Free to be: A game-changer

Published: 11/07/2021

Laura Franco French, director of state government relations, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)

I’m Laura Franco French and I’m originally from Phoenix, Arizona. I’m currently the Director of State Government Relations with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). 

Prior to being hired at TSMC, I worked in the Mayor’s office as a member of the team that worked with the city, GPEC and the state to recruit TSMC – showing them why they should select Greater Phoenix as the location to expand their international footprint. When you stop to consider that semiconductors are in everything that we rely on; from healthcare technology advancements, to 5G and smartphones, to an endless number of things we haven’t even heard of, it really is such an exciting industry to be in. Combine that with TSMC’s game-changing investment here in the valley, made it impossible for me to resist becoming a part of their team. 

“This job allows me to utilize my background in community development, economic development, international relations and government relations. And the best part is that it’s right here in Greater Phoenix.”

Photo credit: TSMC

As I think about the impact a company like TSMC will have on the region, I’m reminded of a very important lesson we learned the hard way during the pandemic – the importance of a reliable supply chain. With TSMC bringing their leading-edge technology onto U.S. soil, we will have the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility right at our fingertips.

TSMC’s investment also brings with it a diversity of international supplier companies from around the world. Additionally, many engineers and their families from Taiwan will be moving to the region, adding to the diverse richness we already enjoy here. This will also be an exciting opportunity for schools to have an influx of native mandarin speakers and will allow for the universities to be able to attract more international students. 

As a native Phoenician, it’s been really fun to watch the growth of so many industries as well as our vibrant lifestyle amenities. On the weekends you can often find me exploring one of our renowned hiking spots or sampling some of our locally produced wines at beautiful vineyards, like Page Springs Cellars just outside of Sedona. Greater Phoenix really offers us that work/life balance of having top-industry companies like TSMC to work for, while also providing an abundance of outdoor activities, as well as arts and culture options to enjoy in your off-time. 

                               

Read more stories like Laura’s in our FY21 Annual Report 

 

We launched the #AZFreeToBe campaign in FY21 to encapsulate the opportunities Greater Phoenix presents to individuals and businesses. Here, companies are free to scale and thrive. Here, everyone is free to carve their own paths. Free to be you.