taken to prevent the occurrence in any other facility. Corrective actions may address risk assessments, standard operating procedures, design changes for working conditions, ergonomics, engineering controls, retraining for equipment and hazards knowledge, and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.

Site Inspections and Audits

Facility managers conduct workplace inspections at least once a month and cover all areas where employees, visitors, or contractors could be expected to access. Managers or supervisors at each site also informally observe work activities for safety hazards. They do so as part of their daily safety Gemba walks—a workplace walkthrough aiming to identify potential risks—as a routine function of their daily activity.

Safety – Branch and Distribution Center

A large portion of Wesco employees work in branch locations or distribution centers. Their primary duties are receiving, picking, packing and shipping materials. The high-risk elements of our business identified through the analysis of historical safety data and internal risk assessments are forklift tasks, ergonomic risks from manual material handling and slips, trips and falls.

To minimize the risk of injury, we have implemented innovative technologies, such as wearable devices. The utilization of wearable technology has resulted in a significant reduction in hazards per hour related to manual work stressors.

Wesco has improved our employee safety education systems, format and content to address these hazards going forward. We require all warehouse employees to undergo targeted training on safe lifting techniques, ergonomically safe lifting limits, mechanical assistance, or team lift for heavy objects. These efforts limit manual material-handling risk.

To minimize injuries relating to slips, trips and falls, we established a risk management plan that identifies, assesses, controls and monitors relevant hazards. 
All warehouse employees are trained to stop any unsafe practices or correct any unsafe conditions relating to slips, trips and falls.

Highlight: In 2023, Wesco’s internal audit team identified inadequate training and documentation of training for Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) operators. After this discovery, we introduced a company-specific PIT Training Program and began providing “train-the-trainer” courses to create a pool of Wesco-Authorized PIT Trainers.

To learn more, download the 2024 Wesco Sustainability Report here.

About This Report

Unless otherwise stated, this report covers activities, data and initiatives from our fiscal year 2023.

ESG Disclosure and Framework Alignment

The topics covered in this report include those that we have determined to be material for our business and stakeholders as noted on page 12. Wesco aligns with several ESG frameworks and disclosures in support of our commitment to transparency and our fulfillment of stakeholder needs and expectations. We leverage the following frameworks and standards to provide robust ESG information disclosure:

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): GRI offers a list of global standards and guidelines around sustainability reporting.Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB): SASB provides a comprehensive set of industry-specific disclosure topics and guidelines.Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): TCFD provides disclosure recommendations on thematic ESG topics such as governance, strategy, risk management, metrics and targets to provide stakeholders with fuller information surrounding climate risks.CDP: Formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project, CDP is an international organization that helps companies and cities measure and disclose important environmental impact information through an annual questionnaire and rating system.United Nations Global Compact (UNGC): UNGC is an initiative that aims to help businesses align their strategies and work toward the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (U.N. SDGs): U.N. SDGs provide a shared set of 17 toward peace and prosperity for people and planet goals and create a call to action by all countries in a global partnership.

We also regularly engage with our investors, employees, customers, regulators, ratings agencies and others on ESG and business issues. Additional information about Wesco can be found in our public financial filings—including our annual report and proxy filings—as well as on the Security and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov or on the Investors page of our website at Wesco.com.

Wesco plans to continue to report annually as we monitor, measure, and deepen our ESG initiatives and disclosures.

Wesco endorses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

More information about our SDG aligned initiatives is included throughout this report.

Assurance 
We did not seek third-party assurance for this report; however, we will consider doing so for future reporting. The information and data contained in this report was vetted by internal subject matter experts on the various ESG topics included in this report.

Contact Us 
We appreciate and welcome feedback on our ESG initiatives and reporting and invite you to contact us directly via email at Sustainability@Wesco.com.

Previously published by TriplePundit

By Mary Riddle

The global demand for avocados has surged in recent years, transforming this once-regional fruit into an international sensation. While the booming market brings economic opportunities, it also poses obstacles for farmers and communities striving to grow the market in a sustainable and equitable way.

