IGNITE Worldwide Sheroes

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One of the biggest reasons my working life has been dedicated to technology is because of the impact it has on society. Quite simply, technology solves problems. Over the years, the problems technology can solve have become bigger, and the solutions more sophisticated. As time has passed, I’ve gone from loving technology because of the problems it solves to loving tech because of the personal impact it has, and the lives it can save.

When I go to an industry event or gathering of my peers, it’s not uncommon for someone to proclaim, “there’s never been a better time to be in tech.” And they’re right. Every year is the best time to be in tech. Now, more than ever before, we have resources that let us connect with people in ways we’d never imagined and with people we would’ve never met. The cloud has provided resources to innovate, share, and connect on a massive scale.

But the fact is, with increasing power comes increasingly difficult challenges to solve. Today, technology is helping researchers understand the reasons for SIDS, fight childhood diabetes, manage complex supply chains, and even stay connected with loved ones. We all touch some aspect of technology every day, likely without giving it a second thought. As we think about tackling modern day challenges, diversity in our workforce becomes more and more important. I’ve written about this topic before, but it bears repeating that the best path to innovation is through diversity. Different backgrounds, ways of thinking, and cultural perspectives lead to new ideas. And, new ideas are what solve new problems.

Recently, I spoke at the annual gala for a non-profit called Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution (IGNITE). As I looked out at the girls and women in the audience, I was reminded of my own career journey as a woman in technology. News cycles have been increasingly attentive of late, and I think it’s important to note that we are making progress to help get more women in STEM careers.

When I was in an undergrad engineering program of 200, I was the only female in the program. I understand now why I didn’t care for the program and changed majors—I was an anomaly in a homogenous group of students of roughly the same background, socioeconomic status, and well, gender. Similarly, I spent a lot of my early career as the only woman amongst a sea of men.

We’ve come a long way since then.

Already this year, IGNITE has served nearly 3,000 students, in 70 different schools, hosting 42 field trips and 33 panels. And since inception, IGNITE has impacted nearly 40,000 girls and supports 70 chapters worldwide. Data shows us that for the 2016-17 school year, 50% of IGNITE girls were more likely to participate in STEM classes immediately, 99% were inspired to want to learn more about STEM careers, and 90% were more likely to consider a STEM degree. Those are impressive numbers, and yet, we still have ground to cover. It’s critical that we support diversity in our STEM education. For those girls and women who are continuing to blaze a trail in technology, I thank you. Your example is inspirational, and I hope you bring more with you.

If you know a young woman interested in technology, I encourage you to check out the resources available through IGNITE. If you’re a woman in technology and want to give back, consider volunteering your time to support girls in STEM. Our future depends on it! Read the original article here.

Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?

IGNITE heralds a very important cause that will propel us into a future of true inclusion in the tech world. I’m excited to be a part of the community that supports this mission.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

As the saying goes, it only takes one lit candle to dispel the darkness. IGNITE has lit that candle and has inspired me by the sheer passion that Cathi and others have showcased to have such tremendous impact globally.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

IGNITE  walks their talk and the results have been realized globally. Support this cause to truly make a difference.

Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?
IGNITE Worldwide aligns with my values of promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM through visibility, education and outreach.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?
Hearing from students during the Q&A and seeing their survey responses highlighted in the follow-up event recap blog really makes me feel like I’m glowing from the inside. The day-to-day can bring you down, but knowing that somewhere, my words and presence or those of our panelists have made an impact on someone just reinforces the importance of what IGNITE Worldwide does for girls and non-binary students.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?
IGNITE Worldwide is not just an amazing opportunity for girls and non-binary students to hear from womxn and non-binary people working in STEM, it’s also a great opportunity to meet other people who have cool jobs and do fascinating, barrier-breaking work. In this time of limited social contact, it becomes even more meaningful to form those kinds of connections with people who share the same passion and purpose as you.

Bio

After being adopted by Chicago for 14 years, Stephanie hit ‘RESET’ and returned to her hometown of Detroit in 2015 to reboot her writing ambitions into a tech career. This bold move led to a foray in Computer Science education, and working closely with nationally recognized STEM education advocacy groups like Black Girls Code and SMASH Academy. Before she became an Software Impact Program intern with the Developer Relations team at Planet, the leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and insights, she joined CODE313 as a Coding + Web Design Instructor. With over a decade of experience in Media Communications, the Grand Circus Detroit (Javascript, ’16), Integrate Detroit (Software Development, ‘18) alumna is always looking to share her passion for the T in “STEM” with developers & non-developers alike.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

When I was ten years old, I can remember my dad enrolling me in a coding class with a room of adults. I loved technology and did everything I could throughout high school to learn about computers—even got a job training small businesses how to use them. Even still, when I went to college, getting a degree in computer science was not appealing, and did not seem like a path to a great career. I didn’t have any female role models, and didn’t know what a career in technology might look like. IGNITE works to help open the minds of girls to the possibilities of careers in technology.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I love how IGNITE creates a forum for these girls to play a part in hands-on problem solving, gives them the space to push boundaries, ask questions, and dream big regarding paths they’ll choose to take regardless of gender restrictions that we still face today.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

There are two reasons that I support IGNITE. First, I believe IGNITE is great at showing girls that the stereotypes that surround Tech and what a software engineer is are not it. The paths to a career in Tech are many and the careers are varied, showing the girls that there’s a place for them. Secondly, the time I have spent with the girls has been inspirational and a source of personal growth.

FROM YOUR POINT OF VIEW, HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD AN IMPACT ON GIRLS?

IGNITE provides the girls hope and confidence to explore technology in ways they never imagined possible. In showing the girls role models and providing support networks, IGNITE becomes the foundation on which girls can feel confident to venture into the unknown.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY?

IGNITE isn’t just striving to improve the lives of girls and be part of the solution to Tech’s diversity problem, but also provides opportunities for technology professionals to grow through connections with the next generation and new perspectives of the world.

BIO
Holly is a Senior Program Manager in the VS & .NET group at Microsoft, which creates tools and platforms for developers. Currently, she is collaborating with .NET Framework partners and customers to drive adoption of new .NET technologies. She has spent most of her career trying to make it easier for everyone to write code both in her work and by volunteering with organizations like IGNITE, teaching kids to code especially girls. She is co-chair of the DevDiv Women’s Leadership Council, chartered with building a community of women at Microsoft supporting each other. Holly is also a mom of three and cancer survivor. She hacks on Microsoft Small Basic when she has time. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or twitter.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I am blessed to have been raised by a family that values education and always encouraged my interest in STEM. My mother is a talented CPA with strong math skills who often inconvenienced herself to ensure that I received an excellent & challenging education. One of my uncles shared my STEM interests (and later went on to get his Ph.D in Computer Science), and on his visits to Chicago when I was a child, we would often discuss his own educational journey or talk about computers. Although my family didn’t have enough money to buy computers and other technology just for me to tinker & learn on, they enabled me to explore intellectually and creatively. Their support bolstered my confidence, allowing me to challenge myself to pursue a career in technology even when I didn’t feel surefooted.

There are many girls and kids of color who are not so lucky. They may not have firsthand exposure to someone who works in technology. They may not be in an environment where they are encouraged to be curious about science and math. Perhaps they are even being actively dissuaded from these interests.

That is why I’m involved in IGNITE.

There are so many girls attending school right here in the Seattle area, surrounded by several of the largest tech companies in the world, who do not know anyone in STEM and see it as something far removed from their own lives. IGNITE is an incredible force for connecting women who work in STEM careers with students in our local communities and giving these girls the opportunity to ask questions, to discuss their ideas, and to work side-by-side as they learn how to code. IGNITE helps tap into their potential and show them that it can become a reality.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I have been involved with IGNITE for almost a decade. I have witnessed, and occasionally had the honor of participating in, the hard work that Cathi and the IGNITE Board have put in to grow this organization over the years. I have read effusive feedback from the girls after an event, listened to them excitedly describe what they’ve learned, and seen their creations with my own eyes. IGNITE provides students with amazing experiences that spark a lifetime of interest. IGNITE puts forth real effort to reach as many girls as possible, inviting them to simply be themselves and have a great time playing and learning and thinking about the future. You can truly feel how much everyone involved with IGNITE cares about inspiring these girls to think big and achieve whatever they can dream up.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Volunteers are always needed! Get involved where you can, or donate to help support IGNITE’s amazing programs.

BIO

Cierra McDonald is a Senior Program Manager in Xbox’s Advanced Technology Group at Microsoft, where she serves as the game developer education director. An avid gamer since childhood, Cierra has spent most of her career in the gaming industry and she loves building platforms to help game developers bring their ideas to life. She is originally from the south side of Chicago, and she graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s College of Engineering. Cierra is passionate about encouraging others, especially young women and people of color, to embrace gaming as both a hobby and a career. In addition to organizing Xbox’s annual Blacks in Gaming event at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, she can also be found hosting her own Intro to Game Design workshop with organizations such as Girls Who Code, DigiGirlz, and YTech as well as at conferences such as GeekGirlCon.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

During a time when equality is talked about, but not actually practiced, and the technology industry is moving at a very rapid pace with very few women included – I feel strongly it is time for a drastic change. We need to start at the beginning of each young women’s journey in their pursuit of success in the tech industry and address the lack of support they are provided to achieve this. We need to rethink the way classrooms are designed, STEM subjects are taught, and most importantly, the way our daughters are seen and spoken to. IGNITE Worldwide is doing this and I could not be more excited to help them succeed!

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

The young women I have seen who are beneficiaries of the program have impressed me greatly. They inspire me with their confidence, determination, and good judgment to utilize the IGNITE resources to advance their education in STEM. This is not only a brilliant decision for themselves, it also helps overall progress towards achieving equality in tech.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Since my introduction to IGNITE Worldwide, I have found myself telling most people I interact with about the organization. I think the reason is because their mission is so relevant in today’s educational and professional climates. If we, as a society, want to remain competitive and continue to increase our economic standing during this Digital Age, we MUST achieve equality across STEM programs and professions. In working directly with the schools, businesses, students, and professional leaders of our community, IGNITE Worldwide is fueling this effort and doing it in a way that produces true results. If you support women in STEM, then you should absolutely support IGNITE Worldwide.

Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?

I was raised in a single-parent household most of my life and was lucky enough to witness every day a mother who was strong, driven, dedicated, curious, and empathetic – both in her personal and professional life. I know that I am who I am because of what she exemplified and I believe that IGNITE has the ability to have that kind of impact on students today by demonstrating and validating the positive impact women can and do have – in STEM careers and beyond.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

In my work with IGNITE, I have experienced women supporting students in a real and meaningful way, but I have also witnesses women supporting other women to grow and succeed. That’s not an experience I have had often enough in my career and it gives me hope and comfort to know that women can powerful advocates for one another.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

IGNITE does much more than provide students access to education and educators. IGNITE provides permission and inspiration to dream as well as the tools to pursue and achieve those dreams.

Bio

Jill Wiggins is the Director of Community Relations & Strategic Communications at KIRO 7. In her role she works collaboratively with internal and external partners in order to build positive brand awareness for KIRO 7 by engaging with local organizations, developing strategic partnerships, managing and executing station events, and effectively communicating station messaging.

Jill has over 20 years of experience in the media and sports industries and been in the Seattle market since 2003. Born and raised in the Los Angeles area, she began her career with the LA Clippers in a variety of media relations and communications roles for the team. She relocated to Portland in 1999 for a position with the TrailBlazers to help the team launch a new WNBA franchise, the Portland Fire. As the Director of Communications, she played an integral role in navigating through the complicated tasks associated with creating and executing the launch of a new brand, identity, and product.

Her move to Seattle was for Jill’s first role in media, joining the regional sports network FSN Northwest (now ROOT Sports). She was promoted three times during her tenure, continuously increasing her level of impact to drive viewership, maximize team partnerships, and support revenue generation with affiliates and advertisers. While at ROOT Sports Jill also helped to launch the Boeing Classic, a local PGA Champions Tour event featuring world-renown golfers 50 years of age and older. She served as the volunteer media director from the event’s inception before joining the staff full time in 2011 as the Director of Marketing & Communications.

An active member of the Greater Seattle business and philanthropic communities, Jill sits on the boards of NATAS Northwest, the Seattle Sports Commission, and the American Lung Association.

Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?

When I was in high school, I was passionate about math and science; however, my school was severely underfunded and didn’t have advanced STEM classes or clubs.  Yet, I still found myself curious about making STEM a career.  I brought up my interest in pursuing engineering in college to a teacher and they told me I’d be better suited for education and that my personality didn’t fit that of an engineer.  Not knowing any engineers or STEM professionals, this left me feeling lost.  Was I truly not “fit” for engineering or another STEM career or was my teacher wrong?  Fortunately, I was able to attend a camp my junior year of high school that was focused on exploring careers in engineering.  That camp solidified my decision.  I was going to be an engineer.

I tell this story because I wish my high school would’ve had an IGNITE club.  IGNITE is helping to break down the stereotypes of STEM careers by showing girls what STEM professionals look and sound like.  These role models show students that there’s no one personality, skillset, etc. that is required to be a STEM professional.  Students are discouraged every day (especially girls and non-binary individuals) from pursuing STEM, and if sharing my story convinces one of them that STEM is worth pursuing then all of my struggles will have been worth it.  I want to breakdown barriers for the next generation and IGNITE allows me to do so while being surrounded by other inspiring people.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

IGNITE’s mission is incredibly inspiring to me.  I’m a huge advocate for STEM careers and absolutely love seeing students light up at the various events when they realize what is possible.  What inspires me most though are the amazing women that I get to volunteer alongside of.  Their stories inspire me to work harder, be a better leader, mentor more girls and overall push for a better tomorrow for all.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

IGNITE is a fierce advocate for getting more girls and non-binary students into STEM careers.  They are working everyday to bring the most diverse field of candidates into the STEM landscape.  Supporting IGNITE means that you’re helping students meet their full potential and see past the barriers that they face.  Volunteering at an IGNITE event or donating could be the difference between a student giving up on STEM or going for it.  Seeing the next generation rise to challenges is incredibly rewarding and all it takes is a bit of your time.

Bio:

Katelyn Lichte is currently a Production Engineer at Corteva Agriscience.  In her role, she works at a chemical manufacturing facility in Pittsburg, CA and is responsible for day to day operations of one of the units.  She is passionate about agriculture and the intersection between public opinion, science and policy and spends some of her free time advocating for policy changes at the local, state and federal levels.  She also serves as the Women’s Inclusion Network Chair for her site.

She is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), most recently holding the 2020-2021 Society Outreach Committee Chair role.  In this position, Katelyn has helped shape SWE’s outreach strategy in regards to COVID-19, strategic partnerships and training and development of members.  Her  passion is STEM outreach and education and spends most of her free time encouraging students to pursue STEM and uplifting women in the workplace.

In 2019, Katelyn was recognized by Seed World Magazine as one of the Seed Industry’s Top 20 Under 30 Future Leaders in the Industry.  She was also selected in 2020 for the SWE WE Local New ELiTE Award, which honors women engineers who have been actively engaged in engineering and the community in the first 10 years of their careers.

Katelyn graduated in 2017 from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  She also enjoys playing sports, spending time with her Golden Retriever and German Shepherd, and reading.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I had a very tough road becoming the woman I am today and it took me a long time to share my story and become completely transparent about my failures throughout life; but, my hope is that others can learn from my failures and more importantly how to push through and have the tools to build character in the valleys and enjoy the successes of life in the peaks. Girls in Middle School and High School are going through a variety of challenges from school, friends, parents, social media, etc that can consume them and leave them feeling hopeless.  I want them to know that it’s ok to have those feeling but more importantly to arm them with tools that they can use to help dig themselves out of the feeling of anxiety, hopelessness or anger that they might hold onto.  I know I can’t reach every girl but if I can plant the seed of hope, then I’m ok with that.  Sometimes hope takes longer to cultivate in some than in others but it’s always possible. I think IGNITE opens the door for opportunities that these girls didn’t even know existed.  It provides a platform to expose them to technology and how so many people have different stories of how they got there.  IGNITE provides a window into what they can achieve and a door to walk through if they want to go after it.

