Fem.AI: Powering Women’s Pathways in Tech
A Cadence Giving Foundation signature initiative advancing equity through investment, innovation, and cross-sector partnership.
Image Credit: Cadence Design Systems
The Assignment
Cadence Design Systems aimed to elevate their tech social impact efforts by establishing a signature STEM initiative through the Cadence Giving Foundation (CGF). The goal was to focus investments and deepen impact, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion within the high-tech workforce.
The Context
Women remain underrepresented in STEM careers, particularly in high-tech fields such as semiconductors and electronic design. Cadence identified a “leaky pipeline” at three critical stages: completing higher education, accessing a first job, and retaining roles in the industry. The company wanted to design an initiative that not only supported women in STEM but also leveraged Cadence’s market leadership to drive systemic change and foster industry-wide equity and innovation.
Our Role & Process
Phase 1: Research & Alignment
Kicked off with the CGF Advisory Committee to align stakeholders and gather initial feedback
Reviewed historical documents and conducted internal stakeholder interviews
Researched the STEM equity landscape and career pathway initiatives in the semiconductor and electronic design sectors
Phase 2: Iteration & Concept Development
Presented landscape research, initiative proposals, and KPIs for feedback
Conducted surveys, workshops, and reviews with the Advisory Committee
Assessed opportunities for Cadence to provide unique value through nonprofit partnerships and product innovation
Phase 3: Approval & Launch Preparation
Supported multiple rounds of presentations to the CGF board for approval
Finalized program strategy, including nonprofit partner selection, grantmaking approach, and program KPIs
Developed supporting materials, including the Fem.AI website and outreach for cross-sector engagement
“Platypus worked with stakeholders across the business, brought in ecosystem knowledge and advice, and drove the process to get everything to a really solid place. Platypus was an incredible asset for me.”
-Nicole Johnson, Global Director of Social Impact, Cadence Design Systems
The Outcome
In late 2023, Cadence launched Fem.AI, a signature initiative under the CGF aimed at driving an inclusive and innovative high-tech workforce. Fem.AI focuses on supporting women across the three critical stages of STEM careers—higher education, first-job access, and career retention—through:
Investments in nonprofits and women-led ventures
Product innovation and integration with Cadence’s peer network
Industry convenings to foster cross-sector collaboration
Image Credit: Cadence Design SYstems
The Impact
Program Launch & Visibility: Fem.AI is live with a full program website and outreach to nonprofit partners.
Partnerships: Cadence identified seven nonprofit partners, including Last Mile Education Fund, Break Through Tech, Generation, and Fast Forward.
Funding Support: In 2023, $500,000 was granted to bolster nonprofit partners’ work in STEM equity.
Summit: The first Fem.AI summit is scheduled for Fall 2024, convening industry, academic, nonprofit, and gender equity leaders to identify innovative solutions for women in high-tech fields.