Amidst these challenges, Fair Trade certification is a beneficial program with a mission to foster sustainable development, economic stability and social equity. For Carlos Genel, an economist and second-generation avocado grower in Michoacán, Mexico, becoming a Fair Trade organization was a win for his community.

How Fair Trade works 

Fair Trade ensures farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price for their avocados, acting as a safety net against market fluctuations. This stability allows farmers to plan for the future, invest in their farms and provide for their families. Additionally, Fair Trade premiums — extra funds paid on top of the selling price — must be invested back into the community, financing projects like education, healthcare and infrastructure improvements.

“The extra money goes to our workers to improve their lives, and the workers manage and administer the money from the premium,” Genel said. “The program educates them because they learn how a company is managed and how to manage money.”

Even before joining the Fair Trade network, Genel was passionate about sustainable rural economic development. “Joining Fair Trade just formalized the way we liked to work,” he told TriplePundit. “We are part of a huge network of people who value the things that we value, like respecting people and the environment, caring for each member of our team, and thinking about the long term in everything we do.”

Fair Trade certification empowers farmers and workers by promoting democratic decision-making processes. Cooperatives and associations formed under Fair Trade principles give farmers a collective voice, allowing them to negotiate better terms, share knowledge and support each other.

Genel employs between 60 and 70 farmworkers, who used their Fair Trade premiums to launch programs that improve access to food, healthcare and education in their communities. For example, they developed a school for their families and neighbors, with classes for elementary and middle school children, as well as adults. The farm also invests in a local university, Universidad Latina de América, which provides high school, undergraduate, postgraduate and professional certification educational pathways.

“I am the third generation in my family to invest in this university,” Genel reflected. “I feel very proud of that. It is ranked in the top 50 universities in Mexico.”

The workers on Genel’s farm also invested in programs to improve community health and nutrition. Their Fair Trade premiums provide a large basket of groceries to every employee’s family each month, and workers regularly organize health-promoting campaigns such as local testing and educational workshops.

“Recently, the workers paid for an eye doctor to test all of their children’s vision,” Genel explained. “They collaborate with other organizations for other health initiatives, too.”

Social gains grow market opportunities

Fair Trade certification offers transparency and traceability to conscious consumers, assuring them that their purchases support ethical practices. For farmers, it opens access to markets that prioritize ethical sourcing and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Implementing sustainable and socially responsible farming practices has long-term benefits, including the creation of a more resilient agricultural system. However, sustainability and social responsibility are also growing market opportunities for Genel in the short term.

“The certifications I hold, including Fair Trade, have an economic benefit,” he said. “I can export directly to the U.S. without going through an intermediary, which saves money. I am starting to develop partnerships with American companies like Costco and Whole Foods.”

Genel sees other producers in Mexico beginning to realize the economic benefits of participating in programs like Fair Trade.

“There is a generational change happening now. New generations are coming into the family business, and they have a different mindset and perspective,” he observed. “They see the benefits of Fair Trade and other agricultural certifications. Many of these farmers are environmentally friendly and have a great social impact, but they don’t know that there are certifications they can leverage. It is important to educate other farmers and workers about the existence and benefits of these programs.”

Sowing seeds for the future

Genel is working hard to expand his outreach efforts. “We have a social responsibility program at the company as well as many sustainability initiatives and practices that we have put into place,” he said. “We have been working with growers in Chihuahua on developing better irrigation methods for very dry land. In Michoacán, we have implemented these methods, too, not because the land is dry but because it saves water and allows for more efficient water management.”

Even while expanding his educational efforts to other growing communities, Genel remains focused on preserving the ecosystem where his farm and family thrive. “We have a big forest on our land, full of flora and fauna. There are local, native species of animals and plants,” he told us.

He knows the success of his farm is largely tied to the ecosystem services and positive environmental impacts that forests provide. “We have developed an initiative to help maintain the health of the forests,” he explained. “It is part of our business strategy to take good care of our ecosystems and communities.”