DESCRIBE A TIME IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU

The first time I sat on a panel and listened to the stories of some of the other women, I saw sparks in the eyes of some of the girls and that was priceless.  There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you could be influencing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, learners, innovators of our near future.  That first panel hooked me and I’ve never looked back.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I’m so inspired by the leaders of IGNITE who are genuinely dedicated to making the world a safe place for girls to understand the STEM opportunities.  It creates a place to have open conversations about how they fit into a place that they might not know that much about.  And for those that are comfortable in the STEM space already, it builds a forum of support and encouragement for them to go after their dreams and break through barriers.  I suspect IGNITE is building character and leadership qualities that will enable many more ‘firsts’ for the female population like the women leaders before us.

Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?

After being introduced to IGNITE Worldwide by Elizabeth Hunter in 2019, I’ve been really passionate about the goals, mission and delivery of such a wonderful non-profit for girls in STEM. It’s critically important to me that equality is realized in these 4 important sectors for career opportunities and with that, that we can provide girls at a young age, the awareness and tools to support their passions in these areas, ensuring they never feel omitted from business or society because of their gender. And because this is a worldwide organization, it gives me great hope for my 3 little nieces in Ireland, that they will learn from and benefit from the consistent drive and dedication to providing these opportunities for girls, through IGNITE Worldwide.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

I’m inspired daily by the absolute passion, positivity and kindness shared by Cathi and her talented Team – from fundraising planning meetings in which they inject great inspiration into the vision they have, to listening to young recipients and their personal stories, experience and excitement due to IGNITE Worldwide and all it has delivered on to date. There is so much more hope for girls in STEM now than ever was possible.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

Opportunity. Hope. Dreams can become reality. With the increasing reach that IGNITE Worldwide exercises around the world, this is a non-profit that matters greatly to our future that we must invest in today.

Bio

Dianne is a Senior Technology Solutions Manager at T-Mobile, after having done ~10 years in a Senior Manager capacity. She focuses on SOX Controls Governance, Process Governance and Data Governance, supporting the centralized Project Management Team and all Domain Teams within the Product & Technology Org. Dianne also partners on a Center of Excellence Team with the PMO to ensure PMs have every process, tool and up-to-date training at their fingertips for ever-changing Tech environments. She is a member of the Diversity & Inclusion network, with particular attention to the Pride & Allies and Women in Leadership groups.

Prior to T-Mobile, Dianne was a Global Program Director for Lionbridge Technologies / VeriTest, having started in their Dublin, Ireland office, then supporting their merger in Santa Monica, California before being transferred to the Bellevue office in 2004. Dianne really enjoyed supporting her localization Teams in India, China, Ireland, Poland and the US, ensuring that diversity in every discipline was realized. Technology jobs were particularly well represented in opportunities for girls / women in both India and China.

In her free time, Dianne is passionate about travel, being by the water, aviation (#AvGeek!), collecting model airplanes, a nice Riesling or Rose but most importantly, spending time with her wife Cindy. She also enjoys travelling back home to Derry, Ireland to soak up as much family time as possible  She would like to see IGNITE Worldwide introduced to schools in Ireland so her nieces can learn of the opportunities with and benefits of STEM.

Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?

Having a career in tech has provided me with incredible opportunities. I’ve worked with extremely talented people, traveled all over the world, experienced new cultures and met life-long friends. It’s fueled my passion for learning and enabled me to repeatedly step out of my comfort zone. It’s built my confidence and taught me how to overcome failure. Most importantly, I’ve learned that the best ideas come to life as a result of different people – who have different ways of thinking – coming together and pushing beyond boundaries. Unfortunately, there are still too few women at the table today when these ideas are taking shape – which IGNITE Worldwide is working to change. Through IGNITE’s work connecting students with women in STEM, I can be part of this change by telling my story.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

I feel incredibly lucky to be working with IGNITE. After attending panels and meeting with students, I leave feeling optimistic and excited about the impact they’re having on our future. IGNITE’s ability to create a space where we can share and learn from each other is truly inspiring.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

Women and non-binary people are significantly underrepresented in STEM careers. This is a huge opportunity for women in STEM to come together, tell their stories and create the change we want see. IGNITE Worldwide is on a mission to ensure girls are aware that a career is science, technology, engineering and math is an option and by choosing it, they open the door to a world of opportunity not just for themselves but for women everywhere.

Bio

Diana is a results-driven, execution focused leader who excels at operationalizing strategic initiatives designed to drive revenue, increase efficiency and reduce time to market. Throughout her career, Diana has led complex programs spanning the entire development process (including engineering, industrial design, manufacturing, production control, QA and regulatory certification). Diana thrives on leading teams through change while keeping them focused on execution both at early stage start-up’s and Fortune 100 companies. In 2018, Diana joined Dolby Laboratories where she launched Dolby’s first consumer product – Dolby Dimension headphones and is now the Sr. Director of Corporate Strategy. When she’s not working, Diana enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, practicing yoga, cooking and reading.

Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?

IGNITE is close to my heart. Growing up in India with no mentoring, sponsorship and guidance for my path in STEM, I have made a decision that I will share my story with world that If I can make it to STEM , they can too. We all have the superpower to do the best, we just need that “somebody” sometimes to nudge us, guide us and show us the path. Even though, the women in tech is still a problem, but the change starts with each one of us and that’s why my engagement and involvement with IGNITE is so crucial and I joined forces with Cathi and team to be the force multiplier and be the change as well. I have shared my stories in panels, led Microsoft event to invite young girls for a tour and coding sessions.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

I feel the joy in sharing my story, my triumphs, my failures with these girls, lighten up their faces and they connect with my message. And this platform is given by IGNITE to me, to them!  IGNITE gives me an opportunity to fuel the “why blend in when you are born to stand out” message and that STEM Is not hard to these girls and support them from ground up.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

I am always in awe and inspired by the leaders of IGNITE who frankly are genuinely dedicated to give opportunities to girls so they understand STEM and persue it. It creates a place to have open conversations about how they fit into a place and bring tech leaders from industry to share their own stories informally. It provides a forum of support and encouragement for girls to go after their dreams and break through barriers.  If you want to get engaged with IGNITE, I will be happy to chat with you as well. there are multiple ways you can be involved and volunteer. Lets change the numbers one girl at a time.

Bio

Harpreet Kaur is a 1^st gen Senior Technical Product Manager at Microsoft with proven track record of leading business/ digital transformation, managing teams and shipping high quality products/solutions. Harpreet has been in the tech industry from almost 2 decades and is an experienced Product, People and Change Management expert with strategic leadership experience in multiple industry domains, not limited to, IT, Sales and Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Devices, Modern Management (Cloud) domains. She is well known speaker and thought leader across the industry on the topics not limited to  technology, personal/career branding and diversity & Inclusion. When she is not doing her these jobs, she can be found to be just a mom of 2 and an abstract artist. Connect with her on Linkedin, Instagram and Whyblendin.com

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I’m passionate about increasing the diversity of the tech pipeline. There is a widening chasm between the urgent need for qualified technologists and our ability to develop them. Also, the technology industry does not reflect the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds that make up our communities. The overwhelming homogeneity of the tech pipeline is acute early on and becomes excruciating at executive levels. I share IGNITE’s belief that a person’s opportunity should not be limited by gender, skin color, religion, or socio-economic background.

Fostering a diverse and rich tech industry is a moral imperative. Access to technologies created by and for diverse perspectives will improve income equality and social justice. Access to technology is not optional. It is not a lifestyle. Technology fundamentally transforms education, access to capital and critical services, employment opportunities, human connections, health, and wellness.

IGNITE is doing something concrete today to change lives and shape a better future for all of us. These girls deserve our support. If we nurture their curious minds and strong spirits now, they will change the world for us.

WHAT ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRES YOU?

I’m excited to meet the technologists who are going to shape the future. Maybe someday I’ll work for one of them! Or maybe they will develop a life-saving drug. Imagine the impact these 34 thousand young women are going to have on the world!  STEM careers offer women the opportunity to make their unique contribution to society while working in high paying roles, gaining confidence and in turn each one becoming a role model for the next generation. Without IGNITE, most of these girls would have no exposure to STEM careers. This program has a direct impact on how young women think about themselves and how they intend to shape their society. I consider it an honor to stand with them and say “You belong here. You matter. Please join us.”

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Take any opportunity you can to work with and support IGNITE. I guarantee it will be a rewarding experience and will make a difference in the lives of these young women. One conversation can change the course of someone’s life.  Be that catalyst for a young woman.  You won’t regret it!

BIO
Sarah Bird serves as the CEO of Moz, the world leader in Search Engine Optimization software. Prior to Moz, Sarah practiced law and traveled the world. Sarah regularly speaks about SEO, business models, entrepreneurship, women in tech, and fostering an inspiring company culture. She also serves on the boards of the Washington Technology Industry Association and Sitrion, a private company.

Rick Koch is a long time supporter of IGNITE Worldwide. He was introduced to the organization by Lori Longthorne.

Rick Koch is the owner of All City Fence Company in Seattle, Washington. After graduating from De La Salle High School, Rick attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Rick then went on to spend 32 years in the Coin Operated Machine Industry in distribution, operations, and manufacturing. He worked for a division of both Bally Manufacturing and Crane before retiring from the industry in 2007.

After retiring, Rick purchased All City Fence in 2008 and has been the owner ever since. All City Fence is proud to serve the local Washington communities of Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma and the business communities of the Eastside including Redmond, Bellevue, and Kirkland, with fences for protection, privacy and ornamentation. Rick has given back through his philanthropy for over 40 years. Rick says, “Learn with the art of giving back to your fellow man through philanthropy. It’s better to go through life as a giver, and not a taker, regardless of your economic background.”

WHY AM I INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

The last mile reason, or rather blame, goes to Cynthia Tee.  Cynthia invited me to the 2017 Gala Event at the Living Computer Museum.  Those of you who know Cynthia – and many do – know how extremely persuasive she is.  She was persuasive at Microsoft, she was persuasive as head of the Ada Developer Academy, and I have no doubt she’s exercising her persuasiveness as the VP head of Product Development at PlayFab now.

Seriously though, the mission of IGNITE is right up my alley.  I was the first female Technical Fellow at Microsoft, which is an executive level for people in pure technical roles.  BUT I ENDED UP IN THE TECH INDUSTRY BY MISTAKE!  Nothing about my resume or background would indicate I’d be good at it.  I would not even get a return email much less a phone call from most Tech Companies if I sent in that resume today.

And yet, I have been incredibly successful.  I want that opportunity for everyone.  I want that not just for equity and ethical reasons but also for practical business ones.  Imagine how many people are out there who if given the chance could be amazing and change the world!  I am CERTAIN the new cool innovative ideas are going to come from women, minorities, and others who are not in the “normal” cookie cutter mode of tech today.  Those who are outside the box think outside the box, by definition.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED ME?

It’s reminded me of how invigorating it is to see the world in a fresh way from younger eyes.  What a difference you can make in the course of a person’s entire life if you can broaden their world, give them more choice, and some tools and support to pursue those choices.

It is even better because it compounds,  in turn they will influence and do the same for several other people.  Do that a couple times for a couple rounds and you get a pretty big number.  That’s exponents for you!

Finally, IGNITE makes learning and using STEM fun.  And goodness knows we need more of that.  It’s CRAZY how the language and news and materials around STEM often make it sound boring, a chore, a tax.  When in truth STEM provides tools of power and creativity.  It’s such an incredible thing to be able to make your own ideas and dreams come true by using your hands, your brain, your heart, and your time.

BIO

Laura Butler is currently the CEO at UpLift Group, Inc. Laura was previously Technical Fellow and Vice President of Notes at Microsoft.  As a life-long fan and power user of productivity tools, she just couldn’t help being drawn into the group that owns OneNote, Sticky Notes, To Dos, Ink, Whiteboarding, and Education tools.  These things are central to Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.  And it fits her mission in life, to give EVERYONE the ability to turn their ideas into meaningful things.  You can find her online at @LauraCatPJs (Twitter) and on LinkedIn.

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I find IGNITE Worldwide the perfect place to volunteer my time. Working with IGNITE, I get to directly impact young girls and help them shape their futures. I see faces light up when I tell my story of struggle from childhood dyslexia to a successful, high-tech career. In my life, I was given several opportunities to learn and develop that lead me to interesting work in a STEM field. ThRough IGNITE I am able to give back to the community to help grow the future workforce of women in STEM careers.

BIO

Virginia is a professional project manager. With or over 15 years industry experience, she held senior positions at Disney, Microsoft, the City of Seattle, Classmates.com and Sapient Consulting delivering award winning software, mobile apps and websites. Originally from New York City, she is a graduate of Brown University. Virginia is a volunteer at The Pacific Science Center and IGNITE Worldwide, inspiring girls in STEM education and careers.  She can often be found exploring the trails around Lake Washington and the Cascades.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/vbing

About Amanda

Amanda Crosley is a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft, where she helps connect businesses to customers via Microsoft advertising. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied Chemical Engineering and Economics. Amanda is passionate about mentorship and giving back to the community. Beyond IGNITE, she serves on the Licton Springs Community Council board and volunteers for Anita Borg (Grace Hopper), University of Washington (SWE, WiSE), Association for Women in Science (AWIS) and Microsoft DigiGirlz. She speaks at conferences and on panels to educate others about the opportunities available in technology and provide encouragement to those from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

WHY DO YOU SUPPORT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Without the encouragement from my older brother who had already taken and enjoyed the computer science class at my high school, I would not have discovered an untapped passion for the subject that would ultimately become my college major and future profession. Looking back, I was lucky that my school even offered a CS class. My experience has nurtured a strong passion to ensure that all students can have the same exposure to the opportunities I’ve been afforded.

While at USC, I had the opportunity to teach an after-school computer science program to elementary students at a handful of schools in Los Angeles from various socioeconomic backgrounds. I was amazed at how quickly they were able to grasp concepts that I was not exposed to until the end of high school, and I was moved by my small part in helping students discover new interests and open doors.

Once I moved to Seattle, I quickly found IGNITE as a great way to continue educating and inspiring the next generation of girls to go into STEM fields. I volunteer with an incredibly inspiring group of women and I have a very supportive manager who allows me teach during work hours. Through our workshops with IGNITE, our goal is not to turn everyone into a computer scientist, but to plant a seed so that the girls we teach might sign up for that computer science camp, feel encouraged to take that advanced math class, have more confidence to raise their hand in class, or just realize that this field is open to anyone despite their background.

WHAT ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRES YOU?

Volunteering with Ignite has allowed me to grow professionally by expanding my network, and personally by giving me opportunities to lead. I started out occasionally helping with the coding workshops and felt so empowered that I am now teaching the workshops. I also help lead a team for the annual Microsoft Hackathon which is dedicated to improving the IGNITE workshops that we hold at Microsoft, as well as providing take home materials for girls, online tutorials, and creating instructional materials for teachers. In addition, IGNITE has fueled my desire to give back and I took on an additional leadership role on the Emerging Leaders board with United Way of King County.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Most of the schools we invite to Microsoft have no computer program at their school and this is often their first exposure both to programming and the possibility that they could work at a place like Microsoft. It is so rewarding to see that “ah-ha” moment on the girls’ faces, and encouraging to see the same schools signing up to attend our workshop with a new set of students each semester.

BIO

Chandler has a computer science degree from the University of Southern California and interned on the Xbox team twice before joining Microsoft full time in 2014. She currently works as a backend developer for the online store which was formed after the merger of several disjoint consumer stores with the goal of giving customers a simple, cohesive buying experience for both physical and digital goods.

