On May 28, 2024, IGNITE Worldwide hosted a Show-and-Tell Panel Event at Jennie Reed Elementary School. The event brought together 40 students from grades 4-5 to meet professionals from various STEM fields. The Panelists included Vanessa Cuanan, IT Specialist at Herrera Environmental Consultants, Ashley Schutt, Director of Baseball Operations and Merchandise at Cheney Stadium, and Kira Premack, VFX Artist at IIIFonic.
The day kicked off with introductions from the three accomplished Panelists, who each shared a bit about their journey and current roles. The floor was then opened for a lively student-centered Q&A session after the introductions. The students came prepared with a range of thoughtful questions, showing their curiosity about future STEM careers and the challenges the Panelists overcame in their industries.
One common theme in the questions was how to prepare for a STEM career. Students wanted to know which classes would best set them up for success and how to stay motivated, especially when faced with adversity. The Panelists offered valuable advice, encouraging the students to pursue their passions and to keep learning, even when the going gets tough. This message of resilience and continuous learning resonated with the students.
Cuanan shared her experiences as someone from a minority background in the workplace, addressing questions about harassment and exclusion. Her candid responses about maintaining confidence in uncomfortable situations and figuring out a career path were particularly impactful.
The event was not just informative but also inspirational. The students left with a greater sense of possibility, seeing real-life examples of successful women in STEM who looked like them and had overcome similar obstacles. After the event, one Panelist noted the mutual benefit of the panel, expressing how it was helpful to discuss shared struggles in a male-dominated industry with fellow women professionals. Educator Danielle Martinez also shared how crucial it was for her students to hear the Panelists’ stories, reinforcing that they can achieve their career goals by persevering and continuing to explore their interests.
Thank you to Panelists Vanessa Cuanan, Ashley Schutt, and Kira Premack for sharing their personal and professional journeys with IGNITE Students. Additional thanks to the event’s Alternate Panelist Meaghan McClure for being prepared to share her story with students if needed. Lastly, a special thanks to Educator Danielle Martinez for the dedication to encouraging students and empowering them through the IGNITE Program.
After attending this event:
79%
of students are interested in STEM
72%
of students know more about STEM career choices and the benefits of working in a STEM field
73%
of students feel more confident in pursuing STEM
79%
of students gained perspective and feel more hopeful about the future
Here’s what the students thought of the event:
“Today showed me there is room for me in places.” – 4th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to learn more about STEM.” – 4th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me to follow my dreams and don’t let anyone bring me down.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today showed me that so many people made it, and I can do it too.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This inspired me to follow my dreams and not give up when it gets hard. I liked learning about STEM and the amazing women.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me because it changed the way I think. The volunteers work on things I was interested in.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event allowed me to learn more about STEM. I liked that the volunteers have confidence while being one of the only women where they work. They answered every question and left nobody out. Thank you for coming!” – 4th 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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