On October 8, 2024, students from Skyline High School attended an IGNITE Field Trip at Anaplan, diving into the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). Hosted by MaryAlice Colvin, the event featured a dynamic lineup of Panelists and workshop leaders. Students heard from Deb Kennedy, Vice President of Strategic Software Sales; Janice Lee, Director of Marketing Operations; Lisa Rico, Americas Field Marketing; and Saki Takasu, Chief of Staff to the Chief Commercial Officer, who shared insights on how Anaplan uses AI to innovate.
The day was packed with hands-on activities and inspiring discussions. The workshops began with Ashley Loo leading a Diversity in AI module, highlighting the need for inclusive approaches in tech. Katy McShane designed a Madlibs-style Language Learning Model activity that brought real-world AI applications to life, while Jenifer Salzwedel’s interactive NLP session took students through stemming and lemmatization with a colorful brainstorming exercise. In the city-view library, Greg Nishihira conducted a lively whiteboarding session on machine learning, helping students understand AI’s potential in shaping our world.
“My favorite thing I learned today was about the different opportunities and all the fields of jobs out there. I also learned that not everything is a straight path and that there are many different ways you can get into something.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Learning more about these kinds of companies and the diverse opportunities they offer inspired me not to stress over the little things. My favorite thing I learned was about AI and how much society uses it. The small group discussions were very engaging, and I liked everyone who was there. Thank you to the volunteers!”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing I learned is hearing about everyone’s experiences at work, especially the details they shared.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
100%
INTERESTED IN STEM
85%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
70%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
85%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“It showed me that you can do anything you really want to do, and no one should tell you what you can and can’t do. Always try, even if you don’t think you’ll get it or get in—whatever it is—you never know what might happen.”
– 11th Grade IGNITE Student“I learned about everyone’s experiences, which helped me understand what jobs are like after college.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Deb Kennedy
- Janice Lee
- Lisa Rico
- Saki Takasu
- MaryAlice Colvin
- Ashley Loo
- Greg Nishihira
- Jenifer Salzwedel
- Katy McShane
- Viji Doraiswamy
- Brenda Garcia
- Hannah Rosebrook
- Flora Tseng
- Caitlyn Rusley
- Anthony Trivetti-Salvat
- Erica Fisher
- Ayo Akatugba
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 igniteworldwide.org.