Though originally from Texas, she has fully embraced the Pacific Northwest. When she is not at work, you are most likely to find her outside – hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, or running.

Learn more.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE?

I am passionate about volunteering, mentoring and encouraging girls to pursue STEM. IGNITE provides the platform to make an impact on a girl’s future and empowers girls with the confidence, knowledge & role models to believe they can be successful in STEM careers.

HOW HAS IGNITE INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE’s mission to create opportunities to spark girls’ excitement about technology careers and inspire them to new possibilities is incredibly inspiring. I am amazed by listening to the empowering and amazing journeys of so many women so I can feel the difference it could make on a young girls life and career decision.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE?

IGNITE worldwide has created an impacted, it is making a difference in the lives of so many girls and laying the foundation to solve the diversity problem. The disparity that we see today has to stop and we have to make a concerted effort to make different choices and support our young generation so the future is different.

BIO

I am a Sr Program Manager at Microsoft in Azure Capacity Supply Chain team collaborating cross functionally with Capacity Planning, Operations and Supply Chain team to ensure that customers go live on time. Prior to joining the Azure team, I was in Devices Supply Chain and glad to be part of some major product launches – XBOX One, Customized controllers and Surface. I am a certified Scaled Agile Practitioner and acted as a change agent to establish the scaled agile processes. Feels like a veteran but its only been 8 years with Microsoft.

I am an avid traveler and try to visit 2 new places every year. I love playing boardgames (Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Catan are my favorites). I also believe in giving back to the society and have a passion for volunteering, mentoring and coaching others.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

IGNITE builds a village to open doors for young women in STEM and allow professionals in the field and community to give back. One word or an extended hand could drive or remake these young women’s future. We can be part of those solutions together.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

Hearing young IGNITE women speak with an emotional intelligence far beyond their years inspires all of us to contribute, and be mindful and grateful for our own journey to learn and grow.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Contribute, participate and be a part of the solution to open doors for young women and remind us all of the lifelong journey of learning.

BIO

Ms. Martin is a dedicated business-focused analyst, program manager and communicator. She’s been involved in technology, engineering, compliance and standards for >25 years. Today at Microsoft, Monica is a Senior Risk Manager working with engineering teams to deploy quality compliant C+E cloud services, and to improve their service resiliency

How has IGNITE inspired you?

Ignite give these girls confidence and the tools to introduce technology. Ignite provides them with support , guidance and networking with other women professionals from various companies. This helps open up a new world for these kids. Ignite has inspired me to give back to the community and share my learnings with these girls.

Why are you involved in IGNITE?

IGNITE is investing in these girls future and showing them that there are no boundaries for their success . Technology is not just for coders but there is a lot more to it . Girls who love to write or girls who love to draw have a place in Tech world as designers and content writers . There is a place for everyone !

What would you like the wider community to know about IGNITE?

IGNITE is encouraging the next generation of women leaders in the Technology space and we surely need more diversity in this industry to bring out the brightest ideas to the forefront.

Bio

Sunitha Muthukrishna is Senior Program Manger at Microsoft which provides a platform as a service for developers to build wesbites , mobile backends and various other microservices. Currently she works on various Open source technologies ( Linux , PHP , Python ) and drive adoption for these technologies in Azure. She is collaborating with IGNITE to modernize the teaching programs and bring the knowledge of programming on the Cloud to Girls through IGNITE.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?
I got introduced to Ignite through a field trip that brought a bunch of high school girls to the Redfin office. The girls did small projects followed by a presentation. I was amazed by the potential these girls had and how the right guidance and support can really help steer them towards a successful career path. So I decided to volunteer at the Ignite 2018 Spring Gala to spread awareness about the program and I hope to continue doing that in future as well.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?
The instant gratification I got by looking at the wide eyed girls, their curiosity and their smiles at the workshops, motivated me to be connected with the cause. If the girls are willing to put in that extra effort to learn there is no reason why I shouldn’t be able to take some time out to help them.

WHAT VALUE DOES IGNITE WORLDWIDE PROVIDE FOR GIRLS?
IGNITE brings the diversity in our future workforce by targeting the top of the funnel. Most of us work for equal opportunity employers but the same opportunities should be available early on in school. IGNITE helps drive these opportunities by building interest in STEM in young girls through panels and workshops.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?
Many young girls are looking for mentors and role models and we should provide them that by volunteering to talk to them in their school and by hosting them at our workplaces. If you belong to an inclusive workplace like mine, you should definitely try to show the girls what that feel.

BIO

I’m a software engineer, at Redfin, and a mom of two young children. I grew up in India and moved to the United States over ten years ago. Growing up I was lucky to be in an environment that didn’t differentiate between a girl and boy child, unlike large parts of India, and science and math were always fun thanks to my dad, who is a pilot.

I also went to an all girls engineering college in India, so I never knew of lack of women in tech. It’s only after I entered the professional world in the US, did I become aware of the issue of gender and race- based inequality. That motivated me to participate in forums where I can help bridge that gap. After I started to raise kids in a well-supported household, other issues that touched my heart were those related to violation of child rights, that is prevalent in developing countries. So I also try to make a difference there by volunteering for “Child Rights & You”.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

When I was in high school, I loved my computer class. It felt very creative and I loved pushing the boundaries of the assignments. I loved the thrill of getting my code to work. But no one every told me, “hey, you could major in this.” I just never saw myself working in tech. I think it’s important to make sure all women know there’s a place for them in all parts of tech, and not just coding. I tell young women that when I was in high school we were still being told “you should learn how to type, so you have something to fall back on.” These days typing is something everyone does, so I tell them they should learn to code, so they have something to fall back on. But if you aren’t interested in code, there are lots of other careers out there, and pretty much everything you can think of has technology associated with it, from arts to zoology. Do what you love, but find the tech aspect to it.

DESCRIBE A TIME IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU

I was on an IGNITE panel at a school and one of the other panelists was talking about how she got into engineering. She said she got a D in every class, but D stood for Diploma and she passed. That floored me. Even if someone had told me in high school that I could major in computer science, and if I tried it and got bad grades, I would have switched to something where I could get As. We talk a lot at Microsoft now about the importance of a “growth mindset” vs a “fixed mindset”, and I’ve been very “fixed” where education is concerned. It just never occurred to me until I heard her talk that it’s OK not to get top grades in school, as long as you’re learning something.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I think IGNITE is a fantastic organization. Cathi is an inspiration to all of us! We just never know what words or stories might change the course of a girl’s life and IGNITE gives us a swing at it for a whole room full. Also, I find that when I take time to go be on a panel and talk about how great my job is, I remember how great my job is. There aren’t enough women thinking about tech careers, so IGNITE is doing the right thing by starting young.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

IGNITE provides a transparent view to girls on how important their participation in STEM is.  When I was growing up, a career in technology was far outside the scope of what I believed was possible. After working in technology, I understand the variety of paths available to work in the industry. Having women in STEM adds a diverse perspective that helps customers, businesses, products, and services thrive. I’m involved with IGNITE because the organization empowers girls and women to connect authentically about careers in STEM.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I remember a girl asking at a panel event at Thomas Jefferson High School, “do people listen to the boys more because they’re louder?” This single question shifted me. I immediately felt a responsibility to stand in my own power as a woman and be an example by using my unique voice to add valuable perspective. When I’m in a meeting and am hesitant to speak up, I think of that girl and the many women who want to be heard but aren’t sure how. IGNITE inspires me to speak up in meetings, add my opinion – even when it’s not the popular one, and mentor other women to do the same.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

To change the status quo, we must act. Participating in an IGNITE event could change the trajectory for one girl, or for several girls. By simply being you and sharing your story, you create positive change. Commit to the girls and the future women and men of the world by showing up and using your voice.

BIO

Chelsea Behrens has enjoyed a dynamic career that has included working in film (Marvel Comics), finance, technology, and as an entrepreneur. As a Senior Solutions Consultant at SAP Concur, she consults prospective customers on how to use software to increase efficiencies, grow their business, and enhance their careers.

Chelsea is passionate about connecting community through personal development, which she does through her business – Rise to the Occasion. Rise to the Occasion has hosted several in-person events, including two women in leadership panel events, and an online interview series called Leading with Authenticity.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I have a strong passion for supporting historically stigmatized identities in STEM Education. I spent most of my education with an extreme passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. Unfortunately, there were no programs in my educational system like IGNITE to drive and support that passion. I want to make sure this is never the case for anyone else who deserves the opportunity to access their passion, but faces preventive systemic barriers, again. I want to be part of the change and watch others thrive and not be discriminated against because of their identity.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I have sat on panels in schools where IGNITE is serving young girls and listened to their stories and their dreams, goals, and expectations. Sharing in their stories is very inspirational and reminds me of why the work is so necessary and vital to these young girls. The populations IGNITE serves are the main source of my inspiration.

BIO

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I first got involved with IGNITE via one of the Teaching Kids Programming workshops when I was working at Microsoft. From the very first event I volunteered at, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be heavily involved in. Seeing first-hand what an impact one IGNITE event can have on a girl’s future gives me the chills every single time I volunteer, and that’s what keeps me coming back and becoming more involved every year!

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

Overall IGNITE’s mission is incredibly inspiring, but what inspires me the most are the women I’ve volunteered alongside and the girls we’ve had the opportunity to work with. I love hearing from these women that have such unique and empowering journeys to share, and being able to watch our stories of triumph in the face of adversity impact the next generation. Above all, looking at these girls’ eyes light up as they build confidence throughout a workshop and knowing that any one, or all, of them could be the next face of innovation in this world – that is the most inspiring thing I’ve experienced.

WHAT VALUE DOES IGNITE WORLDWIDE PROVIDE FOR GIRLS?

IGNITE teaches girls that they can have a broad and profound impact on this world. IGNITE empowers girls with the confidence, knowledge & role models to believe they can be successful in STEM careers, and to know that there is an entire community of women cheering them on.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

IGNITE is a “troops on the ground” organization that is solving a real problem in our industry, and changing the course of life for so many young women. One event can make a difference, and you absolutely won’t regret spending your time with IGNITE. Representation matters, and these girls need to be exposed to these opportunities. Women aren’t yet the face of the STEM fields but, thanks to IGNITE and women like you, I believe one day they will be.

BIO

Kylie is the Founder & CEO of Love Hard, Travel Often. Previously, Kylie was a Product Manager for Zillow, the leading real estate marketplace. She loves working in the tech industry because it is collaborative, fast-paced, challenging and ever-changing. As Mrs. King County, Kylie serves her community through her platform entitled, “Changing the Face of STEM: Empowering Girls to Innovate Our Future.” She partners with organizations like IGNITE Worldwide, Girls Who Code and Washington STEM in hopes of breaking down the barriers & stereotypes in the STEM fields, and helping the STEM community drive change. Kylie’s mission while promoting STEM education is for every girl to know she has the power to change the world.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

As a student, I didn’t plan to work in technology but here I am the owner of a tech company after 35 years working here!  I became involved with IGNITE for three primary reasons: First, I want to share my story and those of my co-workers with young women – something I missed when I was in high school. Secondly, I want to stay connected with our future women managers and leaders in the technology industry. Finally, I want to provide options for younger women to work at Alliance and build a career like I did.

I was fortunate to start working with a software company in my early 20’s. I’ve worked in a wide range of roles, including marketing assistant, trainer, analyst, tester, project manager, resource manager and, finally, business owner. Today, many educational programs prepare young women for high-paying, rewarding careers in technology. At Alliance, about half of our staff and executive leadership directors are women – well above the national averages.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

Energy creates energy!  I love seeing the spark in young women’s eyes when they think about a future career in technology. I feel I am making a difference in their lives. They remind me of the importance of keeping my job fun. Joining a panel at a school also reminds me of what I’ve accomplished.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY?

It’s fun, get involved!  You can do as little or as much as you want. Start with a panel at a school and go from there. It’s our role to show them that they can follow their dreams through a career in a tech company.

BIO

Lisa currently serves as the Director of Corporate Strategy and Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Starting at Alliance in 1982 as an assistant computer trainer, Lisa progressed into a software tester, systems analyst, then project manager and software development manager. She was the company’s President and CEO between 1995 and 2008 during which the company grew revenue more than 2,000%. In 2008 she hired Chris M. Pieper to be the company’s CEO so she could focus on project management and customer delivery.

Committed to excellent customer service, Lisa has developed strong customer relationships through the years. She is keen on setting clear expectations, delivering to the committed scope and quickly responding to risks and issues. She is a strong advocate for project management and for women in computing.

In 2016, Lisa was named to the Business Examiner’s Women of Influence list. Lisa’s education includes undergraduate studies in Language Arts at the University of California, Santa Barbara and Université de Grenoble, Grenoble, France.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?
I am involved in IGNITE because I believe more women should be engaged in the technology industry and IGNITE is a stepping stone to get there.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?
IGNITE allowed me to explore my interest in computer science and coding and helped me discover something I did not realize I would be so passionate about. Knowing that IGNITE has helped me realize my love for tech has made me want to help inspire other young women to realize their passion and to pursue it.

WHAT VALUE DOES IGNITE WORLDWIDE PROVIDE FOR GIRLS?
IGNITE is an impactful non-profit that I believe has the ability to shape young women’s futures in a way they may not have imagined.

BIO
Logan McKenzie is a Seattle Native and IGNITE Alum. Upon graduation from Chief Sealth High School, Logan studied Criminal Justice and Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. After completing her undergraduate degree, Logan pursued a career in retail banking for KeyBank where she is currently a Management Associate, a program for college graduates dedicated to preparing career oriented individuals for sales and branch management positions. Logan loved the IGNITE program when she was a part of it and is passionate about helping other young women succeed in technology and engineering fields.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

When I was in undergrad, I remember being one of the few (if not only) females in my engineering and science classes.  I also went to a high school that focused on math and science, and I remember being one of the only females in the classroom.  My parents were always very supportive of me studying math, science, and engineering, but I missed having a female mentor to look up to.  Even in the business world today, females are highly underrepresented in the field of technology, so one of the things I can do is to give back to the next generation of female talent, and I aspire to be a role-model that young females interested in STEM careers and education can look to as a mentor.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I have been very inspired with the programs that IGNITE sponsors for young women to learn technology, engage with senior female technology leaders, and be in inspiring learning environments that encourage open dialog, a safe environment to be inquisitive and ask questions, and really understand the opportunities that a career in a STEM field can provide.  I really hope to see many of these strong, smart, talented females in the workplace in the very near future!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

The community should know that this is an organization that needs their support, and take any opportunity to support it.  Whether it’s by donating some of your time, attention, support or monetary donation.  It’s an extremely important cause that will be very rewarding as we can all help make a difference.  I can say honestly that just one great experience or one great mentorship conversation can have a very meaningful impact on someone’s life.

BIO

Belinda McConnell is a Principal in Deloitte Consulting’s Consumer Industry and leads the industry’s Customer & Marketing practice.  Belinda focuses on large scale digital transformation and digital acceleration initiatives for her clients, focused on defining digital growth strategies, emerging technology implementations, supported by enhanced operations to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency.  She has served some of the Consumer Industry’s largest and most prestigious brands to implement new technology solutions to support strategic business initiatives.

Belinda has a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Illinois.  Her technical background combined with business acumen has helped her to be the strategic business liaison and technology advisor to her clients.  When not at work, Belinda enjoys spending time with her family being in the mountains, skiing, hiking, golfing, and any outdoor activity.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Reason I am involved in IGNITE is two parts.

 The Past-> I was raised by my mother who is extremely intelligent and is great at mathematics. She taught me everything I know and gave me a foundation to become a software engineer which led to a leadership career in tech.  My mother is a candle in my life showing me the light to success, however she was never able to achieve the heights and true potential in STEM herself.

