On March 15, 2024, Nautilus K-8 in Federal Way, WA welcomed STEM industry professionals for an in-person IGNITE Panel Event. The event’s featured Panelists included Jaclyn Button, Mechanical Engineer at BCE Engineers, Fawn Sanchez, Principal Learning Business Partner at Amazon, and Brittany Feldman, Test Engineer at Stoke Space. These professionals brought a blend of experiences to inspire the 35 5th-grade students in attendance.
The event provided an invaluable opportunity to learn about many facets of the world of STEM careers through firsthand accounts and interactive discussions. The students soaked in stories shared by the Panelists, and in return asked insightful questions. They inquired about career choices, college expenses, interview challenges, and experiences with discrimination and sexism. Jaclyn, Fawn, and Brittany encouraged the students to stay confident, explore diverse opportunities, and support each other as girls venturing into STEM fields.
The Panelists’ willingness to engage with the students, even signing the swag given to the students upon request, added a personal touch and seemed to leave a lasting impression. Reflecting on the event, it was evident that the students left with a renewed sense of possibility and determination, fueled by the advice and encouragement imparted by the Panelists.
Thank you to our dedicated Panelists, Jaclyn Button, Fawn Sanchez, and Brittany Feldman, your willingness to share your experiences and insights with the students left an indelible impact. A special appreciation also goes to Educator Ashley Richards for her invaluable role in this event and for fostering an environment where IGNITE Students are encouraged to pursue STEM.
After attending this event:
79%
of students are interested in STEM
79%
of students know more about STEM career choices and the benefits of working in a STEM field
82%
of students feel more confident in pursuing STEM
82%
of students gained perspective and feel more hopeful about the future
Here’s what the students thought of the event:
“This event inspired me by boosting up my future and my confidence.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me by helping me feel better about working with NASA. Girl power!” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me because all women are capable of anything.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to do more science and to build things.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by making me feel more excited about my future. It also inspired me to consider STEM for my career. I liked meeting the women. I liked learning about them and their careers.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me that women can do many things. I liked the variety of questions and the experiences.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me to not back down and get a STEM job.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me not to give up. I liked learning about the STEM jobs.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event helped me feel comfortable in what I want to do.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me feel more comfortable in what I want to do. I liked hearing the stories.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me feel better. I liked that it was all women and inspiring.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me by showing me that women too can have good jobs and are successful. I liked getting to know successful, smart, and nice women!” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me by showing me women who do ‘men’s’ jobs. It also inspired me by being relatable because of the stories.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event showed me women matter. It was amazing.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It showed me women can do cool stuff. I liked asking questions.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This inspired me to do what I want to do and to not let people tell me what to do!” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Girls can do anything. It was interesting and eating pizza and hanging out with friends was fun.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event helped me feel comfortable to do the job I want to do and to not listen to the boys.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
About IGNITE Program Panel Events:
Virtual or In-Person IGNITE Panels empower women in STEM careers to connect directly with students by sharing their academic and professional journeys. IGNITE Students are inspired by hearing stories they can relate to, and Q&A discussions help break down stereotypes that hold them back from engaging in STEM classes and careers.
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at www.igniteworldwide.org.
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