On April 30, 2025, IGNITE Students from Quincy Middle School and Mountainview Elementary School had a powerful and inspiring visit to Seattle Children’s, where they explored career pathways in healthcare, research, and technology. The Field Trip provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with women professionals from a wide variety of roles across the organization.
Throughout the day, students participated in a series of interactive workshops and career journey stations led by more than 18 incredible Volunteers. These role models—ranging from IT specialists and research scientists to administrative leaders and healthcare providers—shared their personal stories, career paths, and words of wisdom.
At one point in the visit, students rotated through six themed stations, with each presenter focusing on a different phase of the career journey—from high school through to professional life. This structure enabled students to learn not only about individual careers but also about the full arc of growth, exploration, and change. At each stop, they had time to ask questions like “What did you do in high school?” “What do you like about your job now?” and “What if I don’t know what I want to be?”
Students especially appreciated hearing that many of the professionals didn’t follow a straight path to where they are today. One Panelist shared how she began studying oceanography and later transitioned to a career in IT, helping students see that it’s okay to change your mind and that passion can be found in unexpected places. Others emphasized the importance of being true to yourself, exploring different interests, and not being afraid to take a new direction.
Educators Stacey De Wet, Ross Kondo, and Emery Webley noted the significant impact on students of connecting with relatable, successful women in STEM, many of whom had overcome challenges or made bold career shifts. These stories demonstrated to students that, regardless of where they start, it’s possible to find a meaningful and exciting career in science, technology, or healthcare.
“Before today, I thought STEM was limited to things like health. Now I know that STEM offers a bigger range. My favorite thing was all the activities and learning more.”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me to be more confident about what I want to do in the future. Also, to be more confident in what to choose as my career. It also helped me because they let me know I’m not alone. I learned that there are more jobs than I thought. My favorite thing I learned is that technology is all over the world.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Hearing about others’ experiences and perspectives gave me a view on how STEM works and how important teamwork is. This inspired me because there are so many things that can be accomplished in this community. I loved hearing about the STEM professionals’ hobbies and what led them to where they are today. They gave advice and shared interests.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“This inspired me because it got me thinking about how inspiring STEM is. I loved meeting the people. My favorite thing that I learned today is how many jobs are in STEM. Next, I liked how the people talked to us about everything.”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
85%
INTERESTED IN STEM
71%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
70%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
72%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“Today’s event inspired me by leading me to the right focus. It also inspired me because I now know that my journey will be long, but it is possible. My favorite thing I learned today was that after-school activities benefit your career in many ways.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to try new things. And it’s okay not to like a job. My favorite thing I learned today was about everyone’s story and what they did during their school years. I thank the volunteers for sharing their stories and giving us advice we could use later in the future.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to follow my dreams. It has also made me realize that your first will not always be your favorite. I was really happy to learn that career choice doesn’t have to be rushed. Thank you all so much for making me realize this.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by knowing it’s okay to do anything you want to. The favorite thing I learned today was more about careers I can do in STEM.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to open my mind. It also helped me learn. My favorite thing I learned today was that you can change your dream.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“The team people letting us know we have time to choose our careers and not be in a rush. It made me know that I can make any choices without regret. The different careers and everyone’s journey to get where they are.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by thinking of a lot of ideas for finding the job that I want for the future. My favorite part that I learned today was getting to listen to people’s pasts in getting to this job.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Well, it inspired me because it interested me, and I thought about what I wanted to do. I learned that it’s okay to put your foot down. Some jobs take 4–6 years to become a nurse.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me by wanting to be in STEM when I get older. My favorite thing that I learned today is about the staff. Thank you.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by being reminded that I don’t have to stick with my original job. Group 5 table leaders said they didn’t stay with their original jobs. My favorite thing that I learned was you can study more than one job in college.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me because all the women working there seemed to get along really well. That makes me feel like if I chose to work in a hospital I wouldn’t be alone. One of my favorite things I learned was that even though a lot of the women went to college and decided the profession they were in school for wasn’t something they wanted to do anymore, they were able to switch to something they enjoyed.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event has inspired me because there are people who wanted to volunteer so I can come to Children’s Hospital. My favorite thing here was when we did the stations because we got candy and got to learn!” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Some event inspired me that it’s okay to switch professions. I am okay to be. My favorite thing that I learned is that I can change careers.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me to try new things. It also inspired me to pursue different paths. It also taught me that your first job or career might not be the job you do for the rest of your life. My favorite thing I’ve learned today is the different things I could do if I decide to work here. I also learned about different things the volunteers did to get the jobs they have now.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I understood more about careers and how they each work differently. I learned that it’s okay to change your mind about certain things to find what you like. Thank you, volunteers.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me because there are many aspects of getting into informational technology, and it can be challenging to accomplish. Getting to know most of the members’ journeys to getting this job and understanding the difficulties.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It helped me feel confident about my future. I learned about their careers and what they worked in.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned a lot and feel more confident in my future. I feel I have more job options than I thought. I liked everything, really! But I enjoyed learning about the volunteers! Thank you so much, guys!” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me a lot and I learned that people can do what they want. I learned what people wanted to do and my friends and I learned a ton.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to not give up on the career I want to do. Also, that it’s okay to change careers. My favorite thing was learning about their different challenges and their careers.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me because all the professionals shared their experiences and tips on how to find and pursue a career. It made me think about my future and what I might want to do soon. My favorite thing I learned today is the fact that anyone can go for anything, achieve success, and change careers when necessary.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I loved this event. It showed me the people who had their own difficulties and made it through. Even I will pursue the career I want. I thank everyone who volunteered and showed their time to spend with us. I love how they explained their stories.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me to keep going. Showed me that people care. Stay positive. My favorite thing I learned today was everything. Thank you, volunteers!” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Corinna Frenzl
- Emma McCracken
- France St-Laurent
- Kilani Juarez
- Maritza Chott
- Taylor Floyd
- Cristina Luevano-Santos
- Daksha Ranade
- Linnea Anderson
- Lisa Rugen
- Nivedita Tiwari
- Rebecca Ford
- Shakema Magee
- Shi Sun
- AK Martin
- Stephanie Arrellano
- King Nwaokorie
- Marita Arevalo
- Stacey De Wet
- Ross Kondo
- Emery Webley
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.