The Executive Accelerator Program is a year-long educational initiative aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of senior leaders in the semiconductor industry to empower them to excel at the highest levels. The program consists of monthly business modules designed to address critical topics such as Financial Literacy, Leadership Skills, Market Trends Analysis, Personal and Career Development, Strategy and Strategic Planning.
Through expert-led sessions, peer collaboration, and real-world case studies, participants will build the leadership competencies required to succeed in executive and C-suite roles.
Purpose
The Executive Accelerator Program is designed to unlock and elevate the untapped potential within the semiconductor industry by fostering professional growth and leadership excellence. By empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities to thrive, we aim to create a highly cohesive, collaborative and skilled workforce that strengthens and drives innovation across the entire semiconductor ecosystem for years to come.
Criteria
Experience: 15+ years of industry experience, operating at a senior level and preparing for executive or C-suite transition.
Leadership Trajectory: Strong potential for executive or C-suite advancement, positioned for high-level organizational impact and industry-wide visibility.
Commitment & Engagement: Fully committed to continuous learning, professional growth, active peer mentorship, meeting attendance requirements – including mandatory in-person milestones and virtual sessions.
Professional Focus: Senior member of a semiconductor hardware engineering, manufacturing, systems, or related technical organization (including design, supply chain, product engineering, architecture, and hardware-software integration).
Management Role: Both People Managers and high-performing Individual Contributors / senior technical leaders are eligible. Candidates should demonstrate strategic leadership potential and broad organizational influence, regardless of direct reports.
In-person sessions, monthly virtual sessions, interactive learning, and networking opportunities.
Date
Module
Content
Instructors
Spring 2027
Leadership Development
Content
Intro to Financial Analysis
Advanced Financial Analysis
Semiconductor-Specific Financial
Instructors
Intermittent
Career Development
–
Content
Advancing Your Career
What it Takes to be in the C-Suite
Joining a Board
Fall 2027
Financial Literacy
–
Content
Secure Base Leadership
Healthy Conflict Resolution
Transform Your Culture with Radical Candor
Find, Own and Love Your Voice
Spring 2028
Strategy
–
Content
Strategic Planning
Global Strategy
The GSA Executive Acceleration Program was transformative for me. It helped me gain clarity on what I needed to focus on, achieve, become comfortable with, and intentionally drive toward to prepare for my next career step.
More importantly, it gave me opportunities to learn, practice, and demonstrate capabilities that I would not have had access to otherwise. Those experiences stretched me beyond my comfort zone and, in the process, strengthened my confidence in myself as a leader.
I walked away not only more prepared for what was next, but believing more strongly that I was ready for it.
Danielle ShownPromoted to VP Silicon Cloud Hardware & Infrastructure Engineering Group, AI SW Platforms, Scalability, and EDA, Microsoft
My favorite part about the program to date is the engagement with the C-suite executives (CEO + various CFO’s) from leading semiconductor companies. Their enthusiasm to share with us, see us develop, and succeed is both humbling and inspirational.
Sarah McGowanSenior Director for Design Technology Enablement, GlobalFoundries
GSA’s Women’s Leadership Initiative has been an inspiring experience, uniting ambitious women and semiconductor executives committed to shaping future leaders. The combination of financial training and executive-focused sessions has provided valuable insights while highlighting the unique impact our group can have on driving industry growth.
Leslie AverbeckDirector of Quality, Cisco
Participating in the GSA program has been an incredible journey, providing me with access to dynamic industry leaders who have shared invaluable lessons from their distinguished career. This experience has truly broadened my horizons and inspired me to continue learning and growing in my journey.
Ying DuChief of Staff to the CEO, Micron Technology
Honored to be part of the inaugural WLI Executive Accelerator Program, alongside an inspiring cohort of women leaders. Highlights so far include candid insights from Collette Kress (NVIDIA) and Jean Hu (AMD), and a deep dive into financial analysis that’s already sharpened my strategic lens. Excited for what’s ahead, especially sessions with McKinsey on market trends and strategy.
CHCynthia HsuChief of Staff to the CTO, Sandisk
The curriculum and instructor/speakers for the Executive Accelerator Program are top notch. The opportunity to participate in the program and connect with a group of wonderful women leaders in the semiconductor industry is invaluable.
Wenmei LiDeputy Director of Field Technical Solutions, TSMC North America
It has been an extraordinary privilege to be part of this vibrant cohort of the EAP program, forging lifelong connections with fellow participants. A heartfelt thanks to Elizabeth for curating an exceptional lineup of speakers and delivering such a flawlessly executed program. This journey has been filled with invaluable lessons and insights to take away. Sylvia Acevedo stands as a true beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance and grace in breaking barriers.