 The Present and the Future-> I have an amazing 12 year old daughter she loves STEM and I am constantly learning from here about the peer pressure in schools that make STEM as an uncool thing to pursue. I truly believe that we have a great opportunity to change the minds of girls one by one and school by school.

I see IGNITE is a way to change the past, present and the future by promoting STEM for Girls and help them to prosper in various ways.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE has inspired us in many ways, one thing which stands out is the genuine and strong bias towards action to create a strong community of smart girls in STEM.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

My humble suggestion would be to get girls involved earlier.  We need to go upstream and cultivate the mindset of STEM is good for Girls and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM.

BIO

Venki Krishnababu is SVP of Global Technology Services. Venki joined lululemon in September 2017,  and brings more than 23 years of experience in delivering innovative value add technology solutions and services to retail and healthcare industries. Venki’s portfolio in lululemon includes Global Retail technology, Enterprise architecture, CyberSecurity, Cloud infrastructure and corporate technology services. Venki comes to lululemon from Premera health care, where he served as Chief technology officer. While at Premera, Venki led a rapid digital transformation in healthcare by creating the most customer-centric solutions that delivered the best-in-class experience and cost of care to customers.

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE? 

Since I can remember, I was always building Legos, playing videogames, and breaking apart computer electronics. I did this long before I knew what STEM was and before I learned about the gender disparity in technology. I want every girl to experience technology as a fun, gender-less, age-less opportunity to be yourself like I did. I believe IGNITE is at the forefront of tackling the tech gender gap from the roots and anyone that wants to make the world a better place should lend a hand!

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

Up until I joined the workforce, I believed the challenge in STEM was getting through engineering school in college. It turns out that this is just a sprint within a very long marathon. At my first full-time job, I started working in a team of engineers that had been in the field for more than 30 years and there was only one other female on my team. The infamous impostor syndrome was unbelievably hard to shake off, even for a confident geek that has been in love with STEM since birth. In a beautiful way, IGNITE is inspiring young girls, but also adult females, like myself, to strive and persist in technology and engineering.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I want everyone to know how easy it can be to make an impact and change a girl’s life: talk about IGNITE, share the IGNITE events with your friends and family, attend an IGNITE panel, volunteer in our fundraising efforts, fund an IGNITE school, donate to the organization; if you want to help, the smallest action will at the very least yield inspired girls all over the world. And let’s not forget IGNITE might change your own life, too!

BIO:

Andi Vivas-Thomas double-majored in Electrical and Computer Engineering at New York University and is currently a Software Engineer at Lenovo, where she develops tools for Windows operating systems that run on Lenovo servers in Seattle, Washington. She works as a full-time engineer to sustain her love for road trips and attempts to run as many routes and trails as the Greater Seattle Area has to offer. Last but not least, she is a very strong advocate for empowering Females and Hispanics to dive into the world of STEM.

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I am involved with IGNITE because I am a huge supporter of showing young women that they can do great things in the areas of technology and engineering. I am where I am today, because I was lucky enough to have lots of support when I decided to get involved in STEM. IGNITE has inspired me by working so hard to help young women find more opportunities.

BIO
My name is Myanna. I recently started my career as a Software Engineer on the AWS CodeDeploy team. My love for coding started in high school where I was lucky enough to have an amazing Computer Science teacher, Mr. Long. This gave me a head start that opened up high school internship opportunities. After high school, I got a BS in Computer Science. The internships I had during high school and college helped open up the door for me at Amazon.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

IGNITE is a very important and special organization. I admire its drive and passion to create awareness of educational and professional opportunities in the tech industry for young female students. Each IGNITE school visit leaves me inspired by the students we meet, fueling my desire to continue my involvement and find new ways to give back to the women in our tech community.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE has inspired me in a multitude of  ways. I manage the office visits when schools visit TUNE, and I am  continually inspired by the insightful questions the students ask, as well as their ambitious attitude and perseverance. IGNITE also inspired us to launch the TUNE House Roadshow, a program where University of Washington CSE students/TUNE House scholars visit middle and high schools to share their journeys of entering into the world of tech.

WHAT VALUE DOES IGNITE WORLDWIDE PROVIDE FOR GIRLS?

IGNITE gives our next generation of female students the opportunity to learn about technology and how to apply that to their future  professions. The impact of these visits is limitless  — once you participate on a panel or hear a student’s story, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Everyone should know about IGNITE and the life-long and industry-wide impact they are making on the next generation of female software engineers.

BIO

Ali is now a Marketing Campaign Specialist at Skykick. Previously, she was a Recruiting Program Manager at TUNE.

My involvement has included (but not limited to) building out TUNE’s global employer brand in our ten different offices around the world, creating a recruiting marketing voice across multiple social channels, managing and growing relationships through our recruiting partnership program, organizing internal and external community events, managing an internship program and working cross-functionally across the company.

I also incorporate my recruiting marketing efforts towards coordinating interviews for a team of three recruiters. As one of the fastest growing companies in Washington, our teams are always growing and I work to ensure each candidate has a top of the line experience. Whether you’re browsing our careers page or receiving your onsite candidate gift, every detail counts.

TUNE is a pretty special company and I feel especially lucky to be a part of an organization who values their employees and the community so much. I encourage you to check out our careers page to see available career opportunities and to learn more about the incredible things employees are doing around the world. https://www.tune.com/careers/

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I am involved with IGNITE Worldwide, in the very simplest of terms, because I believe in girls, and I see that girls don’t always believe in themselves – I want that to change. I love what IGNITE is doing to encourage girls to bring their brilliant minds to the table. I see the confidence IGNITE helps instill in our young women, and I want to be a part of that.  I want every girl to know, she absolutely CAN.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I was recently very honored to attend the IGNITE Gala, and the energy in that place was like nothing I’ve experienced before. Everywhere I looked, another strong woman in tech looked right back at me, and without words we said, “I see you”. There was an aura of inclusion, I felt connected, I knew I belonged, and while not one of us is the same, we are all united to see young women rise – I left feeling both uplifted and humbled, looking forward to the next opportunity to inspire girls.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

IGNITE is an excellent way to make new connections with other amazing humans just like you, who are focused on bringing equality to the tech space.

BIO

Krys is currently a Sr. Architect of Business Process for T-Mobile’s Product and Technology Portfolio Management team – This move was made 2 years ago when she made the courageous decision to leave her 20-year technical Project Management career “just to try something new” and see what might happen. Her approach to her current role is much the same as her approach to Project Management (and life) always was: People first. Believing strongly in the servant leader and lead by example schools of thought, Krys’ priority is always her team, constantly seeking new ways to better help them on their path to success – Watching them fly is extremely satisfying for her. In Krys’ free time, she wrangles ducks, dogs, rabbits and snakes, and has recently taken on a new personal mission in life, to become a major opponent of cancer in all its forms. Stay tuned to see where that will go – She just might ask you to join the fight!

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I was lucky to get introduced to IGNITE through working at TUNE, where we do a great job of participating in community events.  My interest peaked as our company started to scale and hire more employees and were faced with the significant gap in gender diversity from applicants in engineering roles.  This was clearly more than a challenge to find diverse candidates, but something that was rooted in the interest in STEM programs.  TUNE has partnered with IGNITE to help create awareness and opportunities for women to be more aware and involved in STEM as early as possible.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE has inspired me by showing the completed loop.  I have seen former IGNITE participants turn into volunteers and provide the same support and opportunities back to young women who were in their position.  When you see that level of reciprocity you know that the organization that brought them from a student to success is built off of the right principals and intentions.

Having a 4 year old daughter, I can only hope that she is drawn to similar programs that have such committed members.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I am involved with IGNITE to help expose young ladies to the variety of career opportunities in Technology through sharing my story and experience.  I also appreciate that IGNITE provides field trip opportunities to various technology companies, so the girls can experience what working in technology looks like, and get hands-on experience coding.

WHY DO YOU THINK IGNITE WORLDWIDE MATTERS?

IGNITE matters because representation matters.  It is important for the young ladies to see and hear from women who are like them and faced many of the same challenges they face.  The young ladies are exposed to real stories about overcoming obstacles and success in what continues to be a male-dominated industry.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU? 

I am inspired by seeing the program work!  The data show the number of girls taking technology classes is increasing.  The passion and stories shared by the students, volunteers, and IGNITE employees inspires me as well.                                                                                                    

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY? 

Through its various programs, IGNITE is encouraging and building our next generation of women in technology leaders.

BIO

Jenn joined Microsoft in September 2013.  In Jenn’s role at Microsoft, she is responsible for the program management of the Machine Learning models built to support the Azure business.  Her first 2 years at Microsoft were spent as Program Manager for the buildout of Microsoft’s global network.

Prior to Microsoft, Jenn spent 3 years in program management at Salesforce.com, supporting the expansion and operations of the data centers domestically and globally.  Jenn’s first 9.5 years in technology were spent at AOL, where she worked in a variety of technical roles and management.

Jenn is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Western Governor’s University to compliment her background in infrastructure and technology.

Jenn lives in Bothell with her husband, 2 dogs and 1 cat.  When Jenn is not working, you can find her studying, watching travel shows, reading, or volunteering with IGNITE.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I initially got involved with IGNITE through TUNE, who partners with IGNITE and hosts frequent panels. I stay with the program because I love how it tries to make outreach accessible for all students, not just those who can afford to participate in after school programs.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

Meeting the variety of bright, energetic young women who attend IGNITE events has inspired me. It is a constant reminder to me that we advance farther if we lift each other up, support each other, and offer guidance to the next generation of technologists.

WHAT VALUE DOES IGNITE WORLDWIDE PROVIDE FOR GIRLS?

IGNITE does a great job of providing girls the opportunity to see themselves (or people like themselves) in STEM careers. It lets girls know that they don’t have to fit a specific mold to be successful.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I would love to get more female industry professionals involved in IGNITE! I’d love to see other companies in the area step up and sponsor events and panels.

BIO

I am currently a Software Development Engineer at Amazon. previously, I was a server-side software engineer at TUNE, Inc. in Seattle. I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Informatics, and a minor in Mathematics. I have a passion for supporting education initiatives (including, of course, IGNITE Worldwide), particularly for underserved communities. Outside of work, I am an aerialist, enthusiastic traveler, and cheer coach for Ingraham High School. My favorite IGNITE panel ever was when I got to speak at Ingraham to an audience that included many of my cheerleaders!

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I learned about the ignite program through our former CIO at REI, Julie Averill.  I was asked to participate in multiple events, but my favorite was a high school panel at Thomas Jefferson HS.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I had no idea how many girls there are that lack confidence, are scared to put themselves out there and do something different, and have such challenging home life situations.  At the panel, the girls really opened up to me and I helped them see the potential of taking care of themselves, and even being able to support a family with jobs in IT.  They were so excited and felt empowered during the discussion.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Even if you only have a few hours a month, there are things you can do to make a difference.  There are girls waiting to hear your success stories, lessons learned, and ways to get ahead.  I truly value the opportunity to share what I’ve learned with others and help them bypass some of the pitfalls people face early in their careers.

BIO

I have spent the last 18 years of my career in IT and have worked at Microsoft, Zones, and now REI.  I am a mother of two boys (18 & 9).  My oldest plays golf for a college in Mesa, AZ and hopes to become a pro.  My youngest is 100% baseball and plays for a local select team.  My husband is the CFO of his family owned company that manufacturers parts for Boeing planes.  I was born and raised in Washington, and although I’ve moved around a bit, I’ve ended up here permanently.  I attended Auburn High School and attribute my DECA classes and teachers as a big part of my early success.  I not only work in IT, but own an online boutique called My Pampered Life, where I am a stylist for friends and clients with clothing, jewelry, and accessories in my spare time.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Continuous STEM learning and forging strong partnerships with other Women in Technology is key to success in this meeting this goal—IGNITE inspires me to keep pushing myself to the next level and be an example of the success that continuous learning leads to in the IT field.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I am an IGNITE Champion because I want to awaken and support a passion for STEM learning in other women and girls and be part of an amazing group of Women in Tech who power the future of just not T-Mobile, but of the world.

BIO

My name is Ruth Nesbitt,  I am an IT Vendor Manager for T-Mobile’s Team Fusion, which supports Billing Development, Wholesale, SAP, MetroPCS & Supply Chain. My chief areas of expertise are IT Process Implementation, Access Management and Security Compliance. My passion is deep diving into learning new and innovative technologies that help me and my team be able to provide cutting edge capabilities to the business.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

The reason I am involved in IGNITE is that I want to empower girls and women from all over the world and from every generation whether it be the new girls entering STEM to the women who strive to learn more. Girls and women need to know that they can be whatever they want to be if they have the passion and determination to accomplish whatever their heart desires.

I see IGNITE is a way to change the past, present and the future by promoting STEM for Girls and help them to prosper in various ways.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE has inspired and impacted us in many ways, one thing that stands out is the genuine and strong bias towards action to create a strong and powerful Impact for the community of smart girls in STEM.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I see IGNITE as a way to change the past , present and what comes next by promoting STEM for Girls and to help them prosper in various ways. My mindset to create a better community in which we would be able to connect and learn with the girls interested in STEM, and to start with creating programs where girls start at a younger age which makes them more comfortable and participate in activities related to STEM. With a positive output, more and more capable and smart girls can learn more about their potential.

BIO

Rosie Guillero is the VP of Ways and Means PTSA. Rosie Volunteers in the Bellevue school district. Cooperative and works with parents to support students learning and healthy development in school and at home. She has fostered team collaboration between students through group projects and programs. She helps and gives encouragement to boost cultural awareness by incorporating children’s literature from cultures around the world. Whom also leads and co-anchored various fundraisers for her daughter’s school district. She has helped immensely orchestrating all PTSA communication between parents, children and teachers.

The Present and what comes next > I have a young 12 year old daughter whom loves STEM and has gained confidence in her knowledge in what she’s learned and has been so happy to have the opportunity to now know that she was capable of things that used to be unknown to her. Though, it had come to my attention that STEM and the learning towards it has recently unpopular because of the peer pressure that makes it so. I truly believe that we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to forever change the minds of girls one by one and school by school around the globe.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

My twin brother and I have a younger sister. While we were both supported and thrived with technology from an early age, our younger sister wasn’t inspired to be involved with tech. While she has a brilliant mind and an amazing personality, before we knew it, she dropped out of college. Meanwhile her older brothers were successful entrepreneurs in tech and she was still searching.

Reflecting on the past, our sister did not have any female friends in tech. She was not inspired to be involved. Any human can be involved in technology and use technology to create change, but that person has to first be inspired. They have to want and believe they can be involved. Then they have to have a safe community to learn.

We believe a strong commitment to inspire students to pursue a career in technology will be the largest driver of positive change. IGNITE provides females wanting to become involved with STEM careers both inspiration and a safe community to learn. We are excited our missions are aligned to inspire females to get involved in tech.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

Women should not be a minority in the tech industry. Based on my twin brother’s and my college experience, we had a vision to create a safe space for women who are passionate about technology and innovation to connect, collaborate, and flourish. With an entrepreneurial mentality, we believed this unique approach would make the biggest impact bridging the gender gap in tech. With the generous support and energy of our fellow TUNE team members, together we created TUNE House.

TUNE House is a scholarship program for female undergraduate students pursuing computer science and information technology degrees at the University of Washington. TUNE house is designed as a community to promote a collaborative environment for women aligned in their effort to be innovative and outstanding leaders in the tech industry. We believe that in order to have an impact on the larger community in and around Seattle, it starts by these female scholars supporting and believing in each other, inspiring each other, and ultimately inspiring those around them.

Similar to the IGNITE Worldwide program, the female students in TUNE House and female TUNE engineers came together to launch the TUNE House Roadshow. The Roadshow shares their personal stories of what led them to pursue a technical degree, educational choices that helped them get where they are, mentors and influencers along the way, overall benefits of being in a technical career, as well as the challenges of being a female entering the tech industry.

