TSMC Arizona is deepening its commitment to creating pathways to economic mobility and strengthening the Greater Phoenix workforce through a $20,000 grant to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. The grant will support the nonprofit’s work to help women access the education, training, career support and resources needed to pursue self-sufficiency and build stronger futures.
TSMC Arizona’s commitment also extends beyond the grant. As the company creates meaningful careers in the Valley, its relationship with Fresh Start is helping women seize the opportunity to enter and advance in one of the fastest growing industries in Arizona. For Jennifer De La Cruz, a Fresh Start woman who is now employed at TSMC Arizona, that connection helped turn a search for greater stability into a career with a future.
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Fresh Start knows that a career opportunity is most powerful when women also have the access, resources and support to pursue and sustain it. For more than 30 years, the organization has worked alongside women through individualized support in education and training, careers, financial management, family stability, and health and well-being.
“We are grateful to TSMC Arizona for seeing the potential in the women we serve and for investing in their futures,” said Kim McWaters, President and CEO of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. “This grant will help Fresh Start continue providing the support women need to pursue greater stability and economic self-sufficiency. Just as importantly, TSMC Arizona is creating real career opportunities in our community, and Jennifer’s story shows how those opportunities can change what is possible for a woman and her family.”
De La Cruz first connected with Fresh Start while seeking a more stable career path and higher earnings for herself and her family. With Fresh Start’s guidance and support, she completed the semiconductor training program and used additional Fresh Start services, including résumé support, financial coaching and mock interview preparation.
After learning about TSMC Arizona through a Fresh Start career fair, De La Cruz applied for and was accepted into the company’s apprenticeship program. She is now an equipment technician at TSMC Arizona.
De La Cruz is one of the Fresh Start women who are working at TSMC Arizona in both direct fab employee and employee contractor roles, illustrating how the relationship can continue creating impactful career pathways for more Valley women.
“Fresh Start’s mission aligns with TSMC Arizona’s commitment to help develop the workforce of tomorrow and build a healthy, inclusive community,” said Rose Castanares, President of TSMC Arizona. “We are pleased to continue our relationship through this grant and support work that helps women access the skills, confidence and opportunity to build a more secure future. We hope to see more women supported by Fresh Start build meaningful careers in the semiconductor industry.”
For more than 30 years, Fresh Start has supported more than 65,000 Arizona women navigating barriers to employment and economic mobility, including training and skills gaps, limited earning potential, workforce reentry, and domestic violence, empowering them with the skills, confidence and stability needed to achieve self-sufficiency. By meeting women where they are and providing access and resources tailored to their needs and goals, Fresh Start helps women build sustainable career pathways and use their strength to thrive.
To learn more, visit www.FreshStartWomen.org