This article series is sponsored by the Avocado Institute of Mexico and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Images courtesy of the Avocado Institute of Mexico

Previously published by TriplePundit

By Mary Riddle

The global demand for avocados has surged in recent years, transforming this once-regional fruit into an international sensation. While the booming market brings economic opportunities, it also poses obstacles for farmers and communities striving to grow the market in a sustainable and equitable way.

Amidst these challenges, Fair Trade certification is a beneficial program with a mission to foster sustainable development, economic stability and social equity. For Carlos Genel, an economist and second-generation avocado grower in Michoacán, Mexico, becoming a Fair Trade organization was a win for his community.

How Fair Trade works 

Fair Trade ensures farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price for their avocados, acting as a safety net against market fluctuations. This stability allows farmers to plan for the future, invest in their farms and provide for their families. Additionally, Fair Trade premiums — extra funds paid on top of the selling price — must be invested back into the community, financing projects like education, healthcare and infrastructure improvements.

“The extra money goes to our workers to improve their lives, and the workers manage and administer the money from the premium,” Genel said. “The program educates them because they learn how a company is managed and how to manage money.”

Even before joining the Fair Trade network, Genel was passionate about sustainable rural economic development. “Joining Fair Trade just formalized the way we liked to work,” he told TriplePundit. “We are part of a huge network of people who value the things that we value, like respecting people and the environment, caring for each member of our team, and thinking about the long term in everything we do.”

Fair Trade certification empowers farmers and workers by promoting democratic decision-making processes. Cooperatives and associations formed under Fair Trade principles give farmers a collective voice, allowing them to negotiate better terms, share knowledge and support each other.

Genel employs between 60 and 70 farmworkers, who used their Fair Trade premiums to launch programs that improve access to food, healthcare and education in their communities. For example, they developed a school for their families and neighbors, with classes for elementary and middle school children, as well as adults. The farm also invests in a local university, Universidad Latina de América, which provides high school, undergraduate, postgraduate and professional certification educational pathways.

“I am the third generation in my family to invest in this university,” Genel reflected. “I feel very proud of that. It is ranked in the top 50 universities in Mexico.”

The workers on Genel’s farm also invested in programs to improve community health and nutrition. Their Fair Trade premiums provide a large basket of groceries to every employee’s family each month, and workers regularly organize health-promoting campaigns such as local testing and educational workshops.

“Recently, the workers paid for an eye doctor to test all of their children’s vision,” Genel explained. “They collaborate with other organizations for other health initiatives, too.”

Social gains grow market opportunities

Fair Trade certification offers transparency and traceability to conscious consumers, assuring them that their purchases support ethical practices. For farmers, it opens access to markets that prioritize ethical sourcing and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Implementing sustainable and socially responsible farming practices has long-term benefits, including the creation of a more resilient agricultural system. However, sustainability and social responsibility are also growing market opportunities for Genel in the short term.

“The certifications I hold, including Fair Trade, have an economic benefit,” he said. “I can export directly to the U.S. without going through an intermediary, which saves money. I am starting to develop partnerships with American companies like Costco and Whole Foods.”

Genel sees other producers in Mexico beginning to realize the economic benefits of participating in programs like Fair Trade.

“There is a generational change happening now. New generations are coming into the family business, and they have a different mindset and perspective,” he observed. “They see the benefits of Fair Trade and other agricultural certifications. Many of these farmers are environmentally friendly and have a great social impact, but they don’t know that there are certifications they can leverage. It is important to educate other farmers and workers about the existence and benefits of these programs.”

Sowing seeds for the future

Genel is working hard to expand his outreach efforts. “We have a social responsibility program at the company as well as many sustainability initiatives and practices that we have put into place,” he said. “We have been working with growers in Chihuahua on developing better irrigation methods for very dry land. In Michoacán, we have implemented these methods, too, not because the land is dry but because it saves water and allows for more efficient water management.”

