Mission Statement
VISION: Developing a pipeline of new talent entering the electronics industry.
MISSION: The IPC Education Foundation creates AWARENESS of the careers the electronics manufacturing industry has to offer and promote opportunities to students in high school and technical college/university by providing them ACCESS to knowledge and content and CONNECTIONS with people and companies.
Our Team
Charlene Gunter du Plessis
Senior Director of IPC Education Foundation
Charlene joined IPC in November 2018 as Director Strategic Partnerships and Programs and transitioned into the leadership role of the Foundation in December 2019. Charlene brings nearly 20 years of experience in non-profit and membership-driven organizations, with a focus on program development and operational growth. She has a proven track record in strategic partnerships, fundraising, sponsorships, event management, and marketing that align with organizational missions and outcomes. Charlene excels at forging connections across the academic landscape—partnering with high schools, community colleges, and universities—to create a robust pipeline of emerging talent for the electronics industry. As the Senior Director of IPC Education Foundation initiatives, she promotes awareness and engagement, fostering student interest in industry careers through the IPC Students Chapter network, scholarships and awards programs, and valuable industry connections. She stewards partnerships with industry donors and sponsors to invest in the future workforce.
Charlene has obtained the following qualifications: an MPhil in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (2012), along with degrees in Professional and Technical Writing (2006) and Journalism (2005) from the University of Pretoria, and post-graduate certificates in Executive and Performance Leadership (Cornell University, 2020), and Advanced Business Communication (UNISA, 2008).
In her spare time, she explores the world and travels with her husband and their family members. She has been to 27 U.S. States and has visited 29 countries. She enjoys cooking, photography, and interior design.
Gentry Manning
Marketing Manager for IPC Education Foundation
Gentry joined IPC in October 2018 as a contractor to help build the IPC Education Foundation website. She has now joined IPC full time as marketing manager. Gentry is responsible for the website, marketing, and events for all IPC Education Foundation efforts. Gentry manages all platforms relating to the brand/image of the Foundation.
Gentry graduated from Utah State University in 2018 with a degree in English/Technical Communication. She worked as a freelance website manager for 3 years before joining IPC full time in 2021.
In her spare time, Gentry loves to travel and explore new places with her husband and 2 daughters! Gentry lives by the motto, "try everything once!" She has been skydiving in Tennessee, hiking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, ziplining in Guatemala, shark diving in South Africa, sandboarding in Dubai, canyoneering in Costa Rica, and many more once in a lifetime experiences!
Partner and Sponsor Benefits:
- Acknowledgement opportunities through various platforms, including website presence, blog posts and social media outreach
- Branding and content exposure through workshops and webinars
- Named scholarships and awards equipping students for the industry
- Sponsoring an IPC Student Chapter to enhance your talent pipeline needs
- Involvement and presence at IPC specific events, receptions & competitions
Interested in Becoming a Partner/Sponsor?
Fill out the form below for more information and to begin the process of becoming an IPC Education Foundation Partner!
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