Prior to middle school and high school students selecting their classes, the Roadshow visits the school and invites female students to hear their stories. The goal is to encourage and inspire these female students to choose to classes related to computer science. After two years of the TUNE House Roadshow, we continued to be thankful to have the opportunity to partner with INGITE and inspire females to become involved in tech.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY?

The coolest part about technology is that one actually does not need to study it in college to make a career out of it. If you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, it requires a college degree. Women do not need to apply to the UW, get accepted, get a degree in Computer Science and then they can eventually start their career in technology.

IGNITE encourages women to get involved with tech for STEM careers. They provide a safe community to inspire STEM education. As you think about your ability to inspire women to pursue a career in technology, remember that INGITE is the best partner to help.

The team at INGITE including Cathi Rodgveller is open to unique approaches to inspire women to get involved with STEM. Their willingness to support new ideas like our TUNE House Roadshow is remarkable and appreciated. They are truly committed to positive change.

My brother and I along with our TUNE family, challenge you to support IGNITE and inspire women to pursue careers in STEM.

BIO

Lucas and his twin brother Lee started their first businesses before entering high school in their hometown of Elma, WA. They quickly found this world suited them, and launched their first successful venture when they were sophomores attending Babson College in Boston, MA. Developing unique solutions for their own ad network, Lucas had the foresight to white-label their technologies to empower other businesses, and with that – TUNE was founded. As Chief Product Officer, Lucas leads agile product teams that strive to quickly meet the needs of an ever growing client base. As a founder, Lucas supported the company in the beginning, growing to profitability by 2010. Lucas’ expertise in complex business models, integrations, implementations, and his constant drive for innovation make him a cornerstone of this Seattle based startup.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I want girls to have the opportunity to explore, learn and pursue any field profession that’s inspiring to them. IGNITE provides the opportunities for these students to get the education and resources to make their dreams possible.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I love hearing stories from the girls about their goals and dreams. As adults, we sometimes forget to have lofty dreams or think that anything is possible. When you talk to a middle school or high school girl, she doesn’t think in “I can’t”. I want all women, young and old, to say “I can”.

WHAT VALUE DOES IGNITE WORLDWIDE PROVIDE FOR GIRLS?

IGNITE opens doors for girls. IGNITE brings girls together to learn about STEM programs in a safe environment so that they can ask questions, learn and explore topics that aren’t provided in a day-to-day classroom.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Come out and help! Every hour of your time helps these students learn more about STEM and helps them achieve their dreams.

BIO

I’m a driven Customer Success leader with over 10 years of experience building and growing strategic customer programs for B2B software and consulting companies. In Oct 2016, I joined Microsoft’s Cloud and Enterprise Marketing Team to improve the customer onboarding journey and acquisition strategy.

For four years at a Silicon Valley-based start-up called Hearsay Social, I led a team of top global account managers who coach, train and lead Fortune 500 financial services and insurance companies to sell socially. Because of Hearsay’s software and our Customer Success coaching, local users reported that they received over 40% of their referrals from social media and using Hearsay Social.

Additional experience includes running dozens of enterprise customer reference programs, telling customer stories through digital marketing, social media platforms, customer videos and written case studies.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Communication from the University of Portland, was an Entrepreneur Scholar in 2003-04 and am a certified Project Manager from CompTIA.

It’s not all work: In my free time, I run in races all over the country, make my own mustard, spend time with my new nephew and travel the world.

WHY AM I INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

IGNITE has inspired me by being an advocate for girls in STEM starting at an early age, and for creating an environment and forum to get them excited about tech.  There is so much opportunity in this field and it’s a great career option that is not pursued as much as it should be for women in general, and getting girls excited about it at an early age will help to change this.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

The wider community should know about IGNITE that it’s a great resource available to schools and the community to get more young women informed, engaged, and excited about STEM careers.

BIO

I currently serve as the IT Director serving the Merchandising and Co-op Brands business for REI, and have been with REI for three years.  Prior to that, I spent 23 years with Walmart Technology in Bentonville, AR, in many roles, progressing from Software Engineer on to Project Manager and IT Leadership.  REI has been the perfect career home for me, since I can combine both my love for the outdoors with my passion for building and delivering great technology solutions.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

As a former High Tech executive, I personally experienced the gender imbalance of those working in technology positions.  I was one of just a few dozen women at a Netscape conference in 1995 attended by a thousand people.  I was motivated to find a way to address this imbalance and help women discover how diverse and truly satisfying technology careers can be.  When I learned about IGNITE, I immediately recognized that IGNITE was the perfect way for me to make a difference and connect with young women while they are still at school and in the process of considering different career options.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

It is inspiring to attend presentations and to see girls’ eyes light up when they meet successful women in technology, as the girls realize “I CAN do this too.  I CAN work in tech, I CAN be successful”  It’s watching empowerment in action.

WHAT VALUE DOES IGNITE WORLDWIDE PROVIDE FOR GIRLS?

Girls above all need role models, often currently lacking in popular culture.  They need role model of female professionals succeeding in STEM jobs and as executives.  IGNITE provides exactly this.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY?

Simply that IGNITE is the most successful program of its kind because it is tried and proven and has already touched and inspired thousands of girls.  IGNITE is so well established as a best practice to achieve gender equity in tech that is being implemented not only at schools across the US but also in schools in Europe and Africa.

BIO

Larisa Goldin is Founder and CEO of Dreamclinic, Inc., Seattle’s premier facilities for therapeutic massage and acupuncture, with locations in Seattle and Redmond and corporate clients that include leading area employers like Boeing, Twitter and the Polyclinic.  Dreamclinic is a recipient of multiple industry awards including King5 Best of Western Washington, Best of Citysearch, Allure Magazine and Seattle Magazine.  Larisa is also co-founder of Find Touch, a nationwide Job Search website and community hub for the massage industry. Prior to founding Dreamclinic in 2003, Larisa held a succession of senior level positions in the high-tech sector, her last as Director of Program Management for 4thpass (acquired by Motorola in 2002).  Before that, Larisa was Group Program Manager at Concur (CNQR) in 2000 and Manager of Internet Systems for InstallShield Software Corporation in Chicago (1995-1999). In her mid-twenties, Larisa founded and later sold Zelcor – a St. Louis based company specializing in wholesale distribution of computer supplies.

Larisa is a frequent guest speaker at the University of Washington Business School as well as an annual judge for the University of Washington EMBA Business Plan Competition.  She is a former member of the Women Presidents Organization and a current member of the prestigious Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) where she also serves as a Forum Moderator. Larisa is IGNITE’s current Board Director.

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Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide? 

I believe that supporting girls in STEM improves lives, especially when our support gives voice to underrepresented populations. IGNITE recognizes the impact girls’ involvement in STEM has on families, communities and corporations. Through IGNITE’s great work, we can increase equity and inclusion of underrepresented girls in STEM and later, in the workforce. This is one way we can change the world for the better – for all.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

From childhood, boys and girls learn different approaches to language and communication and females engage in a communication style meant to promote social affiliation and emotional connection, while males engage in a style focused on exchanging information with little emotional import. The differences in metamessages result in misunderstandings. As girls grow into women, the language of conversation is primarily a language of rapport, a way of establishing connections and negotiating relationships … For most men, talk is primarily a means to preserve independence and negotiate and maintain status in a hierarchical social order. This society is built on language of men, white men. And for those of us who are women or other minorities, we struggle to navigate in the white man’s world – we do not speak white male. It is time we change the operating systems and level the playing field. IGNITE does this — and I find that VERY inspiring.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

Impacted by the quiet whispers of self-doubt coupled with the resounding voices of a white-male-dominated society gender inequity is normalized and feeds the way girls think, feel, act and believe about their role in the world. By the age of six girls and boys start absorbing sexist stereotypes around jobs for men and jobs for women. The whispers of self-doubt and fear become shouts and unless they are silenced, they are with girls as they become women and stay with them for life. Many girls do not have support to shut down those whispers much less the shouts. They pick up on signals that they are different and start taking small decisions about what is or what is not for girls; small decisions with big consequences. By the age of 13, that the confidence gap starts to show. IGNITE envisions a world where every girl has equal access to STEM education during their school day, so as they grow older, they are aware of STEM opportunities and they have the social and cultural capital to secure and thrive in a STEM career. IGNITE promotes economic equality and workforce development by cultivating a diverse pipeline of talent and supporting a sustainable future for girls and their families.

Bio

Susan’s mission and passion is helping women achieve workplace equity in professional environments created without them. Susan knows that to reach parity in the workplace and for individuals to have masterful communication styles and gravitas– both sexes need to understand and employ each’s communication style.  She leverages her vast communication, executive sales, and business development expertise to teach women the communication skills necessary to successfully navigate business organizations  built by men– and to help men appreciate how communications skills normally associated with women can propel them forward, as well as help them communicate effectively with women.  Susan is a masterful orator and trainer who enhances the communication skills of both sexes and improves the performance and culture of organizations.

Susan has worked with some of the most prestigious law firms and financial services institutions in the world. Susan is the co-author of the book, “THE ULTIMATE WOMEN ASSOCIATES’ LAW FIRM MARKETING CHECKLIST.” She has been published in California Lawyers Association and “The Art & Science of Persuasion” for “Legal Business World.” Susan also published an article in Mike O’Horo’s Rainmaker blog, “Good Questions Are More Powerful Than Any Answers.”

Susan’s work is focused on the academic research and major social scientists in the field. Susan was graduated with honors from Hawaii Pacific University with a Master of Arts degree in Communication and she was graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Political Science and Journalism, with a minor in Marketing. She also studied Marketing at Northeastern University in Boston. Susan has lived in Louisiana, Switzerland, Italy, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and now, California. Throughout her sojourns, she has developed a large, interconnected circle. Susan lives in the Bay Area.

Susan is currently the CEO of the Executive Institute on Inclusion and can be reached at susan@ExecutiveInstituteonInclusion.com.

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Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?

Because I was immersed in science at an early age and had opportunities to interact with females in STEM, I innocently believed that everyone had this opportunity as well. I came to realize that my experience was not typical. Girls need access to information about STEM careers and also need to see themselves represented so they know their dreams are achievable. I see the measurable impact that IGNITE has on girls. They have the chance to learn about and eventually contribute and lead in STEM, which will provide them with upward economic mobility. It is my privilege to serve IGNITE because of our shared value of equity and empowerment.

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

I am inspired by IGNITE’s fortitude and dedication to bring its programs to girls all across the globe. It’s worldwide outreach is ensuring that geographic location is not a barrier to girls who can benefit from panels and learning resources. Ghanaian intellectual, missionary and teacher James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey is quoted as saying “The surest way to keep people down is to educate the men and neglect the women. If you educate a man you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation. IGNITE inspires me because they are changing the world by championing gender equity so that whole nations rather than individuals will have access to STEM exposure and STEM education.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

It is no small feat that IGNITE has embarked on and yet since it’s inception it has shown dedication to growth and expansion. IGNITE is providing girls with a seemingly simple passage to a life that I know is fulfilling, empowering and of service. To the panelists who share their stories, challenges and triumphs, IGNITE creates opportunities to reach back and provide the same guidance and hope that helped them succeed.

Bio
Sandra Newman is a Consultant in Quality and Compliance for Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical companies. Her career begun as a Quality Control scientist with Cell Genesys and since then has worked in various quality roles for companies such as Qiagen, AstraZeneca and Novavax. Under her leadership she has positioned industry-leading companies to thrive in the face of change by devising strategies, processes, and training solutions that close performance gaps, amplify quality, and foster collaboration. She has an unwavering commitment to building compliance-focused teams and empowering them with the knowledge, drive, and confidence to succeed.

Sandra Newman grew up in the West African nation of Ghana. She participated in a science clinic for girls, where she met women with successful STEM careers and was inspired to pursue STEM herself. She is a mentor for WIB (Women in Bio) where she provides support for other women in their careers. She is also an adjunct instructor in Genetics.

In her free time Sandra enjoys reading, baking, decorating and spending quality time with family and friends.

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IGNITE Worldwide Shero Award Winner

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE ?

IGNITE aligns with our district goals of equity and access by positioning our scholars so they can do incredible things. Having the opportunity to participate in career tours, coding workshops, job shadows and other experiences allows our girls to see a future for themselves that would not have been possible.   Additionally, we are focused on disrupting patterns in which girls are not given the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

I am inspired by the opportunities that our scholars have been provided.  I know these type of learning experiences are game changers for our young people.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE ?

IGNITE is allowing FWPS to ensure our scholars have a bright future!

BIO

A passionate, transformational leader who builds a shared vision and strong collaborative relationships, Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell’s upbringing as young girl in the Louisiana Delta convinced her schools are “game changers” for students and communities. That awareness led her to accomplish many firsts in her family including high school valedictorian, first college graduate, and first doctoral student. At every milestone, she would reflect on her journey and the key people who lifted her toward her dreams. She came to realize those who shared her journey without fail were teachers.

Dr. Tammy Campbell brings over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, principal, executive director of teaching and learning, and executive director of instructional programs. Her experience includes a leadership role at University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership, and most recently, assistant superintendent for learning and teaching.

In her fourth year as superintendent in Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS), Dr. Campbell leads multiple efforts to improve achievement for ALL 23,000+ scholars. Through her leadership, graduation rates have increased to their highest levels ever, while most recently passing the largest construction bond of over a half a billion dollars.

Over the course of her educational career, she has framed her leadership approach so that student results are the focus, staff voice and empowerment are essential, authentic community and family partnerships support efforts, and data coupled with research-based practices are the guide to building systems of support and accountability.

Receiving her doctoral degree and superintendent’s certification from Washington State University, Dr. Campbell also holds a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, a principal certification from Eastern Washington University, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. Additionally, she attended the Harvard Institute for Superintendents. She has served as an adjunct professor in the principal and teacher certification programs at University of Washington, Washington State University, Seattle University and Gonzaga University demonstrating her commitment to growing future teacher and principal leaders.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BRING IGNITE WORLDWIDE TO YOUR SCHOOLS?

Our promise in Highline is to know every student by name, strength and need and ensure they graduate prepared for the future they choose. We cannot deliver on this promise alone, which is why our partnership with IGNITE is so important. Young women and girls need increased access to STEM pathways as well as professional role models who reflect their backgrounds to mentor them.  IGNITE provides that access by connecting Highline students to a network of phenomenal women who are leaders in STEM.  IGNITE also provides an array of accessible, engaging, robust career-connected learning experiences both in-and-outside of the classroom.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

Our student surveys beautifully tell the story of IGNITE’s impact.  We have had countless students report an increased interest in STEM careers and boost in self-confidence after participating in IGNITE events.  In addition, students have referenced many quotes shared by IGNITE speakers that resonated with them and inspire them to realize and reach their full potential.

ARE THERE ONE OR TWO PARTICULAR STORIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?

There are many, but here are a few that stand out: 

• At Evergreen High School’s Women of Color in Technology Symposium, the panelists provided tangible step-by-step plans to show our young women how they can become professionals in STEM.  One student shared she was struggling in math class and that she did not see herself “making it.” A panelist responded by highlighting the importance of believing in yourself, staying focused, always doing homework, asking teachers for help, and staying after school for additional support.  This advice motivated the student to keep moving forward as well as realize her own self-worth and potential to succeed. Another panelist expressed how critical it is for women of color not to allow doors to be closed on them. She encouraged all of the student attendees to push back and to never settle for less than what they want in their professional lives.  Every single student reported that she was inspired to do better in school after attending this event.

