On October 16, IGNITE Students in grades 6–10 from Federal Way Public Academy participated in an inspiring IGNITE Panel Event featuring four accomplished women in STEM. Students heard from Lubia Urdaneta, Senior Technical Delivery Manager at Starbucks; Kathy Brustad, Director at Microsoft; Jasmine Wilkerson, Data Science Consultant at JHW Consulting LLC; and Cynthia Wilson, Data Visualist and Information Analyst at Federal Way Public Schools.
The conversation went deep into the real barriers women face when entering and thriving in STEM careers. Students were especially engaged by the Panelists’ honest, thoughtful reflections, each offering perspectives shaped by very different professional journeys. Educators shared that these candid discussions were incredibly relevant and helped students see how women navigate challenges and build meaningful careers.
Students asked wide-ranging and insightful questions, including what hardships the Panelists had faced, how they balance their social life with academics, what workplace culture is like, and what the hardest parts of college were. Their curiosity led to conversations about real-life decision-making, study habits, career exploration, and perseverance.
Panelists emphasized the importance of setting boundaries, communicating clearly–especially when being asked to take on more work–and exploring interests early to understand what you like and don’t like. They also discussed the benefits of both remote and in-person work environments, the value of strong support systems, and the importance of protecting your energy and advocating for yourself.
“Today was very inspiring because I learned lots of new information about career and life in the future from the 4 amazing women who are now my example that I want to live by – (even though maybe not the same careers-I am not good with computers and tech!)”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It was very eye-opening, it broke the stereotypes of only having men in the STEM field, and created a safe space to ask questions about women in STEM.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It helped me get a broader understanding of how women in today’s society tackle misogynistic ideologies. It made me realize that pursuing a STEM career can have a significantly greater impact than I initially thought.”
9th Grade IGNITE Student
“I now feel like there are more options for me in the world. I can pursue anything I want to.”
6th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
87%
INTERESTED IN STEM
74%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
73%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
79%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“This event inspired me to learn how to say no. It has also inspired me to believe that people against feminism still exist and that you should ignore them and follow your own career and maybe use their feedback on feminism to go even higher and take it as a chance to show you are better than they thought you are.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event showed me that even though STEM is a more male-dominated area of work, there can still be females working in these fields. It only takes one person to show others that we can do anything, no matter what.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I loved learning more about how to have a balance and actually pursue things that interest you. I also enjoyed hearing about specific experiences and how to fight misogyny. Thanks to the 4 women that came to talk to our school and inspire us!” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“I liked learning about how the female volunteers talked about what challenges they faced and how they overcame them. It showed me that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to be more confident, stand up for myself, and not feel down when someone tries to put me down. This event also inspired me by giving me courage to work at a place men normally work at and if there are others who don’t include me because of my gender.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“My favorite thing to learn today was how some of the women who came to my school all knew and acknowledged how the STEM field was a more male dominated area. This shows me that even when they knew they would most likely stand out, they still went with it.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“The event made me feel inspired by other women in STEM, and it helped to have a group of only girls with similar experiences/interests all empowering each other. I was also inspired by the advice the women gave.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Lubia Urdaneta
- Kathy Brustad
- Jasmine Wilkerson
- Cynthia Wilson
- Christine Rangeloff
- 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.