On January 28, 2026, IGNITE hosted an in-person Cybersecurity Panel at Skyline High School, welcoming 26 students for an engaging discussion about careers in cybersecurity. Students heard from Ashlee Roane, Insider Threat Program Lead at Albertsons Companies, who served as Lead Panelist, along with Neha Dhage, Graduate Student at UC Berkeley’s School of Information, and Alice Sanchez, Security Engineering Technical Leader at Cisco.
The Panelists shared their individual pathways into cybersecurity, described what their roles look like day to day, and highlighted the wide range of opportunities available within the field. Panelists encouraged students not to settle, to know their worth, and to confidently explore different opportunities as they discover their interests. Special thanks to educators Ayo Akatugba and Carlisa Johnson for supporting this event, and to the Panelists for providing a diverse, insightful, and inspiring experience for students.
“The people presenting taught me about different fields in STEM. Before, I used to think STEM was just for math and engineering, but now I know it extends far beyond that.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event definitely opened my horizons on different jobs in STEM that I didn’t know existed at all. It definitely encouraged me to explore different STEM-related opportunities if I felt lost in the direction I wanted to go in.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
100%
INTERESTED IN STEM
93%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
90%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
98%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“Ms.Sanchez inspired me so much. Hearing her story about how she got to where she is now is so cool, and I loved seeing how passionate she is about her job.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I loved everything! Learning about all of the different jobs was incredible. Thank you to the panel!”
– 11th Grade IGNITE Student“This allowed me to see how different people weren’t always the best students in high school, but they did not let that hold them back from their career choices.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I loved learning about the intricacies of these careers. I didn’t know anything about this before. Thank you!” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“The volunteers were very enthusiastic and seemed to really enjoy their job. It was really refreshing to hear that not all of them did an amazing job in high school to still end up being successful.”
– 11th Grade IGNITE Student“I like learning about cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is an important field for regulating online activity and securing systems here. Thank you to everybody who set this up.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I gained good insight on new stem careers. I definitely feel like it’s given me more reassurance to pursue, possibly a stem career rather than humanities.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“What inspired me was hearing how the women got into their jobs. I also was inspired about how one of them came from a different background wasn’t perfect with school but graduated and ended up in the great job position she’s in.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I feel inspired to pursue a career in STEM not only to learn more about technology but to make a difference within the STEM field. I also felt reassured that everything will work out in the future.”
– 11th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Ashlee Roane
- Neha Dhage
- Alice Sanchez
- Ayo Akatugba
- Carlisa Johnson
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.