Her Story
About Latha
Latha Rao serves as Director of AI Systems and Solutions at Intel, a role she has held since 2019, with over 21 years of experience in the semiconductors industry. In this position, she manages developer tools and systems while adopting AI for developer workflows in semiconductor processes. She earned her bachelor's degree in electrical and communication engineering from India, followed by a master's from Portland State University and specialized training in digital AI analytics and data management from Kellogg's at Northwestern University. Rao's notable achievements include developing AI experiences for client platforms and delivering industry-first products in wireless and IoT spaces. She is a recipient of the Intel Achievement Award and Intel Quality Excellence Awards in 2016 and 2019. Additionally, she is a member of IEEE Women in Engineering and participates in volunteering activities such as robotics, LEGO Leagues, and assisted healthcare for the elderly. Rao attributes her success to her mentors, sponsors, and personal grit, and advises keeping working as results will follow. She encourages young women to seize opportunities and prove themselves in the field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Latha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think all my mentors, sponsors, and my personal grit to do the best in the semiconductor space.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Keep working, results will follow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The world is tough there, but there's also support if you need, so I would advise every women to just hop on the opportunity you get, and just prove yourself, and you don't know where you'll end up, finally so take on the opportunity and don't be afraid of it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The semiconductor space is continuously evolving. The number of challenges out there that we need to solve is still there, especially with AI coming in. It's speeding up, improving productivity, but there are multiple things like how can we improve ourselves on everything from satellite communication to preserving climate conditions to global requirements in agriculture, water or pollution. It's the space where you can really advance in your technology to cater to the entire world.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Primarily degree and risk-taking while result-only orientation follows that. For me, it's all about doing the best, giving the best when there are challenges, and face them right on, and don't wait for the results. The results will follow once you put your heart to it.
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