Tripti BhantiSenior Program Manager, TSMC North America
I appreciate the “GSA Executive Accelerates Program” for its ability to brings together forward-thinker and inspiring leaders who generously share their knowledge to support professional growth. The program is well-organized and create a well-designed framework that empowers participants to excel. This experience has inspired me to embrace new perspectives, challenge conventional thinking and continuously evolve as a leader at my workplace.
Cherry OiSales Director, ASE, Inc.
Grateful to the visionaries behind the GSA WLI program—a truly unique initiative that brings fresh perspectives to the business and semiconductor industries by empowering women in the C-suite. One of the most inspiring aspects of the program has been the opportunity to connect with some of the most dedicated and influential women leaders in our field.
Mamta BansalSenior Director of Engineering, Arm
It is inspiring to meet a team of great female leaders and technologists.
Hao JiVice President of R&D, Cadence
I am so honored to be part of this program with this cohort! Having the opportunity to speak to and learn from some of the greatest leaders in the industry while simultaneously building a network, skillset, and perspective that is greater than where I can reach on my own is invaluable!
PFPam FultonSenior Principal Engineer in the Intel Foundry Services Package and Test Business Group, Intel
GSA Executive Accelerator Program provides invaluable executive education opportunities that transcend beyond the traditional technical roles. This provides an elevated perspective, that proverbial perch, to enable line-of-sight connection between our everyday work and technology to business value and strategy.
Manisha GambhirSenior Director and Technology Architect, Marvell Semiconductor
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any location requirements for EAP candidate nominations?
Yes. Candidates should be positioned to fully engage with the program’s hybrid format, including traveling to the in-person kickoff and milestone sessions.
Where will the in-person events take place?
In-person program events—such as the cohort kickoffs, sponsor-hosted sessions, executive image styling, and NYSE Media Days—take place primarily in the Silicon Valley, California area. Specific venue details are shared directly with enrolled participants and corporate sponsors ahead of each module.
Is in-person attendance required?
Yes. Participants are required to attend 5 to 7 in-person events, which must include 3 mandatory milestones:
Program Kickoff: April 13–15, 2027
Fall Kickoff: September 14–15, 2027
Graduation: March 2028
Additionally, participants must complete 10 to 14 virtual events (with cameras on). Meeting these attendance thresholds is essential for graduation, building peer advisory relationships, and maximizing the executive mentoring experience.
Does the candidate need to be a people manager?
No. High-performing individual contributors, senior technical leaders, and program managers are strongly encouraged to participate. Current people-management responsibility is not a strict requirement; candidates should demonstrate leadership potential, technical depth, and broad organizational influence regardless of direct reporting responsibilities.
What level of employee should be nominated?
Ideal candidates typically have 15+ years experience in various senior-level technical roles within their semiconductor or adjacent organization.
How many years of experience should a candidate have?
The EAP is designed for experienced mid-career to senior professionals with approximately 15+ years of industry experience who are actively preparing for their next major leadership transition.
Is the EAP intended for early-career professionals?
No. The EAP is specifically curated for experienced professionals who have already established deep technical or operational expertise and are seeking to expand their executive leadership impact and visibility.
Should candidates already be C-suite executives?
No. The EAP is intended for high-potential leaders preparing for broader executive responsibilities. It is generally not targeted toward executives who are already operating at the C-suite level (such as sitting CFOs or CEOs, who frequently join our program as guest speakers and fireside chat leaders rather than participants).
Do candidates need to work specifically in semiconductor or hardware engineering?
Candidates should work in hardware, semiconductors, or closely related technical fields—including semiconductor design, manufacturing, supply chain, product engineering, systems engineering, hardware-software integration, architecture, technical program management, and adjacent disciplines within the tech ecosystem.
Can a company nominate someone who recently moved into a senior leadership role?
Yes. Candidates do not need to already hold executive positions. In fact, the program is specifically designed to support and accelerate leaders who have stepped into or are preparing for increased organizational influence and broader leadership responsibilities.
Can our organization nominate more than one candidate for a cohort?
To ensure balanced representation across our partner ecosystem, companies are initially limited to one primary nominee per cohort. However, if you would like to put forward an additional candidate, we are happy to add them to our priority waitlist. Once all GSA WLI sponsors have exercised their first right of refusal, any remaining open spots will be gladly allocated to second candidates in the order waitlisted.