• More than 30 9th and 10th graders from Highline High School had the chance to attend IGNITE’s Microsoft tour. Before participating they were asked if they’d ever considered enrolling in an engineering or computer science class.  Most students shared they had not planned on doing so and hadn’t given it much thought.  After getting exclusive access to some of Microsoft’s most high-level projects and hearing from scientists and a panel of inspirational speakers, the sparks ignited! Students talked on the bus ride home about how excited they were for February when they get to enroll in classes.  One student remarked, “I never thought I would be into engineering but I am definitely going to take that class now.”

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE IMPACTED THE GIRLS IN GENERAL?

The impact is tremendous and priceless. IGNITE programming ensures that young women in Highline are aware of the many STEM career opportunities available to them.  It connects students to a network of influential leaders who can mentor and support them through their college and career journeys. Thank you IGNITE!

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

IGNITE is an incredible program that continues to transform aspirations and opportunities for our young women.  Not only are students and staff exposed to meaningful, innovative and endless possibilities and careers in the world of technology through IGNITE, they are also exposed to the inspiring stories and backgrounds from professionals in the field that model resilience, determination and risk-taking.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

After every IGNITE event, I’ve asked myself, “How can I make this happen for all of our scholars?” I’m inspired by the room full of over 100 fifth grade girls at the Microsoft campus that were collaborating over code with Microsoft staff.  I’m inspired by the high school group of girls at Deloitte working together to design and market a new app with Deloitte executives.  I’m inspired by the thoughtful questions from students and the vulnerability of professionals during each IGNITE panel.  In all of these instances, our young women are able to see and imagine a journey they would not have otherwise imagined, and they are treated as the contributing and capable human beings they are.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I would like the wider community to know that IGNITE is a program that breaks down barriers, it is a program model that we should be replicating and working toward providing to all of our scholars and it is a program that facilitates positive change through the culture of the school.  It has helped to spread a culture of responsibility, empowerment and support that will build the new generation of female leaders. The experiences provided from IGNITE are preparing female students to become responsible and confident citizens in a culturally diverse society.

BIO

Sammy Anderson is the Executive Director of College and Career Readiness for Federal Way Public Schools.  She received her BA in English and Government and completed her MA in Educational Leadership at Eastern Washington University.  She has been in education for 16 years, 14 of which were spent as an educator and administrator in Spokane, WA.  She taught English, Advanced Placement, Creative Writing, Debate, Leadership and ASB at Volunteers of America Crosswalk Teen Shelter School, John R. Rogers High School and North Central High School, where Sammy received the Spokane Teacher of the Year Award and a Spokane Chase Youth Award.

Sammy served as an Assistant Principal at Salk Middle School and Joel E. Ferris High School where she created personalized intervention programs that maximized the academic success of students while at the same time providing a number of social supports that led to significant increases in student achievement including: participation in Advanced Placement courses, students passing Advanced Placement exams, students with college ready transcripts, freshman on track rates, high school graduation rates and post-secondary enrollment rates for all students, particularly first generation college students.  Additionally, Sammy created a district and state recognized project based learning program that infused engaging and compassion focused teaching with technology innovation for at-risk youth through partnerships with mental health therapists, the Eastern Washington University Psychology Department, New Tech Network, Apple Computers and the Heart Math Institute.

In her current position with Federal Way Public Schools, she is overseeing K-12 Counselors, Career/College Specialists, Career and Technical Education and works with school principals and college and career readiness teams to implement a meaningful comprehensive K-12 college and career readiness system.  She is a leader dedicated to ensuring equitable access to privileged knowledge and opportunities for all students.  Sammy takes risks in leading innovative, intentional and meaningful programs, while exposing staff and students to cutting edge research and theory.  As an at-risk youth, Sammy dropped out of Joel E. Ferris High School at age 16 and found her path to success through resilience, determination, compassion and education.  She now resides in Federal Way and enjoys exploring the beautiful parks, trails and community with her husband and two children.

IGNITE Worldwide Champion Award Winner

Bethel School District has been working with IGNITE for several years now. This last year I worked closely with IGNITE to think through the process of a more intentional partnership. We started with two of our feeder middle schools working with our STEM teachers at our high school. Essential to our success was our Career Specialist helping to coordinate it all. Overall we were able to get even more girls involved in our field trips and participating in the panels. We know that this work and partnership with IGNITE is making a difference. IGNITE makes a difference because of their partnerships with so many amazing companies.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE IN YOUR DISTRICT?

I really believe that all students need exposure to non-traditional careers— first hand mentoring from professionals in careers.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

The biggest impact I have seen is in the computer science program areas. In schools that have access to IGNITE, there are more girls who are taking courses in computer science and engineering.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY?

I have had the opportunity first hand to see the time and effort that the staff at IGNITE, employers, and teachers commit to creating these worthwhile learning opportunities for students. They are exposed to strong, confident women in non-traditional industries in positions that spark the “I can”.

Why are you involved with IGNITE Worldwide?

IGNITE is a model of how to harness the power of women to change the future of science and tech, two of the biggest male-dominated fields impacting the entire globe (!) IGNITE helps us get young girls and female-identified youth out into the world exploring workplaces, careers and possibilities that they may have never considered before. Together we can focus on curiosity and exploration (fun) to work toward inclusion and visibility (the future).

How has IGNITE Worldwide inspired you?

IGNITE inspires me by just getting to the point. What’s the problem? A lack of women in STEM. What’s the approach? Women connecting with young women to turn the tide. It’s simple and effective.

What would you like our wider community to know about IGNITE Worldwide?

IGNITE is creating inroads and experiences to connect young girls and female-identified youth to careers in STEM. The approach is straight-forward and student-centered, but it is not the sole work of women to increase visibility and inclusion. If you work in STEM, especially if you are a man working in STEM, commit to hosting a group of IGNITE girls and let them know what’s up with women leading the work within your company or org. And then use whatever sphere of influence you have to ask your supervisors, interview teams and talent management/HR to set diversity hiring goals and make a real commitment to hire more women, lesbian/queer and trans applicants.

Bio

At her core, Emily Aldama is an educator and performing artist who believes in experiential learning and the magic of San Francisco. As Supervisor of SFUSD Career Pathways, Emily works to connect high school youth to lucrative employment. In her role, she leads the growth and expansion of high school career programs, staff/teacher development and financial resourcing to provide SFUSD’s diverse and talented youth an onramp to a career in San Francisco. Before leading the Career Pathways team, Emily was an arts teacher and college counselor. Because of these experiences, Emily brings a passion for design thinking, listening and creative problem-solving to teen education and workforce development. Emily received her B.A. in K-12 Arts Education and Spanish from Ball State University and obtained her Administrative Services Credential through UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE IN YOUR DISTRICT?
I requested to be Federal Way School Districts IGNITE Coordinator because I believe in the mission and vision of IGNITE.  Being a woman of color working in schools, I am aware of the data related to young women of color who are not being exposed to traditionally male dominated careers.  I am also passionate about exposing diverse young women to opportunities they may not have been exposed to that offer an opportunity to perhaps change their lives and the their families lives economically and perhaps change all of our lives by creating something innovative.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

IGNITE panels and Career Trips have impacted Federal Way School District scholars in so many ways.  The panels have provided an intimate setting for young women to see women that look like them doing meaningful and fulfilling work.  They also have the opportunity to ask questions – they may not feel comfortable asking a male.  Of course the young ladies are exposed to the careers, but one of the most powerful results has been the women’s empowerment that these young women get to experience.  The panels have brought up real life topics about overcoming adversity and women supporting women.

The Career Trips have often taken young women to Seattle and Bellevue – cities some may have never visited before.  Each trip we have been on included hands on training and interaction with a variety of women and positions.  Our scholars go away knowing that they can do anything if they are willing to put in the work.  Young women in our district are attending more coding workshops, challenging themselves to take higher level classes and just being more comfortable being a smart girl.

Federal Way School Districts partnership with IGNITE has provided hundreds of our scholars with exposure, mentoring, and hands on learning in the real world.  It has also ignited a fire – see how I did that – in hundreds of young women to push themselves, take advanced classes, take college courses, join a club and even in some cases start a club to prepare themselves for a career in technology.

ARE THERE ANY MEMORABLE STORIES ABOUT HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?

I would like to share the story of Brooklyn.  She is pretty and smart, but shy.  She gets good grades, but tends to keep to herself and may try to keep the fact that she is pretty and smart to herself to fit in better at her school.  Brooklyn attended the Digigirlz camp this summer at Microsoft.  She only attended due to my constant encouraging/nagging and I had her Mom helping me.  On the first day of camp on the bus, Brooklyn kept to herself, head down, ear phones in.  By the end of the day, she and the other girls were laughing and talking about the great experience they had.  Brooklyn was inspired by the other girls present, but also the Key Note Speaker Dona Sakar, who shared Brooklyn’s interest in fashion and technology.  Brooklyn decided to audition to walk in Seattle’s Fashion Week and was booked for a job.  She has also taken this confidence into taking more challenging classes and doing her best to prepare for a possible career as a medical doctor.

I have several girls to highlight, but would like to summarize then. I work at five different high schools in our district.  One school a week.  I have young women who have participated in an IGNITE panel event, career trip, or Digigirlz event waiting for me each week.  These young women are excited about their computer science classes, asking me to talk to their school counselors to get them in more challenging classes.  They ask me to make sure they are included in the next event.  Some have enrolled in Running Start to challenge themselves.  Some are getting scholarship offers to pursue degrees in Computer Science, some are starting and participating in coding clubs.  All of the girls have gained self-confidence and have been inspired to be their best self.  IGNITE is changing girls’ lives!

We have developed partnerships with some of the amazing IGNITE Panelists and companies.  Microsoft comes to our school district three times a year to teach coding classes.  Amazon has hosted scholars and taught coding and security workshops.  Amazon is also partnering to come teach interviewing and pre-employment training classes.  Microsoft will again provide a Digigirlz opportunity for 30 of our female scholars who would otherwise not be able to attend.

Thank you IGNITE!

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

Having identified the problems of girls in my community in regards to choosing future careers and phobias that the girls have for science, technology, engineering and mathematics based courses, and on how to contribute my effort to help in solving the problems, made me to do IGNITE.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE  HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

IGNITE, since its introduction in Nigeria, has had a positive impact on the female students and the women in my community.

The girls get the idea of self reliance, boldness, self confidence, a love for STEM careers, innovative styles of doing things, feeling the impact of successful women, the determination to succeed and not only to survive in their chosen career.

The girls are able to continue in the spirit of curiosity through IGNITE activities which include but are not limited to field trips, conferencing, workshops, job shadows, connecting girls with real women, mentoring, guidance and counseling.

IGNITE, an acronym for Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution have been inspiring girls to dream big and making it real for them.

ARE THERE ONE OR TWO STORIES ABOUT HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE  HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?

Really, Challenge abounds everywhere. And the love of seeing others succeeding, requires lots of sacrifice.

I grew up in the Northern Nigeria, where the female children, who outnumbered males, get little or no support for Western Education, not to even talk of securing a space for their choosing career.

My parents got three female children just after I was born in the 70s. I had very few girls as classmates while in primary and post-primary schools. The few girls I studied with were better in learning.

“Women tend to be more attentive, flexible and organized” = Christie G. 2013.

Again, I supported the quotation that says:

“If you teach a boy, you educate an individual; but if you teach a girl, you educate a community” = Greg Mortenson.

I have always looked for an opportunity to train girls. Where & How to do it had been an issue for me, until I got the opportunity in Seattle Washington, IVLP 2010 to attend an IGNITE workshop under the Chief Executive/ Director IGNITE worldwide, Cathi Rodgveller M.S. ED.  Her company was amazing. The IGNITE community in our neighborhoods- everyone volunteers. Everyone is closer and everyone kind of watches out for each other. It is just a better feeling. I learn about where to do IGNITE and how it is better done.

I see my loving Country, Nigeria, where IGNITE functions can have positive impact. IGNITE, thus, helps to give girls opportunities to associate with real women who have real jobs that are interesting, fun, and pay well.

My connection, with Chichi Okafor, IGNITE expert of Lagos-Nigeria, and Dr. Hassan of STEMGirls, Abuja-Nigeria further boosts my courage.

The challenges are that the good parents or guardians or schools are skeptical about leaving their daughters /girls in the hand of men, no matter the status or the background. And, as a man and school superintendent, I always find it tough in my community to convince and get acceptance of these custodians on behalf of the IGNITE girls.  Numbers of young women on the other hand in my community are not ready for the volunteering functions as obtainable in other African and Western world. This is a major concern, and I wish I get a young woman around me to take the challenge and take the lead to gain interest of the teaming number of girls. This is because girls glimpse themselves as innovators and entrepreneurs through stories of successful women who work and live in their communities. It is no doubt that when the women share their personal stories with the girls, sparks of curiosity, knowledge, hope, and possibility are ignited.

My community and the country at large need technological advancement programs. STEM careers and most importantly technologies are men dominated areas before now. The gap is so wide in terms of occupancy, and a need to fill the gaps with female experts is now and not later. Technical innovation requires diversity, and organized minds as found in young girls and women have a big role to play. Men alone cannot do it; hence, the culture of transparency in women alike will make it work better. All these and more include the campaigns of IGNITE.

IGNITE is a milestone in my life history.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE IN YOUR SCHOOL?

We were looking for an opportunity to provide resources and inspiration for the girls in our school. We realize that there’s a significant gender gap in students choosing STEM courses and careers and feel the need to increase the exposure to women in tech careers so the girls have role models and examples. IGNITE is the perfect organization providing that support.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

IGNITE panels and activities have instilled excitement in my female students. They are very excited about the interactions they have with women professionals and the stories they hear about their life and careers have motivated them to check out advanced courses in STEM subjects. Not only that, but the girls are  experiencing huge changes in their self-confidence and mindsets.

ARE THERE ONE OR TWO PARTICULAR STORIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE  HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?

IGNITE has helped a couple of  students actually decide on pursuing a career in STEM fields. They were unsure earlier but now feel motivated to go in that direction. One student in particular, had no idea that women have the kind of support available and that is in fact possible for a woman to become an engineer or data scientist. She’s blown away by the possibilities and is feeling excited about her future.

IGNITE Worldwide Best Practice Award Winner

I served as the school coordinator for the IGNITE program at an elementary school where we have minimal extra-curricular activities, especially surrounding STEAM. In offering the program as the school counselor, I had all 20 slots fill up immediately from my 4^th and 5^th grade girls. It was incredible to see high school scholars working as mentors with my younger girls to talk about career possibilities, female role models, and STEM job potential. During the first session, my scholars were in disbelief at the low percentage of women working in tech and that further emphasized the importance of IGNITE’s work and ability to promote future female STEM leaders. Not only was the program helpful in introducing coding and other aspects, but served as a leadership opportunity for some of our high school scholars who needed an additional outlet to demonstrate their skills and ability to connect with younger girls.

IGNITE and its mission allow my female scholars to dream big and gain exposure to a wide world of career opportunities traditionally off-limits to women. Our younger generation of girls is fierce, intelligent, and driven; attributes much needed for the future of the STEM field.  IGNITE helps to unite these high school and elementary aged girls in STEM exploration and education, and demonstrate that women are equally as capable of succeeding in Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology.

IGNITE Worldwide Best Practice Award Winner

IGNITE has filled an important gap for so many young women that have the skills needed to be successful in a STEM career, but most do not have the understanding of what is necessary to get them to that next level. The field trips and virtual panels have provided tangible insight for careers they’ve never heard of let alone thought of.  These opportunities have given them the guidance, confidence and the inspiration they need to take them out of their comfort zone and to dream of new opportunities.  The women that they have met through IGNITE are relatable and approachable.  This helps our young women to see that they too can pursue and enjoy a career in STEM.

IGNITE Worldwide Best Practice Award Winner

IGNITE opens doors, sparks a fire and passion within young women to reach their potential which might have otherwise been suppressed. It is like an extended peer group that fosters confidence and empowers women to follow their dreams and travel outside their box.

