On May 7, 2025, 4th and 5th-grade students from Camelot Elementary School joined IGNITE for a virtual Work-Based Learning Experience exploring Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, hosted by Afiniti. This dynamic session introduced students to real-world applications of AI through interactive games and personal stories from women working in STEM hosted by Tammy Long and Navarrete Wennahele, both from Afiniti.
The event kicked off with a panel of Afiniti professionals who shared their career journeys and answered students’ questions. Panelists Sona Virwani, Rehma Raza Khan, and Elif Kir spoke about how they discovered their career paths in data science, engineering, and project management. Their stories sparked curiosity among the students, who asked about the Panelists’ career lengths, how they got started, and how they became involved with IGNITE.
Following the panel discussion, students broke into smaller groups for hands-on activities, supported by breakout room leaders, including Sehar Aziz, Sona Virwani, Rehma Raza Khan, and Elif Kir. Students explored two fun and educational AI games: Quick Draw and Teachable Machine. In Quick Draw, they tried to train a computer to recognize simple drawings, while in Teachable Machine, they experimented with teaching the computer to recognize images, sounds, or poses. These interactive tools provided students with a firsthand look at how machine learning works and helped them understand how AI is both powerful and approachable.
The session wrapped up with another opportunity for students to ask questions, leaving them inspired by the women leading in STEM and excited about the possibilities of AI. Educator Cindi Bryant noted that seeing a diverse group of women working in tech was especially impactful for the students.
“It inspired me by showing me strong, independent women who think for themselves. It was interesting, and the volunteers were nice and smart.”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me feel even more comfortable about my future. Thanks to all the volunteers!”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me to be more confident about my future job. My favorite part was everything—but probably the game!”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me by showing me that anyone can do STEM. I liked the games and being able to answer your questions!”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It showed me that I can do any job I want. My favorite part was the games!”
4th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
74%
INTERESTED IN STEM
75%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
78%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
75%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“It inspired me to be more creative and make more crafts! I loved the event. My favorite part was the games!” – 4th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was fun, and I learned a lot. STEM is really cool, and I liked learning how you can use technology!” – 4th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Tammy Long
- Wennahele Navarrete
- Sona Virwani
- Rehma Raza Khan
- Elif Kir
- Sehar Aziz
- Cindi Bryant
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.