IGNITE Virtual Show and Tell Mini-Panel with Paschal Sherman Indian School (Grades 3-5)

On October 6, 2025, IGNITE Worldwide brought an inspiring virtual Show-and-Tell Panel to IGNITE students in grades 3–5 from Paschal Sherman Indian School. The panel featured STEM professionals from Apple and T-Mobile, including Lead Data Scientist Aditi Saluja and Senior Data Scientist Kashaf Jamshed. The event was facilitated by Michelle Beltran, with behind-the-scenes support from Tech Host Will Bellamy, both staff at the UC Berkeley Center for Occupational and Environmental Health. Superintendent Waylon Michel was the catalyst who made this day possible, with educator Brigida Ruiz engaging students and supporting the day.

The students got a chance to hear firsthand how data scientists solve real-world problems using technology. The panelists shared stories about how they got into tech and what they loved most about their jobs. The students were full of curiosity, especially about phone technology, asking everything from “When was the first phone made?” to “What did you want to be when you grew up?” They especially connected with the panelists’ personal journeys and advice about believing in yourself, dreaming big, and not letting anything—especially gender—limit what you can do. Panelists also discussed how to get into STEM, the benefits of a STEM career, and how to build confidence. Educators shared that students were excited to see women leading in STEM, and the panel helped show that tech is a space where everyone belongs.