Even while expanding his educational efforts to other growing communities, Genel remains focused on preserving the ecosystem where his farm and family thrive. “We have a big forest on our land, full of flora and fauna. There are local, native species of animals and plants,” he told us.

He knows the success of his farm is largely tied to the ecosystem services and positive environmental impacts that forests provide. “We have developed an initiative to help maintain the health of the forests,” he explained. “It is part of our business strategy to take good care of our ecosystems and communities.”

This article series is sponsored by the Avocado Institute of Mexico and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Images courtesy of the Avocado Institute of Mexico

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Durango Barber Salon is a Hispanic-owned business that has been serving Colorado Springs, Colorado, for over 20 years. The owners, Luz and Juan Andrade, followed their banker — Business Access Advisor Chio Scott — to U.S. Bank in the hopes of growing their business and expanding their services to the local Hispanic community.

Starting with improving their credit scores, U.S. Bank has helped Luz and Juan achieve that dream by opening multiple locations in Colorado Springs. They credit the business’ growth to relationship forged with U.S. Bank and their team of bankers, one step at a time. 

“It’s comforting to know that your bank is always trying to find ways to help you grow your business,” Juan Andrade said. “U.S. Bank has always been there for us. The trust is there.”

To learn more about the story behind Durango Barber Salon and how U.S. Bank helps Hispanic small businesses, watch the video above.

Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog

Durango Barber Salon is a Hispanic-owned business that has been serving Colorado Springs, Colorado, for over 20 years. The owners, Luz and Juan Andrade, followed their banker — Business Access Advisor Chio Scott — to U.S. Bank in the hopes of growing their business and expanding their services to the local Hispanic community.

Starting with improving their credit scores, U.S. Bank has helped Luz and Juan achieve that dream by opening multiple locations in Colorado Springs. They credit the business’ growth to relationship forged with U.S. Bank and their team of bankers, one step at a time. 

“It’s comforting to know that your bank is always trying to find ways to help you grow your business,” Juan Andrade said. “U.S. Bank has always been there for us. The trust is there.”

To learn more about the story behind Durango Barber Salon and how U.S. Bank helps Hispanic small businesses, watch the video above.

Now a Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative participant focused on fostering collaboration and information sharing to unify public and private sector’s cybersecurity effortsProvides threat intelligence and security testing capabilities to enable the initiative’s mission to drive down cyber risk to the nation at scale

SANTA ROSA, Calif., September 23, 2024 /3BL/ – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), announced it has joined the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), expanding its current partnership with the U.S. government to enhance the nation’s cybersecurity resiliency. Leveraging 20 years of cybersecurity testing and threat intelligence research, Keysight will support JCDC’s mission of uniting the global cyber community in the collective defense of cyberspace.

In response to escalating threats to national security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) established JCDC in August 2021 under Congressional authorization. As a unique public-private partnership, JCDC proactively gathers, analyzes, and shares actionable cyber risk information to enable improved cybersecurity planning, defense, and response. A primary goal of JCDC includes enabling participants to stay ahead of adversaries and reducing cybersecurity threats before they have an impact.

Keysight offers a comprehensive suite of tools that empower organizations to be proactive with their cybersecurity from chip to cloud, including testing of deployed tools against the latest threats and a Cyber Range training environment to keep skills up to date. Keysight’s Threat Simulator offers daily updates with the latest malware and ransomware campaigns to validate firewalls, endpoint protection software, and SIEM tools, and CyPerf evaluates cybersecurity effectiveness and user experience in distributed and cloud environments. To test and improve the cybersecurity of devices such as IoT and industrial controllers, Keysight’s IOT Security Assessment provides firmware analysis, SBOM generation, and network security testing of connected devices.

Keysight’s security validation tools are automated and easy to use, so operators of critical IT and operational technology (OT) environments can easily validate their resilience to emerging threats. Additionally, Keysight offers cybersecurity validation products and services for every stage of the product lifecycle, from pre-silicon analysis to cloud security validation.