IGNITE Worldwide Best Practice Award Winner

I have had the pleasure to be a part of IGNITE for the past 2 years. It has been such an inspiring experience for all of my female and non-binary students, as well as myself, to learn, connect and engage with women in STEM careers and see the many possibilities out there in the world.

IGNITE Worldwide Best Practice Award Winner

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

Through every experience that I have had with IGNITE Worldwide, I see how much they value building genuine relationships. When you work in education, an essential component is your ability to create and maintain meaningful relationships with your students. Every person I have had the opportunity to work with through IGNITE has been genuinely invested in our students and recognizes the fantastic opportunity it is to connect with the next generation.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

It is easy nowadays to get caught up in a cynical worldview that can seem insurmountable. But working with IGNITE, I have had a chance to meet and engage with many powerful and positive people who are giving their time to connect with our scholars authentically. It is inspiring to watch my students light up and connect with other adults that they can see themselves in.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I think that it is vital that people know that while IGNITE is a STEM-oriented organization, there is more to their work than just that field. Students can make connections with people in these organizations that are doing impactful work in the areas of equity. My scholars that do not necessarily love their science and math classes are still able to see themselves in these companies because they are passionate about racial and gender equity.

BIO

I was born and raised in Denver, CO. I have mentored students at Renton High School and Auburn High School through the UW Dream Project. I graduated from the University of Washington – Seattle in 2018 with a BA in Education, Communities, and Organizations. I have been working at Todd Beamer for 4 years, two as an intern while in college.

IGNITE Worldwide Best Practice Award Winner

One highlight of my job this year was working with the IGNITE after school program at our elementary schools and seeing the faces of the young ladies light up as they engaged in STEM activities.  It was inspiring to watch as they gained confidence and leadership skills through the STEM activities that will help them be successful in school as well as their post-secondary aspirations. I am grateful to be supporting an exceptional program that is building our next generation of STEM leaders!

IGNITE Worldwide Best Practice Award Winner

My experience with IGNITE has been rewarding, educational, and insightful. Being able to partner with an organization that is opening up a platform for young ladies to experience and hear amazing stories of how women are making remarkable achievements in STEM fields. I care about the IGNITE mission because our female students are being introduced to different STEM career choices and opportunities to meet and build relationships with women that look like them. IGNITE shows are young girls women in STEM is evolving and they are the future.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE AT YOUR SCHOOL?

I decided to lead IGNITE because it provided an opportunity for young women, especially young women of color, to be exposed to careers in the STEM fields. For these young ladies to see women that look like them, who are shattering the glass ceiling with positions and roles that are shaping our world today, it is awesome and life changing.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

IGNITE has had a positive influence on my students. It has given my young ladies even more focus, determination, and hope about where they want to go to school and what their career pathways will be.

ARE THERE ANY MEMORABLE STORIES OF HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS HAD AN IMPACT?

The 2017 Women of Color in Technology Symposium we had here at Evergreen High School was one of the most special ones we have had; I was very much impressed with the level of engagement my students, who ranged from 9^th-12^th grade, showed. They were  fired up and motivated about seeing these women of color in positions of power, who were leaders, innovators, and world shapers.  My students could not help but be engaged and empowered when they left because of how these panelist shaped their perspective on women in the STEM field.

WHY ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I have been involved with IGNITE in various capacities for over a decade. What keeps me involved with IGNITE is seeing the success stories of every young lady as they progress through school, the IGNITE program, and enter higher education and careers in STEM. Through my role at Seattle Central College, I want to be sure the students know about the opportunities available in STEM education at community colleges.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE inspires me every day! When I am able to mentor or advise women through their computer science and information technology education or blossoming careers, I think of the impact IGNITE has had on so many young girls and this inspired me to do the same.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I am constantly speaking about the IGNITE program to community partners and parents. The dedication and commitment of thousands of volunteers to support IGNITE’s mission of broadening participation of young women into the computer technology fields is incredible. The young women find their bright future with IGNITE.

BIO

Lisa Sandoval holds a Bachelor in Computer Science and an Med in eLearning and Instructional Design. She has been working at Seattle Central College since 2003, starting as a Program Coordinator for the IT Programs and is currently the Interim Associate Dean for STEM. She has worked with IGNITE for 11 years, in various capacities such as Board Member and Chapter Administrator at Seattle Central. She liaison’s with National Center for Women In Technology for the past 6 years to bring to the forefront issues around community colleges and our students to broaden participation of women and under-represented populations in computer science and information technology. She has worked with the Seattle chapter of The LINKS and StemPaths Innovations to provide a location to teach robotics, mobile development, and 3d printing to middle and high school women of color.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE AT YOUR SCHOOL?

At my school we had an Ignite​ club, but I decided to take on the club myself since I wanted the leader of the club to inspire girls to be lead by a girl!  I think the best way to show girls what they can do is to lead by example.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

I will never know the full impact of what IGNITE has done for my girls over the length of their careers and lives, but I do see many signs that indicate the short term impacts.  I have had girls get to do things that they never would have imagined, from climbing inside of a bridge, to going to meet Engineers in Washington DC, to going behind the scenes at Facebook, and the girls are really wowed and excited! They are constantly telling me that they want to work at all these places!

ARE THERE ANY MEMORABLE STORIES ABOUT HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?

I recently received an email from a parent, saying  “{her daughter} and her friends talk about how much the field trips are expanding their horizons.” This young lady goes to all my events and is so quiet that I would never have known the impact that it was having with her if not for her mom forwarding this message to me. She is only a freshman, so there is still so much that I get to show her and time is on her side to see where it takes her.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE AT YOUR SCHOOL?

I first started working with IGNITE when our Career Center Specialist was leading it. I had a great rapport with our young mothers at our school and felt they could be very impacted by understanding the opportunities available to them with a background in technology.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

They have their eyes opened and their minds blown to the possibilities that await them. I think it is so valuable for them to truly see firsthand where technology is going and the path that it has lead women in our community.

ARE THERE ANY MEMORABLE STORIES ABOUT HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?

At the last Boeing trip we went to it was especially impactful for our teen parents that I brought to hear the story of the teen mom who was so successful in Boeing. It was amazing to hear them speak about themselves as they really COULD see themselves in that company, being that successful and having the opportunities from working hard in the field of technology.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE AT YOUR SCHOOL?
I was actually attracted to IGNITE base on the platform that a lot of woman who had made remarkable achievements on the Field of STEM, and having listened to their success stories, I was challenged to improve myself. It has also motivated me as a driving force to encourage young upcoming girls to pursue a career in science and technology.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?
IGNITE has really impacted the life of my female students in the area of career choice, initially, girls in my school shy away from science and technology related field of studies in their senior secondary school 1, 2 (equivalent of year 10 and 11), but after listening and having participated in IGNITE programs as it is always held in my school, in IGNITE Club activities, their earlier assumptions that such courses are mainly reserved for the male folks has dropped. Now many of them offer engineering and technology careers courses when they left for Polytechnic and Universities, and they are doing great in their new Institutions.

There is a particular student from my school by name AISHA Abdullahi; when she was admitted in my school, and from her junior class she prefer to be humanities department but as time goes on, especially after IGNITE was inaugurated in my school in 2011, she joined IGNITE Club and she has never failed to attend series of programs being organized by IGNITE and these really changed her perception and love for STEM- SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS fields. Presently Aisha is taking a degree program in engineering, which she will be rounding up by August this year, 2018 by God’s grace.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I like the idea of a STEAM-focused program specifically for young women. While in high school, my daughter enrolled in computer science classes and frequently was one of 1-3 female students among 40 males. IGNITE gives these young women the opportunity to see successful women thrive in male-dominated industries. At Aki Kurose Middle School, a Rainier Valley Title I School, we participate in field trips and host guest speakers of color through the IGNITE program.

DESCRIBE A TIME IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

Last spring, I accompanied 23 female students to SAP Concur in Bellevue. Concur rolled out the red carpet for our girls, providing a building tour, Virtual Reality exercises and hosted a forum in which 6-8 women discussed their education, career challenges and successes. The girls were impressed with their stories of overcoming adversity. The students commented that they were surprised that they shared many of the same insecurities and could identify with the stories. They now realize that they have more in common with these women, where before they felt they had many differences.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OUR WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE AT YOUR SCHOOL?  

Our young women, especially our young women of color, need to be exposed to what their future could look like. IGNITE offers meaningful career trips for our young women to attend.  They are thoughtfully planned and always well executed.  I know from experience that it takes more time to prepare career partners for working with teenagers than it takes me to prepare teenagers to go on these trips.  I really appreciate IGNITE being the middle– bridging the gap between industry and education.  If companies want to recruit diverse talent, they need to start young.  This is something IGNITE gets.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

Earlier this year we took a group of young women to Microsoft to learn about hardware.  For the first time in three years, and after having planned over 40 field trips, I had every student show up for this trip.  The wait list was so long that I could have brought two buses full of young women. The reputation these trips have with students at Highline runs deep.  These trips are fun!  They are interactive, educational and inspire our students to do better in school.

ARE THERE ANY MEMORABLE STORIES ABOUT HOW IGNITE HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?

For some reason the word ‘STEM’ scares a lot of students away without them knowing anything about it. IGNITE trips and guest speakers change this.  These trips offer students a chance to see what they CAN do and what their future CAN look like.  Students often don’t know what their options are so seeing these opportunities in a real-world setting, with role models that look like them helps them envision their future.
Student quotes:

“I am more interested in the STEM field because the things and the people do seem really cool”

“The panel during and after lunch made me feel not alone in being a girl in a male dominated career.  It also inspired me and made me feel like I can do anything I want”

“This event inspired me to try different things and always try to do my very best”

“The women gave stories of how they got where they are and they all come from different backgrounds. It was motivating.”

IGNITE is an acronym name for inspiring girls now in technology evolution. The IGNITE CEO and Founder has done a very wonderful job towards inspiring courage to our girls’ minds away from being inferior to their fellow students, especially the boys. Removing fear of unknown from their abilities and unlimited aspiration in life to become great minds and role models for their fellow girls both younger and older.

As a member of IGNITE and a matron through Mr. Abdulraheem Abdulhakeem, the IGNITE Katsina Coordinator. An able minded, courageous and motivator who always tirelessly drives the message to the doorsteps of our students. We have work with sincere determination towards the aim and objectives of IGNITE. Founder Cathi Rodgveller helps us encourage girls across the states and it yields positively.

My story- I am a woman who loves to encourage younger ones to come up and reach greater height without entertaining fear or feeling inferiority complex before their colleagues. Moving around schools, colleges and other relevant places has helped to contribute immensely in producing able leaders of tomorrow who study sciences, engineering courses and others that are relevant to technology evolution.  Knowledge is known as power, and anyone that squires modern knowledge in evolution has not only built in herself but for the future generation.  As an educator, it gives me abundant joy to see girls being at the top of affairs. I presently supervise seven states in the North West zone, for all to know their rights and responsibilities. It is not an easy task, but I found it easy because it gives me happiness to educate and uplift others, and with the help of modern devices in technology it is very easy to get across to necessary and relevant bodies and places. Sharing experience is very helpful to our girls as it serves as motivation to inspire them to be great in society, nation and the world.

They grow up to occupy notable seats and contribute quotas to the policies of government and better the life of all. In engineering, sciences, software, developing, health, and what have you! They are there, with knowledge of STEM.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE AT YOUR SCHOOL?

I joined IGNITE as an educator because they were creating meaningful opportunities and experiences for girls to explore the field of STEM – a field in which women are under-represented.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

IGNITE programs help to change the landscape of STEM for girls – building supports and access for them to begin imagining their future in STEM.  For many, even if they were interested in STEM-related fields, they may not have known that it was a possibility for them to access those fields.  IGNITE has helped to create a bridge for those students through their programs and mentorship from women in STEM.

ARE THERE ANY MEMORABLE STORIES OF HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS HAD AN IMPACT AT YOUR SCHOOL?

Recently I had the opportunity to take a group of 40 high school girls to Microsoft for a career exploration site visit.  For some of the girls this was the first time that they had the opportunity to hear from women in technology and learn how to code.  One student in particular came to the trip not knowing if computer science was something she could even do – she was intimidated by the idea but curious enough to still come on the trip.  Being able to engage in coding activities and get support from Microsoft professionals who helped her walk through the coding activities was really empowering for her.  She began to imagine and believe that she too could have a successful career in the technology field.  She left the trip feeling excited and empowered.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE IN YOUR SCHOOL?
I feel fortunate that IGNITE found me, through the work that I do. I’ve decided to continue to partner with IGNITE because our girls (particularly girls of color) need to see women in tech that look like them. There is endless research around mentoring and the power of relationships to elevate aspiration. IGNITE is in the business of elevating aspiration for all girls; and so am I.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?
I think the biggest impact for our girls has been hearing from panelists about their reality—the triumphs and the struggles—but hearing that it’s possible. I’ve had countless students come to me after an IGNITE event and tell me about how the journeys they heard either validated their own, or inspired them to reroute. Particularly in the Pacific NW, STEM is tangible, it’s something they see and hear daily – from Boeing to Amazon, Microsoft to endless start-ups… but the images remain predominately cis male. IGNITES impact is that it challenges that narrative by presenting the alternative, in the flesh.

ARE THERE ONE OR TWO PARTICULAR STORIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?
I have too many stories! Here are our recaps from last years’ events…. They have a few nuggets ?

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE AT YOUR SCHOOL?
The mission of IGNITE is what inspired me to join IGNITE. It gives our female students (especially students of color) who have faced challenges the chance to see a brighter future through STEM and meet women in the various fields.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?
Before IGNITE, our female students had not had the opportunity to see and meet successful women in STEM careers. However, after the first field trip the students shared how they felt supported by these professional women who were truly dedicated to their work and encouraged the girls to consider STEM fields in their post-secondary education. This energized the students to focus on their classes because now they could see paths to successful careers in STEM which provide more than a living wage.

ARE THERE ANY MEMORABLE STORIES OF HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS HAD AN IMPACT ON A PARTICULAR GIRL?
One of our students stepped up to be the leader in the group during our field trips and now arrives at school first for field trips. Her attendance has improved and she encourages her peers to do their school work. After a panel member shared this mantra, “Don’t decrease your goals but increase your efforts,” she felt inspired to share this with her peers. She had never considered STEM as a career, but after meeting panel members who have shared their work, cultural background and life experiences, it inspired her to look into STEM careers.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY?
IGNITE has introduced our female students to the possibility of what STEM careers have to offer.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LEAD IGNITE WORLDWIDE AT YOUR SCHOOL?

It offers great opportunities for students to visit job sites and meet people who have interesting stories to tell about their career journey in the STEM industry. Some sites have also provided job shadow opportunities or a chance for students to work in collaborative groups to innovate and problem solve an issue that the company is facing.

WHAT IMPACT HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAD ON YOUR FEMALE STUDENTS?

They get really excited about their future opportunities after their IGNITE events. They make the connection between school and work and the key to success: apply yourself, grab opportunities, show up and work hard.

ARE THERE ANY MEMORABLE STORIES OF HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS HAD AN IMPACT AT YOUR SCHOOL?

I love listening to their stories on our bus ride home. It opens their eyes to the job possibilities, giving them hope for their future. Our group has been student-led this year. One of my students has taken this on for her senior project. She is organizing the field trips, recruiting students, designing flyers & bulletin boards, and collaborating with IGNITE to have a panel come and speak at our school. Inspiring students to take the lead and apply themselves now is a strong message that we hear from the professionals through IGNITE.

BIO
I am a high school junior at Interlake High School. I am passionate about taking STEM to girls, with the two non-profit organizations that I co-founded. Outside of school I am either building robots, conducting programming workshops, or dancing. I enjoy dancing and teaching Bharatanatyam, which is an Indian classical art form.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE?
IGNITE shares my passion for bringing technology to girls. IGNITE always encourages me to go beyond boundaries and has given me multiple opportunities to make a difference in my community. I truly admire the passion and dedication of the IGNITE team. Working with IGNITE has made me learn new things and challenge myself. IGNITE has helped me to take my STEM curriculum and board game to multiple schools in Federal Way school district. Each member is so enthusiastic and welcoming to young girls like me.

