New Hire Aims to Build Stronger Relationships with Local Communities
HEMLOCK, Mich. ― Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC), the country’s largest manufacturer of hyper-pure polysilicon used in solar panels and semiconductors, has named Raquel Ledesma as its Diversity & Community Liaison.
Ledesma, 34, has worked in leadership and education for over a decade. In her new role, she will partner with local organizations to build stronger relations between HSC and communities in the Great Lakes Bay Region. She also will look for opportunities for more HSC employees to volunteer and give back to the community, supporting the company’s vision to be a family-friendly, community-oriented high-tech employer whose employees and products have a positive effect on the world.
A former member of the Saginaw Valley State University Alumni Board of Directors, Ledesma chairs the university’s Latino Alumni Chapter and works with the alumni office as an advocate for diversity opportunities. In her new role, Ledesma will lead development of HSC’s strategy and goals to further a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture at HSC.
“My grandparents were Mexican-American migrant workers and worked the land in this area. Because of this upbringing, I have always been proud to be Latina and not afraid to hold back who I am with others,” she said. “I am excited to be part of HSC’s strategic goal to create a diverse and inclusive organization that is committed to hiring those with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We want to celebrate each employee’s unique differences and make sure everyone is included and treated with equity.”
A resident of Saginaw Township where she lives with her partner Federico Perez and 10-year-old son, Ledesma came to HSC from Central Michigan University (CMU), where she coordinated College Day, provided support to first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students and was a fixed-term faculty member. She heads the PTO at her son’s school and likes to take walks with her son and the family dog.
“The life experiences and depth of knowledge that Raquel brings makes her the perfect person to lead our efforts to ensure HSC is a welcoming place to work for all people,” said Mark Bassett, company chairman and CEO. “We know she will work to strengthen our relationships with our community partners and to continue to make HSC not only one of the largest employers in the Great Lakes Bay Region, but also one of the most involved with our neighbors and local communities.”
Before CMU, Ledesma was associate director of support services and held other roles with Youth for Understanding USA, a U.S.-based organization that promotes international youth exchanges. Working with programs in 60 different countries, Ledesma gained the ability to work with many populations and to solve problems. She also has been a program development director with Boys & Girls Club of Saginaw and is passionate about bettering the community and empowering others. She wants HSC employees to feel that “we’re a family.”
Ledesma holds an associate degree in Advanced Youth Services from Delta College and two degrees from Saginaw Valley State University: A bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature, sociology and political science and a master’s degree in administrative science. She’s working toward a Doctor of Education degree at CMU, exploring the sense of belonging in micro-environments.
“I’ve always been in school, always learning,” she said. “Diversity, equity and inclusion has always been near and dear to my heart. I know this work is important and I want to be part of the change in our company and community. Employees at HSC are ready to have the conversations, roll up their sleeves and make it a great place for all to work.”
A headshot of Ledesma is available here.
About Hemlock Semiconductor
Hemlock Semiconductor Operations (HSC) is a joint venture between DowDuPont, Corning Incorporated and Shin-Etsu Handotai. HSC is a leading provider of ultra-pure polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, solar cells and modules. HSC began operations in 1961. To find out more, go to hscpoly.com.
Media Contact:
Brooke Beebe
Vice President of External Affairs
Hemlock Semiconductor
+1 989 301 5521
brooke.beebe@hscpoly.com