On March 26, 2025, IGNITE Students at Lakota Middle School participated in an in-person IGNITE Mini-Panel featuring inspiring women in STEM. The panel was led by Pat Velasquez, Software Developer, Seattle Children’s, and included Vanessa Cuanan, IT Specialist, Herrera Environmental Consultants, and Nishadhi Nikalandawatte, Director, Slalom. The event was facilitated by DeVaughn Wilson with support from Educators Toni Fortunato, Shannon Harris, and Charissa Eggleston.
The format was an engaging Q&A session, where students asked thoughtful and personal questions such as: Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome, and how did you deal with it? Do you ever regret going into a STEM career? What sort of things did you like to do when you were our age? How much money do you make?
Panelists shared real, honest stories from their journeys—what they were like as young people, how they found their way into STEM, and the ups and downs they experienced along the way. Their vulnerability and honesty made a big impact on the students.
Key pieces of advice shared included that impostor syndrome is normal, even at leadership levels, and can be a sign that you’re growing. Students were encouraged to build confidence through preparation, mentorship, and celebrating small wins. Panelists emphasized the importance of persistence and resilience, especially in male-dominated spaces, and shared how building a support network can help. They reminded students that there’s no one path to success: you don’t need perfect grades to succeed in tech, and leadership can look like many different things. They encouraged students to be confident in what they do know, instead of focusing on what they don’t yet know.
Educators noted how impactful it was for students to hear stories that felt relatable and to learn that success in STEM is possible even without a traditional path or perfect start.
“Today inspired me because it made me feel more confident. I loved learning about how women are in male-dominated fields and other careers, too.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I feel more confident about pursuing STEM. My favorite part was seeing how STEM impacted the lives of the volunteers.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me by helping me understand different STEM options and how to get into college. I also liked hearing how others got into STEM. My favorite things I learned were how to get into college, and that one volunteer likes sewing!”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was fun to learn about STEM, and it helped me feel more confident about my future. I enjoyed learning about both the volunteers and STEM careers.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me more interested in my future and what I want to do with it. I especially enjoyed hearing their life stories.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
88%
INTERESTED IN STEM
88%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
80%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
81%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“It was inspiring because I want to pursue math. It helped me realize that I can do it. I also learned that success doesn’t happen overnight, and there aren’t a lot of people in the field yet, which means I could make a difference. I even learned I could get a scholarship!” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“That was really cool—I learned a lot more about STEM. My favorite part was hearing about the volunteers’ lives.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me and made me want to learn coding and more about computers. I also liked learning what made the volunteers want to do their jobs.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event encouraged me to keep striving for my goals. I learned that you can even get a scholarship from the Washington Science and Engineering Fair!” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I was inspired by how they talked about their futures. I loved everything!” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Pat Velasquez
- Vanessa Cuanan
- Nishadhi Nikalandawatte
- DeVaughn Wilson
- Toni Fortunato
- Charissa Eggleston
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.