HOW HAS IGNITE INSPIRED YOU?
IGNITE has inspired me to follow my dreams and not limit myself. It has empowered me to meet and teach many young girls. I have conducted workshops and shared my story in IGNITE panels. It is extremely fulfilling to see the smiles on their faces and it motivates me to continue working towards my goals.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE?
IGNITE is unique in how it takes the opportunities to girls in under-served communities, working hard to create thousands of first generation Engineers. IGNITE helps so many girls to grow into independent young women, having their own careers, not just in technology. It takes a lot of selflessness and dedication to grow into an organization like this, and the volunteers are a true testimony of how many hearts IGNITE has touched.

I wish to share my story with IGNITE Worldwide to other IGNITE members all over the world.

IGNITE has inspired me to be computer literate, with computers being a major tool in today’s education and seeing older girls who are highlight computer literate in their achievements. IGNITE is a very helpful program, in terms of education and career. As we all can see, in today’s world is computer literate and leading to greater discovery and using technology evolution to a greater level. It is mandatory regardless of what discipline or area of study. I have been helped and inspired by IGNITE to study industrial chemistry. Science and engineering studies and fearful to many students, but with IGNITE, the confidence is built up to pursue meaningful careers and to be successful like older girls and IGNITE matrons in Katsina. Hajia Muibat Taiwo and Mr. Abdulraheem Abdulhakeem always encourage us with motivational talks as well as seeing successful women within the society.

IGNITE has always succeeded in inspiring girls. I now have great confidence that wherever I am, I can stand up on my own in terms of technology and encourage other girls. IGNITE is very inspiring especially with the knowledge that other girls share. Before I found myself to be a member of IGNITE, I used to be scared of science courses and technological aspects, but I have been inspired to be bold, courageous, and moving toward my career as I study and research to understand through use of technology devices.

WHY YOU ARE INVOLVED WITH IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I first became involved with IGNITE after attending a panel in my sophomore year of high school and from there it pushed me to not be afraid of STEM or challenges. IGNITE has also become the reason I decided to be more involved in coding and pursue computer science as a serious career. They showed me the opportunities and support I had, giving me the confidence to be where I am today. It excites me to know and see all the doors they open for young girls like me who are trying to figure out what they want to do and how to do it.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE has inspired me to expose myself to STEM related opportunities such as robotics, coding, or engineering. I want to share these experiences with other girls whether they are interested or not because I realize it is important for them to be aware of the possibilities that are out there in STEM. IGNITE has also inspired me to break the stereotypes and misconceptions girls may see about STEM. Although it does require a lot of hard work and dedication, it is still a creative field that is very rewarding in the end.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE WIDER COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE?

I want the wider community to know how giving and selfless of a company IGNITE is. They truly care about their mission to educate and empower girls who want to learn and explore not just STEM, but a future for themselves. They give more than just dreams. IGNITE offers experience, exposure, and education for all girls they reach, which I know is growing day by day.

BIO

I am a high school student at Thomas Jefferson High School who is also doing Running Start to obtain an Associate of Science in Computer Science degree. Later I plan to go for my Bachelors in Computer Science at a four year university and work with amazing people in STEM. When I am not coding I am either outside running or inside painting and reading.

My name is Praises Orji and I am a rising senior at Thomas Jefferson High School and I am so happy to be here!

As a child I remembered the lack of exposure the STEM Fields had in regards to women. I remember watching TV and seeing how the scientist, hackers, technicians, and all these amazing jobs and roles always seemed to always be played by male leads.

Growing up with this one sided story I never really saw myself ever being interested in any of the STEM Fields.

During my sophomore year in high school I had the opportunity to be a participant of the IGNITE program. While their I made many connections and I heard many stories that inspired me to relook the STEM Fields and see if it could be the right choice for me.

Due to the help of the IGNITE program I was able to not only confidently apply to the Microsoft High School internship but also get it. I am currently working as an IT intern at Federal Way Public Schools and during the summer I have the honor of working at Microsoft my Senior year.

With this being said I would like to thank the IGNITE program for allowing me to finally experience the full narrative of the STEM

Burton HS, Class of 2017

My name is Lauren Tang and I graduated from Burton High School in 2017. IGNITE was brought to my high school in my junior year when my female physics teacher passionately fought to provide more exposure for young girls to STEM fields and careers. The first IGNITE event I participated in was a panel of women with successful careers who had great inspirational and encouraging stories for the young girls in the room. Following this panel, I continued to be involved with various IGNITE events including field trips, site visits, and more panels. Seeing so many women find success in every different kind of STEM career, these events continued to help shape my understanding of my interests and passion and allowed me to build a tentative plan of my future in STEM with courage and motivation.

Presently, I am attending Princeton University pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. I have learned to be more confident in my abilities to take on very technical classes and a STEM heavy course load.

IGNITE has showed me that there is a world of possibility when it comes to what career I can have. I am studying Computer Science in school, but my interests spans much more. Next summer, I will be interning at Google to explore how my technical skills can be applied to useful problems in the world. I am excited to see what the future holds and where I will go next.

I am thankful to IGNITE for its influence on me, providing me with exposure to a variety of STEM career possibilities as well as insight into how I might pursue my passions. I know IGNITE has provided similar enrichment to other girls and with more support, I hope the work that IGNITE does and the impact it has continues to grow for many future generations of girls.

Chief Sealth Int HS, Class of 2012

My name is Shigeko Calos-Nakano, I graduated from Chief Sealth International High School in 2012 and am a proud IGNITE alumni. On the surface, it looks like IGNITE’s goal is to encourage these young women, to pursue a career in STEM because of the lack of women in the industry today. But if you look a little closer, the impact on these young women is much greater than that. You’ll find that these students are inspired to pursue whatever their passion is regardless of the barriers they think is in front of them, and discover that a career in STEM can help them accomplish that passion. Speaking out of experience, IGNITE not only connects students to resources to explore different fields and opportunities, but to other women with stories that proves a little bit of curiosity and a lot of guts to ask ‘why’ can make all the difference. Because of my experience with IGNITE, I proudly work for a software company in the healthcare industry. On behalf of all the alumni, thank you for supporting the endless work IGNITE strives to provide and expand for these young

WHAT ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE inspired me to be more comfortable being a smart girl.  It also showed me career opportunities that I had never considered before.  I have gained confidence to try new things and have been trying new things. I got the opportunity to go to Digigirlz at Microsoft and was blown away by all of the smart and strong women and girls in the room. Dona Sakar, a key note speaker at Digigirlz, really encouraged me that it was OK to have different passions and to purse them at the same time.  I have since gained the confidence to model in Seattle’s Fashion Week and to apply for a summer camp for minorities who are interested in Medical Careers. I am interested in possibly becoming a doctor.

WHY DO YOU THINK IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS IMPACTED THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT A CAREER CHOICE?

It made me feel more confident about my career choices.  It has empowered me to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to me to explore and prepare for my future interests.  Before I would have thought I may not be smart enough or I may not fit in. Now I go in boldly knowing I can do it.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE IMPACTED YOUR CHOICES ABOUT WHAT CLASSES TO TAKE? OR ABOUT SCHOOL IN GENERAL?

I am now taking more challenging classes and participating in clubs and coding classes that will help me be prepared for life after high school.

HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE IGNITE WORLDWIDE PROGRAM?

I am thankful that Ms. Charissa encouraged me to participate in IGNITE Panels, Field Trips and Digigirlz.  In IGNITE I discovered other smart girls and found that it is OK to be intelligent and to try new things. I have been inspired by every woman I have met and know that if I have a question or am struggling that there is a network of IGNITE women who will support me.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?

IGNITE has inspired me to be computer literate.  And, computer being a major tool in today’s education sector, I feel more honored seeing me, my friends and older girls working together in my classroom. I am happy to be connected by IGNITE with professional women who are highly computer literate and hearing about their achievement make me more inspired.

WHY IS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HELPFUL FOR YOUR CAREER EDUCATION?

IGNITE is a very helpful program in my education career. As we all can see in today’s world of technology. Computer knowledge is leading a greater discovery and taking world to another greater level. It is mandatory regardless of what discipline area of study. I have been helped and inspired by ignite to study Industrial Chemistry. Science and Engineering studies are fearful to many students but with IGNITE the confident are built up.  Abdulhakeem, always encourage us with motivational talks as well as seeing successful women within the society.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HELPED YOU GAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF?

IGNITE has always succeeded in inspiring girls. I now have great confidence that wherever I find myself, I can confidently stand out to be the best. IGNITE is very inspiring especially with the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics knowledge that other girls who are members shared to one another. Before I found myself to be a member of IGNITE, I used to be scared of Science and Technological courses. But now I got inspired to be bold, courageous and up doing toward my choosing career. I huge every other girls to study hard and embraced STEM field careers.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE INSPIRED YOU?
Obviously, IGNITE has not only inspired me but has also inspired great loyalty in me. IGNITE has inspired me on how to lead my life with more fulfillment and impact. It has also inspired me on how to live happily with people around me.

WHY IS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HELPFUL FOR YOUR CAREER EDUCATION?IGNITE has being helpful for me because it has counseled me on what career to choose after my present class of senior secondary school 2 (SSS2). IGNITE has also created an opportunity to spark girls’ excitement about technology careers and inspire them to new possibilities. In my school, Mariamoh Ajiri Memorial Int’l Katsina, and among my classmates, the interest for computer sciences and engineering career is on the increase. All that IGNITE has being doing is for the benefit of everyone and not only for young girl like me but for the male counterparts. All presentations in my school’s IGNITE Club activities drive a notion that we may find it easier when choosing a future career. For one to suggest a career, one has to be successful in knowing who s/he is, ones values and passion. Being with IGNITE, creates opportunity to choosing careers wisely.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HELPED YOU AGAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF?
As a senior student in my school, IGNITE has honoured and strengthened me with good qualities in order to gain more confidence as I prepare for higher institution soon. IGNITE groom us to be leaders of tomorrow. And despite being a female, I am looking forward to be the President of Nigeria.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE TO HELP OTHERS UNDERSTAND WHY THE PROGRAM WORKS FOR GIRLS?
The other main thing I want to share about IGNITE is that IGNITE has played a very good role in helping girls. IGNITE enlighten girls whether in rural or urban areas and even worldwide on the importance of education. This aspect is very important. Girls need to know who they are, what they want, what they have, what they can do, and their dreams, to mention but a few. How do you expect a girl to exercise on these things without counselling? Obviously, that can never happen, a girl needs to be counselled and guided rightly. Apart from all listed above; IGNITE also help in exposing girls to different female experts, and understanding about ideas of places. Each time I use the computer to the IGNITE website, I see girls like me, and it gives me joy to experiences girls in other places.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW IGNITE WORLDWIDE HAS MADE AN IMPACT IN YOU?

Ava:  Going to Microsoft and participating in IGNITE was a really fun, educational, and amazing experience. Before I went on the field trip I didn’t want to pursue computer science or coding as a career. But now I think it’s really something I’d like to try.

Ava’s Parents: Ava always has fun on field trips, but the IGNITE trip to Microsoft was the first time Ava had a chance to visit and learn firsthand about a company. She knew of Microsoft but said she never really thought of it in terms of the people that work there. She really enjoyed seeing the campus and thought the women of Microsoft were really cool and friendly. The experience got her thinking about her future — thinking if someday maybe she could work for Microsoft.

IS THERE A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Ava:  Before I went to Microsoft and heard the IGNITE panel, I never wanted to do anything with computer science or coding. I never thought I could do it because I wasn’t that good at coding. But one of the panel members story about how she didn’t know anything about coding and decided to just try it, really got me thinking that I didn’t have to be super good at it or know a lot about it, to just try coding. Now I think it’s something that I’d want to do.

Ava’s Parents: One story Ava shared changed her point of view on coding. Ava said that before visiting Microsoft, she didn’t have much interest in coding. She was a bit intimidated because she doesn’t know much about it. However, she was inspired, when during a panel discussion a panel member said she didn’t understand anything about coding before giving it a try. Now Ava inspired to learn coding.

WHY IS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HELPFUL FOR YOUR CAREER EDUCATION?

IGNITE has motivated me greatly. Being a girl, and able to be connected to the successful women anytime we have IGNITE functions. I shared in their personal stories. I equally appreciate Hajia (Mrs.) Binta Hamisu Tafashiya, a Senior lecturer of mathematics. Her presentation in one of IGNITE gathering made me to have love for Mathematics, and I have started developing choice of career in Mathematic.

HOW HAS IGNITE WORLDWIDE HELPED YOU GAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR YOURSELF

I started to develop confidencewhen I seek for counseling with the IGNITE coordinator in my school, Miss Hafsat Dambo, and she told me to keep working hard, that I can make it. And I started to believe in myself. When I went for a competition and qualified for the next round of Olympiad Junior Science I felt happier, perhaps IGNITE does great in my life.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT IGNITE WORLDWIDE TO HELP OTHERS UNDERSTAND WHY THE PROGRAM WORKS FOR GIRLS?

I will like to tell the girls in community, and most importantly the girls in my school and IGNITE club that with good knowledge of science and technology we can do better in our future careers  

Franklin HS, Class of 2017

I joined IGNITE my sophomore year of high school expecting to learn about why the tech field is the way to go. What I ended up gaining was far more valuable. IGNITE not only exposed me to various careers in the STEM field but it also showed me that I had options, that there was no set path that I had to take in order to be successful. It showed me that I have the power to break down the barriers that were placed to keep us from that success. IGNITE allowed me the opportunity to make connections with inspirational women who were willing to commit their time to sharing their knowledge and experience with us, helping me change the way that I viewed my future.

Bethel High School, Class of 2015

I came to an IGNITE luncheon event as a sophomore in high school, with an open mind and not really sure what I wanted to do when I graduated from Bethel High School. One of the engineer presenters who spoke at the event sparked an interest for me.  I soon enrolled in engineering and power sports equipment courses at school. I took an interest in the high school robotics team and in my senior year became President of the club. At the end of my junior year, I applied for a paid Boeing internship and was selected. I spent an exciting and educational summer as an intern at Boeing in the Skin and Spar department. This internship helped me to make the decision for my post high school plans which included an apprenticeship at Boeing as a college student, and college to earn a Mechanical Engineering Degree. I graduated with honors from high school in 2016 and was offered a full time position at Boeing.  While working, I am currently taking college courses to fulfill my goal as a mechanical engineer. I continue to volunteer in the Bethel School District. I am now one of the IGNITE presenters and I assist with the district wide robotics competition at the Bethel Tech and Art Fair each year and will do so again this year. I am so happy to have met IGNITE 5 years ago!

Spanaway Lake HS, Class of 2005

IGNITE helped to foster my interest in technology and gave me a glimpse into an exciting future with unlimited possibilities. Meeting successful, real women who shared their journeys and struggles helped embolden me to also make a career out of technology. Today, I’m very proud of where I am in my career and am thankful for what IGNITE does to inspire girls in technology; just like it did for me!

Franklin HS, Class of 2004

I remember my 1st reaction to hearing about IGNITE while at Franklin High School… EXCITMENT! Ms. Cathi was so warming and accommodating, she made sure that we felt welcomed and that we were involved in everything. This was one of my 1st opportunities to see life out side of my community and be exposed to women working in technology that I wasn’t aware of, I learned that day that women could do anything men could do and that they were doing it. That was inspiring to me, the empowerment stuck with me and I gained knowledge and life long relationships along the way. I feel privileged to be apart of such a great group and look forward to seeing its progression.”

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