Scott Register, VP of Security Solutions at Keysight, said: “Keysight is honored to join JCDC, extending our years of collaborating with the U.S. government as a provider of electronic test and measurement products and services including electronic warfare, 5G/6G, and cybersecurity validation and training. By combining our expertise with the collective strength of JCDC, we can accelerate the development of innovative solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure and protect our nation from cyberattacks.”

Resources

Keysight Threat Simulator for production network security validationKeysight IOT Security Assessment for testing of connected devicesKeysight Cyber Range for simulation and trainingKeysight CyPerf for zero trust and distributed cloud environmentsKeysight Electronic Warfare simulation and monitoring tools

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com. 

Now a Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative participant focused on fostering collaboration and information sharing to unify public and private sector’s cybersecurity effortsProvides threat intelligence and security testing capabilities to enable the initiative’s mission to drive down cyber risk to the nation at scale

SANTA ROSA, Calif., September 23, 2024 /3BL/ – Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), announced it has joined the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), expanding its current partnership with the U.S. government to enhance the nation’s cybersecurity resiliency. Leveraging 20 years of cybersecurity testing and threat intelligence research, Keysight will support JCDC’s mission of uniting the global cyber community in the collective defense of cyberspace.

In response to escalating threats to national security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) established JCDC in August 2021 under Congressional authorization. As a unique public-private partnership, JCDC proactively gathers, analyzes, and shares actionable cyber risk information to enable improved cybersecurity planning, defense, and response. A primary goal of JCDC includes enabling participants to stay ahead of adversaries and reducing cybersecurity threats before they have an impact.

Keysight offers a comprehensive suite of tools that empower organizations to be proactive with their cybersecurity from chip to cloud, including testing of deployed tools against the latest threats and a Cyber Range training environment to keep skills up to date. Keysight’s Threat Simulator offers daily updates with the latest malware and ransomware campaigns to validate firewalls, endpoint protection software, and SIEM tools, and CyPerf evaluates cybersecurity effectiveness and user experience in distributed and cloud environments. To test and improve the cybersecurity of devices such as IoT and industrial controllers, Keysight’s IOT Security Assessment provides firmware analysis, SBOM generation, and network security testing of connected devices.

Keysight’s security validation tools are automated and easy to use, so operators of critical IT and operational technology (OT) environments can easily validate their resilience to emerging threats. Additionally, Keysight offers cybersecurity validation products and services for every stage of the product lifecycle, from pre-silicon analysis to cloud security validation.

Scott Register, VP of Security Solutions at Keysight, said: “Keysight is honored to join JCDC, extending our years of collaborating with the U.S. government as a provider of electronic test and measurement products and services including electronic warfare, 5G/6G, and cybersecurity validation and training. By combining our expertise with the collective strength of JCDC, we can accelerate the development of innovative solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure and protect our nation from cyberattacks.”

Resources

Keysight Threat Simulator for production network security validationKeysight IOT Security Assessment for testing of connected devicesKeysight Cyber Range for simulation and trainingKeysight CyPerf for zero trust and distributed cloud environmentsKeysight Electronic Warfare simulation and monitoring tools

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com. 

The Cadence Giving Foundation was founded in 2022 to support critical needs in communities around the world with a focus on access to STEM education, DEI in STEM, and climate and sustainability. We are excited to unveil an exciting initiative our team and our partners have been working tirelessly on to create opportunities for women in tech and artificial intelligence (AI), driving a future workforce that is inclusive, innovative, and career-ready.

Cadence is launching Fem.AI to change the workforce of tech and AI to propel women and the industry toward a more equitable tech sector. Despite years of effort, the tech industry is lagging on critical measures of gender equity. Initial research by Cadence has identified three “leakage points” in the tech/AI ecosystem where women are losing traction:

Completing Higher Education: In 2021, approximately 20% of computer science graduates were female, while 45% of women who start college as STEM majors leave to pursue another degree.Accessing First Jobs: Women with STEM-related degrees face more unemployment challenges post-graduation, with women holding just over 20% of AI roles in US tech companies.Retaining STEM Careers: Over 56% of women in tech are likely to leave the industry before mid-career, further exacerbating the gender gap.

