IGNITE Virtual Women in Engineering Panel with Homestead and Eastmont High Schools

Students from Homestead High School and Eastmont High School joined IGNITE Worldwide for a Women in Engineering Virtual Mini-Panel featuring volunteers from Re:Build Manufacturing and Disney Streaming. Molly McLaughlin, Director of Program Management at Re:Build Manufacturing, and Maitri Chattopadhyay, Engineering Manager at Disney Streaming, led the conversation, with support from Facilitator Val Olague and Tech Host Fethiye Starmach. The event gave 30 students a chance to hear directly from engineers working in the field and to ask questions in an informal, student-driven format.

The Panelists walked students through their career journeys, the projects they’ve enjoyed, and what engineering school was really like. Students took full advantage of the chat-based Q&A, lining up to ask about everything from paying for college to whether a master’s degree is worth it—especially for fields like chemical engineering. They also asked what the Panelists were like in high school, how they balance demanding jobs with family life, and how to choose a college without getting caught up in rankings. Educators shared that this honesty made a big impact, especially for students who are still shaping their own ideas about STEM. One student connected deeply with a Panelist’s story about immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager, while another—who has long dreamed of becoming a mechanical engineer—was thrilled to hear real stories from women in the field. 

The Panelists emphasized that engineering is challenging but rewarding, that careers often evolve, and that support systems, work–life balance, and asking for help matter just as much as technical skill. With candid advice and relatable stories, the session gave students a clearer picture of what an engineering path actually looks like—and helped them imagine how they might find their own place in it.