On June 12, 2024, nineteen IGNITE Students from public primary schools in Kąty Wrocławskie and Bukowina Sycowska, participated in an IGNITE Event featuring Gosia Rios, a Strategic Customer Success Manager and a member of Polish Professional Women of Silicon Valley.
Rios shared her journey from a small village near Wroclaw to becoming a successful professional in Silicon Valley. As a young girl, she was very active and curious, often helping her mother, a hairdresser, with her business. Motivated by her parents to seek a better life, Gosia attended courses and continuously learned new things. She chose an alternative high school that emphasized practical life skills and participated in drama classes, which helped her become more outgoing.
After high school, Gosia studied economics and worked as an au pair in the United States during her holidays. After earning her Master’s degree in management and marketing, she returned to the U.S. with a friend, driven by her passion for travel and new technologies. There, she decided to study e-commerce.
Despite facing challenges such as being alone in a foreign country, Gosia found support in the Polish community and landed her first job in the telecommunication sector, managing an application for recruiting new employees. After an unexpected job loss, she quickly found a new position in a technology company, where she excelled in managing client success with IT applications.
Rios shared her motto, “She believed she could, so she did,” encouraging the students to be reliable, courageous, curious, and open to new knowledge. She stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with positive friends and people who wish you well.
Thank you to Gosia Rios for sharing her inspiring story and insights with IGNITE Students. Special thanks to Educators Monika Małecka, Agnieszka Krasicka, and Małgorzata Baszczuk for coordinating and encouraging the students, and a heartfelt thanks to Cathi Rodgveller for her constant support.
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
83%
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:
“This event inspired me to be more confident and believe in my dreams and not be afraid of change. Thank you very much the event was great–the volunteer was very positive and she tells interesting stories.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“After today, I feel more confident when I think about my future. You are very brave woman.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“The event inspired me to self-educate. I intend not to be afraid to develop and I was inspired to ask questions.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me to not be afraid to go to other countries and do what you love and not be afraid of challenges. You are one of the best women I’ve ever met, I’m glad we were able to connect. I was very touched by how surprised and I think touched you were that so many of us were connected it was very sweet.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Thank you for showing us that’s it’s worth to do things which you like. Thank you for a wonderful event. The meeting inspired me to believe in myself.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
About IGNITE Program Events:
Virtual or In-Person IGNITE Program Events 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.