On January 30, 2025, students from Rudsdale High School participated in an exciting In-Person Career Symposium, featuring an inspiring IGNITE Panel of accomplished women in STEM: Sybille Roth, Associate at Salter; Natasha Nogueira, Senior Space Systems Engineer at Planet Labs PBC; and Anusha Musunuri, Senior Data Scientist at Snap, Inc.
Throughout the event, students engaged with the Panelists, learning about their diverse career paths and the skills that got them to where they are today. One of the standout moments came when students asked bold, practical questions about topics like compensation, prompting an open and honest conversation about salaries, career growth, and how different roles and industries can shape earning potential.
The Panelists shared personal insights on navigating STEM careers, encouraging students to pursue their interests, explore various paths, and embrace opportunities—even the unexpected ones.
“This event inspired me because it made me feel like I could make it in the future. The panelists motivated me to do better things for myself, and I liked getting feedback on things.”
12th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me because there were women who didn’t look much older than me. I enjoyed learning about career opportunities I had never heard of, and now I want to know more about the jobs out there.”
12th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event taught me to keep going, because sooner or later, the hard work will pay off. My favorite thing I learned today was everyone’s backstories — hearing how some barely finished school but still did better for themselves and are succeeding now was inspiring.”
12th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
69%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
63%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
72%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“I didn’t know there were jobs related to noise or sound in the tech field. I liked hearing from all the presenters and learning about their jobs.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I really liked the satellite. The Snapchat job was new to me, so I didn’t know you could code for it. I liked seeing the women presenting. They told us about jobs that are out there for me.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I liked seeing the women present about their jobs. The information about sound and building design for noise control was interesting.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Sybille Roth
- Natasha Nogueira
- Anusha Musunuri
- Jessica Wan
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at igniteworldwide.org.