On October 31, 2024, 85 students from Burton High School participated in an inspiring Women in STEM Panel, organized with the help of Educator Audrey Portley-Bernstein. The panel featured nine accomplished women from various STEM fields: Siyuan Zhou, Senior Software Engineer at Google; Sajida Kaliyadan, Owner of Beacon Growth Insights; Melanie Richards, Global Supply Manager at Tesla; Media Sina, Senior Systems Design and Architecture Engineer at Tesla; Anna Podolskaya, Founder of The Passion AI; Sandy Li, Senior Software Engineer at Gusto; Audrey Howard, Senior Perceptual Assessment Engineer at Dolby; Samhitha Rama Prasad, Software Engineer II at BlackRock; and Deepanshi Sharma, Software Engineer at Pixar Animation Studios.
The Panelists shared their unique journeys into STEM careers, offering students candid insights into their challenges, successes, and motivations. They emphasized the importance of being authentic, adapting to change, and pursuing what feels right at different stages in life. The Panelists also highlighted the growing availability of mentors and resources to support women entering male-dominated fields, encouraging students to make their voices heard in STEM.
Students asked thoughtful and engaging questions, such as whether the panelists had always excelled in math and science, how they handle discomfort in male-dominated workplaces, and whether STEM careers are financially rewarding. Samhitha Rama Prasad reassured students that strong math skills aren’t a requirement for software engineering, emphasizing that coding is rooted in logical reasoning and accessible to anyone willing to learn. She also discussed the value of combining skills from different fields, such as art and engineering, to specialize in areas like UX/UI design.
The panelists encouraged students to dream big, explore their interests, and seek mentorship. Media Sina highlighted the creative possibilities within STEM, encouraging students to think outside the box when deciding their career paths. The panel concluded with advice to stay open to help and collaboration, as even the most successful engineers work as part of a team.
This event left students inspired, with many eager to explore STEM fields further. The Panelists’ encouragement to embrace challenges and dream boldly will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the next generation of women in STEM.
“The speakers at today’s event inspired me by sharing their unique stories and experiences in STEM. What stood out to me was how they pushed through challenges and lack of diversity to become influential figures in their companies. My favorite thing I learned was that if you’re good at two different things, even if not extraordinary at either, you’re a master of the combination. That perspective really stuck with me.”
9th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to consider a career in a male-dominated field. While I may not pursue engineering, I know many STEM fundamentals apply to any career. My favorite part was learning about Pixar, animations, and movies—my favorite! Hearing the volunteer’s background gave me inside information about the field.”
12th Grade IGNITE Student
“Hearing the different paths the panelists took to reach their careers reassured me that I don’t need to commit to just one major. My favorite thing I learned was how you can combine interests, like animation and engineering. I also loved hearing about the Tesla engineer who worked on the Cybertruck.”
12th Grade IGNITE Student
“Hearing how the panelists came from different backgrounds yet ended up in similar spaces was so inspiring. It showed me that, despite challenges, you can achieve great things. I also found it inspiring that some women pursued STEM careers to help their families. My favorite part was learning how different their educations and experiences were. I’d love to know more about their daily work and how they budget their earnings. Thank you all for coming!”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
73%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
61%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
66%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“It inspired me to chase my dreams and not be afraid to stand in front of men. I also feel more confident about doing what I love.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event showed me that not all STEM careers are about engineering—some involve art, like drawing. It also made me realize there aren’t as many women in STEM as I thought. My favorite part was hearing the panelists’ backstories and learning how they make a living in STEM.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event made me feel like I can do whatever I want. My favorite thing I learned was that STEM isn’t all about math and science.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Hearing the panelists’ stories about being minorities in their classes and facing challenges inspired me to pursue engineering and work toward increasing diversity in the field. I loved learning about the panelists’ jobs and what their daily lives are like. I’m so thankful they shared their experiences with us.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“Some panelists said they didn’t know they’d enjoy their field until they started working, which motivated me because I’m still unsure if STEM is for me. I also loved learning about the companies they work for and their day-to-day tasks.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to pursue a STEM career, like mechanical engineering, and work for companies like the ones we heard about. The panelists’ stories motivated me to push through challenges and use my knowledge to make a difference. My favorite part was hearing how the panelists came from diverse backgrounds and learning about their companies and their advice for tackling challenges. As a high school student about to enter college, their tips were so helpful!” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event gave me a new perspective on how things can still work out even if they don’t go as planned. The volunteers’ stories were inspiring because they each had unique experiences. I also loved Melody’s story—it reminded me of Emily in Paris! My favorite part was asking questions and hearing their feedback.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to pursue engineering and showed me a pathway to achieving that by joining this club. I also learned about women in STEAM and their journeys to becoming engineers.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by showing me different pathways women take to enter STEM. I also realized that STEM isn’t just about math. My favorite thing I learned was how you can combine interests like art or music with STEM careers.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me by showing how hard these women worked to achieve their goals and how many different fields exist in STEM. My favorite part was meeting people who worked on amazing projects and hearing about their hard work to reach their positions.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event taught me it’s okay to change careers and that STEM isn’t all science and numbers. My favorite part was learning that you can work in STEM at Pixar. I also loved how independent and ‘girl boss’ the panelists were!” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Their stories were so inspiring because they’ve accomplished so much as women in STEM. I especially loved hearing about the person who works on Pixar movies and how much coding is involved in animation.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s STEM event inspired me with its enthusiastic participants. Seeing young minds engage with technology and science sparked my curiosity. My favorite part was learning about advancements in renewable energy and eco-friendly solutions. Thank you to the volunteers for sharing your expertise!” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Siyuan Zhou
- Sajida Kaliyadan
- Melanie Richards
- Media Sina
- Anna Podolskaya
- Sandy Li
- Audrey Howard
- Samhitha Rama Prasad
- Deepanshi Sharma
- Audrey Portley-Bernstein
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.