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Newsmakers of the Week JANUARY 24, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

established under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 to strengthen U.S. lead-
ership in semiconductor technology and innovation.
As a member of the NSTC Workforce Advisory Board, Raghunathan
will provide strategic input on national and regional workforce development
initiatives to the NSTC’s newly established Workforce Center of Excellence
(WCoE). The board’s mission is to ensure that WCoE programs remain em-
ployer-driven, worker-centered and aligned with real-time industry needs.
Natcast, the nonprofit entity designated by the U.S. Department of Com-
merce to operate the NSTC, announced the new board on Thursday (Jan. 2).
On the occasion, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said, “These
impressive leaders have the experience and track record necessary to advise
the WCoE and hold it to the highest standards and will be critical to moving
these efforts forward.”
Raghunathan is one of only four representatives from major universities
selected to join the 18-member board and will serve as a key voice in national
efforts to build and strengthen the semiconductor talent pipeline. This ap-
pointment underscores Purdue’s national leadership in semiconductor edu-
who have dedicated their lives to service, while the Six Core Principles Awards cation and workforce development.
spotlight young international humanitarians. “Human talent is perhaps the most critical element of the semiconductor
This year’s Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards also celebrated other
outstanding individuals for their contributions to youth empowerment and so- supply chain. Scaling the workforce is essential to sustaining innovation and
driving economic growth in this pivotal industry,” Raghunathan said. “Thanks
cial change. NBA Hall of Famer, Shaquille O’Neal, received the Muhammad to Purdue President Mung Chiang’s vision and persistence, and the sustained
Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award, while Grammy-Award-winning music efforts of our exceptional faculty and staff, Purdue is a leader in addressing
producer, Nile Rodgers, was honored with the Global Citizenship Award. this national and industrywide challenge. Being part of the NSTC Workforce
Public interest attorney, Bryan Stevenson, received the Lifetime Achievement Advisory Board is an extraordinary opportunity, and I look forward to collab-
Award, and award-winning journalist Dawne Gee was recognized as the Ken- orating with NSTC leadership and my accomplished fellow board members to
tucky Humanitarian. shape national strategies for creating a robust semiconductor talent pipeline.”
The event celebrated Richa Gupta alongside other young changemakers,
To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and
including Deja Foxx, Sophia Kianni, Shah Chowdhury and Mohammad Yasir, follow our website www.theindianeye.com
Lianna Genovese, and Charlot Magayi, who are all committed to enacting
sustainable and positive change, globally. Together, these young leaders exem-
plify the values and vision of ‘The Greatest’, Muhammad Ali, continuing his To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
legacy of service, justice, and empowerment. our website www.TheIndianEYE.com
Richa accepted the award on behalf of Labhya, a nonprofit that integrates
well-being programs into India’s public education system, deeply impacting
the well-being and mental health of millions of vulnerable children.

VIJAY RAGHUNATHAN

Professor appointed to US

Workforce Advisory Board

ijay Raghunathan, Purdue’s vice president for global partnerships and
programs, director of semiconductor education, and a professor in the
VElmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has
been appointed as an inaugural member of the Workforce Advisory Board
for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). The NSTC was

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