Students from Mountainview Elementary and Yosemite High School tuned in for an inspiring IGNITE Virtual Mini-Panel focused on Women in Animation & Design. The session brought STEM to life through creativity, storytelling, and career journeys.
The Panel featured Morgan Miars, Senior Systems Engineer at Pixar, and Sherie Ellen Pollack, an Animation Director whose work spans iconic studios like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. The discussion was facilitated by Val Olague, with technical support from Fethiye Starmach.
Both Panelists shared how they built their careers in STEM and animation, emphasizing that the road isn’t always linear. Morgan, who studied anthropology before becoming a computer engineer, encouraged students to pursue what they love and stay curious. Sherie shared stories about working on popular shows that resonated with students in a meaningful way, reinforcing that STEM careers can be creative and fun.
Students asked questions about what the Panelists liked about their jobs, how they got into their careers, what colleges they attended, and the most significant challenges they had faced. Highlights included Morgan’s relatable story about her robotics club—just like the one at Mountainview—and Sherie’s connection to shows the students already watch, which helped make animation careers feel accessible.
Key advice from the Panelists included doing what you love, remembering that STEM skills are transferable and a degree doesn’t lock you into one path, valuing confidence and curiosity over knowing everything from the start, and not being afraid to ask for help—especially in subjects like math.
Educators Jeff Rivero and Stacey de Wet praised the Panelists’ authenticity and noted that the only challenge was not having enough time to answer all of the students’ questions.
“It helped me realize how STEM could help me in the future and prepare me for my future job. My favorite thing was getting to talk to the volunteers and seeing the other girls in high school.”
5th Grade IGNITE Student
“It showed me a lot of things and made me feel like I want to learn more about STEM. I had fun learning new things.”
4th Grade IGNITE Student
“I feel inspired to keep going and not give up, and also to be who you want to be.”
4th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me by showing me more career paths. At first, when I thought of STEM, I thought of just strictly science. I learned that STEM is more than that, and I didn’t know STEM included helping with cartoons.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by helping me understand the principles of STEM. I feel like this could help me in many ways to learn new things and get somewhere in life. One of my favorite things was hearing their experiences; it was interesting, and I thank them for taking the time to show us how STEM works.”
12th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
77%
INTERESTED IN STEM
75%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
69%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
73%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“Well, now maybe I want to work in STEM. I think it’s a good opportunity to learn more, and I feel like this is a good thing to do. I liked the part that one panelist talked about and how she does Pixar because I loooovveee Pixar.” – 5th Grade IGNITE Student
“We got to talk to real editors in person. They gave me courage to meet new people and go to new places. My favorite thing I learned today was how STEM works and what other animators do for a living.” – 4th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to want to participate more. It also made me want to explore my career options and try new things. I’m interested in learning what I’m good at. My favorite thing I learned was about the pay, because to me, I care about money, and they make a lot.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to follow my dreams, and you never know what will happen. My favorite thing was learning about how to make shows or movies, and what makes a good storyline.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to want to do better. My favorite thing I learned today was to stay focused on my work so I can be successful in life.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Morgan Miars
- Sherie Ellen Pollack
- Val Olague
- Fethiye Starmach
- Jeff Rivero
- Stacey de Wet
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.