Addressing this imbalance now, in the dawn of a new technological era, is crucial for women’s economic well-being and for shaping inclusive and equitable innovations that serve society. By investing in nonprofits, championing women-led ventures, driving product innovation, and leveraging peer influence, Fem.AI advances women to the forefront in education, hiring, leadership, and innovation.

Through Fem.AI, we aim to empower through:

Partnerships: Build strategic alliances to drive transformative change in STEM education and careers, and elevate opportunities in AI for impactful growth and inclusive success.Pathways to Employment: Provide mentorship, returnships, and pathways to thrive in tech and AI, unlocking opportunities and ensuring advancement and impact with every step.Scholarships: Provide scholarships that embrace a spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, and ideas for transformative impact.Cadence Academic Network: Collaborate with the academic community worldwide to ignite a passion for technology education and foster future innovators.

We’ve partnered with seven nonprofit organizations focused on increasing the number of women obtaining STEM degrees and their first jobs, as well as increasing representation at the leadership level: Break Through Tech, Last Mile Education Fund, Fast Forward Generation, VC Include, Global Semiconductor Alliance, and Reboot Representation.

We’re excited to host the Fem.AI Summit next month, which will bring together leadership across the tech landscape to inform and shape a future where women are fully engaged in the ecosystem of AI innovation. The summit’s mission is to enlighten, empower, and mobilize stakeholders across various industries on the issue of gender disparity in high tech, specifically in AI, while also brainstorming actionable solutions to promote gender equality. This conference marks the kickoff of a movement aimed at breaking the cycle of inequity and initiating steps toward a more inclusive future for women in high-tech and AI.

This is just the start, and we must take collective action now. I hope that you will join Cadence to ensure that we clear the path and catalyze the role of women in the AI revolution.

The Cadence Giving Foundation was founded in 2022 to support critical needs in communities around the world with a focus on access to STEM education, DEI in STEM, and climate and sustainability. We are excited to unveil an exciting initiative our team and our partners have been working tirelessly on to create opportunities for women in tech and artificial intelligence (AI), driving a future workforce that is inclusive, innovative, and career-ready.

Cadence is launching Fem.AI to change the workforce of tech and AI to propel women and the industry toward a more equitable tech sector. Despite years of effort, the tech industry is lagging on critical measures of gender equity. Initial research by Cadence has identified three “leakage points” in the tech/AI ecosystem where women are losing traction:

Completing Higher Education: In 2021, approximately 20% of computer science graduates were female, while 45% of women who start college as STEM majors leave to pursue another degree.Accessing First Jobs: Women with STEM-related degrees face more unemployment challenges post-graduation, with women holding just over 20% of AI roles in US tech companies.Retaining STEM Careers: Over 56% of women in tech are likely to leave the industry before mid-career, further exacerbating the gender gap.

Addressing this imbalance now, in the dawn of a new technological era, is crucial for women’s economic well-being and for shaping inclusive and equitable innovations that serve society. By investing in nonprofits, championing women-led ventures, driving product innovation, and leveraging peer influence, Fem.AI advances women to the forefront in education, hiring, leadership, and innovation.

Through Fem.AI, we aim to empower through:

Partnerships: Build strategic alliances to drive transformative change in STEM education and careers, and elevate opportunities in AI for impactful growth and inclusive success.Pathways to Employment: Provide mentorship, returnships, and pathways to thrive in tech and AI, unlocking opportunities and ensuring advancement and impact with every step.Scholarships: Provide scholarships that embrace a spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, and ideas for transformative impact.Cadence Academic Network: Collaborate with the academic community worldwide to ignite a passion for technology education and foster future innovators.

We’ve partnered with seven nonprofit organizations focused on increasing the number of women obtaining STEM degrees and their first jobs, as well as increasing representation at the leadership level: Break Through Tech, Last Mile Education Fund, Fast Forward Generation, VC Include, Global Semiconductor Alliance, and Reboot Representation.

