Women in Technology at Samsung ERG celebrates 10 years

A decade ago, when the Women in Technology at Samsung (WITS) employee resource group (ERG) at Samsung Austin Semiconductor was created, its mission was to create a more inclusive and thriving workplace that celebrated diversity. While the chairs have changed throughout the years, the mission remains the same.

Tara Baccus currently serves as the chair of WITS but has been involved since the group’s inception.

“This is not a one-person show. We have a huge team and I want to thank all the board members, advisors and sponsors,” Baccus says to a room full of WITS members and supporters for the 10^th anniversary celebration. “Though we’ve made a difference, we still have gains to make.”

As Samsung Electronics’ first ERG in the United States, the founding members of WITS set the standard for how ERGs would be structured and organized. They established the formal playbook for ERGs that has served as the foundation for the creation of four other ERGs at Samsung Austin Semiconductor in the past seven years. 

Ryan Greuter, vice president of Fab Engineering in Taylor, served as the group’s initial executive sponsor. “WITS has been an invaluable resource for all women at Samsung and has purposefully and thoughtfully advocated for important issues that affect women and families,” says Greuter. “I am so proud of their accomplishments and the positive impact they have made on Samsung.”

During the past 10 years, WITS advocated for the increase in weeks for maternity leave, the establishment of parental leave and enhanced equipment in the Mothers’ Rooms.

The group has hosted more than 100 meetings, coordinated dozens of professional development events, volunteered hundreds of hours with our community partners and launched the company’s first onsite mentoring ring.

“The mentoring has been something very dear to me. I’ve been able to mentor many people over the years and I remain close with all those individuals,” adds Lenore McLaughlin, senior director of DI Engineering.

This year, WITS has more than 220 employees in the group’s mentor ring.

One of WITS’ biggest volunteer efforts every year is the STEM Girl Day at UT Austin, where two dozen employees spend their Saturday teaching young children about semiconductors, circuits and more.

“My 8-year-old daughter was at that event and it was fun to see her come alive and get really excited about STEM,” remembers Zac Rosenbaum, senior director of Infra Electrical and Infra Innovation. “Now she talks to me about what she wants to be when she grows up and getting involved in STEM.” 

“I have personally seen WITS grow and evolve into this outstanding organization that has stayed true to its mission,” explains Jon Taylor, corporate vice president at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. “And provided members and its allies with opportunities that fulfilled their core objectives of professional development, networking, mentorship, community outreach and retention.”

In 2023, WITS was recognized by Samsung Electronics with their DEI Workforce Award and in 2019, the group was awarded the Corporate Stand Up for STEM Award by Million Women Mentors Texas.

Several WITS members have also received national recognition from the National Association of Manufacturing Women MAKE American awards.

“Employee resource groups are designed to promote and enhance a positive culture and achieve business priorities.  Our employees want to feel like they belong to something bigger,” says Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s vice president of Facilities Operations and Services Maintenance, Krista Von Arx. “Being able to find common ground with one another creates an ecosystem where employees want to overcome challenges together.”

Thank you to all the past and present WITS members for creating and supporting an ERG that has had a significant impact on our employees.