On June 3, 2025, 7th-grade students at Sacajawea Middle School participated in an engaging IGNITE Women in STEM Panel designed to inspire and inform the next generation of innovators. The event featured four professionals from diverse sectors of the tech and engineering fields. Laura Bartenhagen, Director of Engineering at ESM Consulting Engineers, LLC, served as the Lead Panelist, alongside Veslava Ovendale, a Senior UX Researcher at T-Mobile, Kashaf Jamshed, a Data Scientist, and Patty Velasquez, an IT Senior Systems Analyst at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Throughout the event, each speaker shared their educational background, career journey, and current role, giving students a real-world look into life in STEM. Panelists emphasized the importance of taking STEM-related classes, seeking out scholarships, and remaining persistent in the face of obstacles. Students asked insightful questions such as how the Panelists paid for their education, what their daily responsibilities entail, and whether they would return to speak again in the future. One student even asked what the panelists might have become had they not pursued their current paths.
The Panelists encouraged students to explore both community colleges and universities for tech education, noting the availability of career fairs and scholarship programs. They highlighted the strong earning potential and satisfaction that STEM careers can offer, especially for those willing to work hard and stay curious.
“This event made me feel like I could accomplish more after school! My favorite thing I learned was that women have power too.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“There aren’t enough women in STEM, and we need more. My favorite thing was learning how women in STEM can change the world.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event gave me an idea for a future in STEM. It inspired me to do what I want, not just follow what others are doing. My favorite part was hearing about the speakers’ careers and backstories. Thank you for coming in!”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“I’m currently having trouble figuring out what I want to do in the future, so hearing these women’s experiences gave me hope for myself.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
77%
INTERESTED IN STEM
71%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
71%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
72%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“It inspired me to look into STEM jobs. I liked learning about the classes and options available for STEM.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It helped me learn about different types of careers. My favorite part was discovering what different jobs are and what people do in them.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“I was inspired by how many women are in STEM. Thanks to the volunteers!” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“I feel like women can do anything they want, and gender doesn’t matter.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“I learned something new today. Everyone shared how they overcame their hardships, and that inspired me.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“They gave me an idea of what to do after school. I learned that I can be in STEM too!” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It gave me encouragement about what I can do as a woman.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today I learned a lot of new things. I feel inspired and now believe I could be in STEM too. I learned that there are many different ways to be involved in STEM!” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“This taught me a lot about STEM and how it could help me in the future. I also learned how STEM can help with college.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event made me realize what I want to be for my future career!” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event showed me all the opportunities in STEM and how I can get involved. I liked learning about the speakers’ experiences and how to take that first step.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“STEM is really interesting, and I had never learned about it before. My favorite thing I learned was that you don’t need straight A’s to get into STEM.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“My grades aren’t great, and they showed me that I can still be in STEM no matter what. That meant a lot to me.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“There are a lot of ways to be successful.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event let me see things from different perspectives.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to know that I could enter the field, even as the only woman. I asked questions I didn’t know the answers to, and I got them!” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Hearing that having a C or lower won’t hold me back really lifted a weight off my shoulders. My favorite part was hearing how silly the speakers were in the past—and still are!” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Laura Bartenhagen
- Veslava Ovendale
- Kashaf Jamshed
- Patty Velasquez
- Kim Brunner
- 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.