We’re excited to host the Fem.AI Summit next month, which will bring together leadership across the tech landscape to inform and shape a future where women are fully engaged in the ecosystem of AI innovation. The summit’s mission is to enlighten, empower, and mobilize stakeholders across various industries on the issue of gender disparity in high tech, specifically in AI, while also brainstorming actionable solutions to promote gender equality. This conference marks the kickoff of a movement aimed at breaking the cycle of inequity and initiating steps toward a more inclusive future for women in high-tech and AI.

This is just the start, and we must take collective action now. I hope that you will join Cadence to ensure that we clear the path and catalyze the role of women in the AI revolution.

By Eunjung Son · Partner Account Manager · Korea

In 2001, I started my Cisco journey as an associate systems engineer, training with top engineers from around the world.

I had to move from South Korea to San Jose for this job. As I was about to leave home, I received devastating news that my father had terminal cancer. Though it was difficult, I still went to San Jose. It was my father’s wish.

I had to face the reality of losing my father while starting my very first job. That time at Cisco held a special place in my heart because my father was proud of the company, even in his final days. He knew I would grow and make my dream come true here.

I gained diverse experiences in engineering, sales, and business development across San Jose, Singapore, and Seoul. After nine years, I left Cisco and eventually earned my Ph.D.

From grief to giving

Inspired by my father’s passing, I founded a small nonprofit organization called Gift Factory Project in 2012. It’s run entirely by volunteers. We aim to provide family trips and photo albums as gifts to economically disadvantaged terminal cancer patients and their families, helping them create lasting memories in their final moments.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel became difficult. Gift Factory Project expanded its mission to include workshops and support for patients with muscular diseases. We provided flower arrangement workshops and helped someone with muscular dystrophy continue his work as a poet and illustrator.

A heartfelt return to Cisco

Fifteen years went by, and I still wanted to work for Cisco. I kept thinking about Cisco’s fundamentals: People and technology.

Connecting people through technology is Cisco’s essence. And Cisco’s logo always reminds me of the company’s spirit as a bridge, symbolizing this connection.

Thankfully, I rejoined the company in January 2024 as a partner account manager based in Seoul.

A journey of hope

I wanted to bring the Gift Factory Project to life with Cisco’s technology and employee involvement.

Recently, we organized a virtual world tour powered by Webex for young adults with muscular dystrophy along with their caregivers and a few parents. They virtually explored four Asia Pacific countries, guided by Cisco employees.

The travelers were warmly welcomed by Regional Sales Director Geofran Thadikaran, Korea Theatre VP Cathy Choi, and Sales VP Kartika Prihadi. The Cisco Korea partner team acted as the airline crew.

The Cisco APJC Partner team from Japan, India, Singapore, and Australia served as local tour guides, introducing geographical features, cultures, and cuisines.

Volunteers served mochi and green tea for Japan, kaya toast and coffee for Singapore, Tim Tams and vegemite spread biscuits for Australia, and a traditional dessert called gulab jamun and chai for India.

A rewarding experience for all

During the two-hour session, the virtual travelers were full of joy. They felt as though they had truly visited new places and learned more about different cultures, and they remained cheerful and hopeful about one day visiting the countries they learned about. They were happy to have made friends with Cisco employees who personally shared their country’s stories.

The event was equally rewarding for the Cisco team members. Witnessing the delight of the participants highlighted the positive impact of their daily work on the world.

The Cisco crew and the Gift Factory Project team gifted souvenirs from the virtual destinations, such as Taj Mahal refrigerator magnets, koala plushies, Singapore keychains, and Japanese lucky cat figurines.

Connecting hearts and minds through tech

This project was a testament to how Cisco’s technology shapes a better world. It also highlighted the camaraderie among colleagues, the impact-driven leadership supporting CSR initiatives, and the dedication of talented, intelligent coworkers who volunteered their time to share stories from their respective countries.

It was a moment that reaffirmed the philosophies at the core of Cisco’s technology: Connecting people and people-centered leadership.

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