On April 23, 2024, students from Cabrillo High School participated in the IGNITE Virtual Mini-Panel event. This event, hosted virtually, featured STEM professionals from Microsoft, Bishop Fox, Amazon, and Seattle Children’s. It marked the first IGNITE Program Event for the Lompoc Unified School District, creating an exciting opportunity for students to engage with and learn from industry experts.
The event kicked off with an engaging session led by Facilitator Kipperon Morrow, Sr. Technical Program Manager at Amazon. Students were introduced to Panelists Sowmya Keshavaiah, Senior Data Analyst at Microsoft, and Christie Terrill, Chief Information Security Officer at Bishop Fox. Rebekah Luce, Project Manager & Executive Assistant at Seattle Children’s, and Bianca Luna-Acosta, Security Consultant at Bishop Fox, provided technical support and ensured the event ran smoothly.
Throughout the event, students asked interesting questions, exploring what makes STEM careers fulfilling and the rewarding aspects of working in technology. They were curious about the Panelists’ journeys into tech, the significant projects they undertook, and the educational pathways that led to their careers. The Panelists offered candid advice, emphasizing the importance of bravery, learning from mistakes, and embracing challenges.
One highlight was the relatable and authentic stories shared by the Panelists, which resonated with the students. Educator Melanie Honeycutt noted the value of having Panelists who were not only knowledgeable but also approachable and candid so the students could connect with them. The students were particularly excited by the Panelists’ enthusiasm and the tangible rewards of their careers, which added a fun and motivational element to the discussion and the event overall.
A big thank you to our incredible Panelists, Sowmya Keshavaiah and Christie Terrill, for sharing their expertise and inspiring our students. Thanks to our Facilitator, Kipperon Morrow, for guiding the discussion so effectively. Our gratitude also goes to our Tech Hosts, Rebekah Luce and Bianca Luna-Acosta, for ensuring the event ran smoothly. Finally, a big thank you to Educator Melanie Honeycutt, whose support for her students through the IGNITE Program made this event possible.
After attending this event:
100%
of students are interested in STEM
85%
of students know more about STEM career choices and the benefits of working in a STEM field
65%
of students feel more confident in pursuing STEM
75%
of students gained perspective and feel more hopeful about the future
Here’s what the students thought of the event:
“It was fun. I liked seeing women who’ve built the world around them in such a short amount of time. My favorite part was learning that you don’t have to take specific classes to get the job you want.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was really nice being able to meet people, especially women, who have careers in this field. I liked hearing that most people didn’t know they would be interested in this field.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“The speakers encouraged me to try and pursue a career in STEM. They made me feel comfortable facing challenges because they’ve all been through it as well. My favorite part was learning about the speakers’ day-to-day lives in their careers. It gave me a better idea of what STEM jobs are like.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event was inspirational because I learned about the various roles in STEM across different jobs. I now want to pursue my career goal even more because my interests are involved in STEM. My favorite thing I learned today was about the opportunities STEM careers can offer, even if you major in a different subject. I thank the guest speakers for sharing their experiences.” – 11th 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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