The Assignment
Cadence Design Systems was ready to take their tech social impact work to the next level, focusing their investment and deepening their impact with a signature STEM initiative for the Cadence Giving Foundation (CGF).

The Process

CGF Advisory Committee kickoff and meetings throughout
Industry and impact landscape reports, case study research
Iteration rounds, presenting initiative proposals and facilitating feedback
Presentations to CGF board for approval

The Outcome
Fem.AI launched in December 2023 and will leverage Cadence’s market leadership to drive an inclusive and innovative high-tech workforce. Through investment in nonprofits and women-led ventures, product innovation, and Cadence’s peer influence, Fem.AI will help bring women to the forefront in education, hiring, leadership, and innovation.

The Results

Partners: From our target list, 7 nonprofits including Last Mile Education Fund and Fast Forward
Nonprofit Support: $500,000 was given in 2023 to bolster partners’ work
Summit, Fall ‘24: Convening industry, academic, nonprofit, and gender equity leaders

“Platypus worked with stakeholders across the business, brought in ecosystem knowledge and advice, and drove the process to get everything to a really solid place. Platypus was an incredible asset for me.”

-Nicole Johnson, Global Director of Social Impact, Cadence

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SERVICES
Strategy
Program Management
Cross-Sector Partnership

FOCUS AREAS
Technology
DEIBJ
Corporate Philanthropy

Cadence: Building a Signature Impact Initiative for STEM