HSRU’s Azuri L. Gonzalez Appointed to NSTC Workforce Advisory Board to Strengthen U.S. Semiconductor Workforce
The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) has announced the launch of its inaugural Workforce Advisory Board (WFAB)  to help shape strategies for developing the U.S. semiconductor workforce. The board, which includes leaders from higher education, industry, workforce development organizations,and federal agencies, will provide critical input to the Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE) in addressing workforce gaps in the semiconductor industry.
‍
The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities has named Azuri Gonzalez, Ed.D., as the organization’s new Executive Director. She will begin her new role on Oct. 1,2022. Prior to her role with HSRU, Gonzalez served as director of the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) and as interim director of the Center forFaculty Leadership and Development at The University of Texas at El Paso.
Dr. Azuri L. Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) and U.T. System Board of Regents Endowed Distinguished Director at the Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success, has been appointed to the Workforce Advisory Board (WFAB). In this role, she will collaborate with other members to ensure that workforce development strategies meet employer needs while fostering greater access to opportunities in the semiconductor sector.

The semiconductor industry, a multi-billion-dollar driver of technological innovation, faces significant workforce challenges. Semiconductors power many aspects of modern life, from smartphones and computers to automobiles and medical devices. The NSTC, designated by the U.S.Department of Commerce to lead the nation's semiconductor innovation ecosystem,established the WFAB as part of a broader effort to ensure a skilled and diverse workforce for the future.

As Executive Director of HSRU, Gonzalez leads initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Hispanic students pursuing research, technical,scientific, and professoriate careers. Her expertise in higher education leadership and workforce development will be instrumental in shaping employer-driven, worker-centered strategies that support the industry’s long-term success.

HSRU has also been actively involved in initiatives to expand research and technical training opportunities for Hispanic students. Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Alliance is co-leading the Hispanic Serving Research Institutions Research and STEM Education (HSI-RSE) project, a $9.3 million initiative designed to increase the number of Hispanic doctoral graduates in technical fields, advance defense-related research, and mentor undergraduates pursuing STEM graduate degrees.
‍
To learn more about HSRU’s efforts to strengthen pathways for Hispanic students in research and STEM, visit HSRU Alliance.
Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities