On May 6, 2026, IGNITE Worldwide hosted a STEM Panel at James Lick Middle School for seventh- and eighth-grade students. The event featured professionals from a range of industries, including Planet Labs PBC, Google, Netflix, and American Express Global Business Travel. Students heard from Lead Panelist Natasha Nogueira, Manager of Space Operations (Systems Engineer) at Planet Labs PBC, along with Mariana Silverman, Lead Product Designer at American Express Global Business Travel, Yueyi Cheng, Software Engineer at Google, and Ryan Barner, Software Engineer at Netflix. Special thanks to educators Brenda Salmeron-Ortiz and Monica Garcia for facilitating their first IGNITE Event!
The Panel gave students a chance to hear honest and relatable stories about finding a path into STEM. Panelists shared that many of them were not fully focused on STEM in middle school and that their interests developed over time through hobbies, classes, and life experiences. Students were especially curious about what a typical workday looks like for software engineers, designers, and systems engineers, along with the challenges and favorite parts of each role. They also asked about college classes, career inspiration, and what it feels like to work in spaces where women are sometimes underrepresented. One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was flexibility. Panelists emphasized that it is okay not to know exactly what you want to study or do right away. They encouraged students to stay curious, explore different interests, and trust that career paths can shift in unexpected and exciting ways. The students stayed engaged throughout the event, asking thoughtful questions and connecting with the Panelists’ experiences and backgrounds in a real way. In fact, there wasn’t time for all questions, so several panelists & students stuck around afterwards to connect more informally!
“I think this event inspired me to think about my future career and have hope that I will achieve this goal. The Google software was cool, and also the design that is worked on in American Express.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
“From this event, after meeting these very cool women, I am hopeful for getting into a STEM career. Either engineering or software. I like that I learned about a different company related to NASA and about how even if I don’t know now what I want to do, it’s okay!”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It showed me that any career is possible, no matter if it’s a mainly male job or commonly known as that.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It showed me I can do many jobs no matter what. I also felt confident in taking any opportunity I want. I enjoyed how there was a variety of jobs.”
8th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
92%
INTERESTED IN STEM
75%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
72%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
79%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“I feel more driven to get a job in STEM. My favorite thing from today was hearing Yueyi’s story.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me to follow the career of my choice. It also made me want to get a Google watch. My favorite thing I learned about was the watch. I thought it was cool because I have a Google Pixel phone.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Este evento me inspiro en creer en mi misma.Tambien en aprender en los demas y no solo en mi. (This event inspired me to believe in myself. Also to learn from others, not just from myself.)” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“Este evento me inspiro a lograr mis suenos. (This event inspired me to achieve my dreams.) – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It gave me hope of what I could be in STEM.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me for being whatever I can be and have support if I want a career in STEM. Love learning the things that they do as a routine.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I feel more confident in pursuing a science career. I liked the presentation, it was very inspiring.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to pursue any career I want no matter what. I liked learning how they got into this career. I also liked seeing women in careers that are mostly male.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me because they talked about their jobs, and they seemed fun. STEM inspired me to become a better person.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“This inspired me by not giving up and feeling more confident.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I feel very touched in my heart to pursue. Hearing each of them was inspiring, and how they enjoy their job.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“This inspired me to find support and that opportunities are available. I loved learning about how they were introduced to their careers.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event helped me see that there are other people like me and places where I can get support. My favorite thing I’ve learned was that there are other people who feel the same as I have and that I’m not alone.” – 7th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to go to STEM. It seems fun.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“I’ve always found science interesting, but this event made me really excited to pursue a career in STEM. My favorite was that I learned about satellites and how they can be controlled from the ground.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“It set an example for me on how I can pursue a career in STEM as a woman even in a male-dominated field.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event inspired me by showing me that women can do anything men can do. My favorite part of this event was meeting amazing women that are inspiring me.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Natasha Nogueira
- Mariana Silverman
- Ryan Barner
- Yueyi Cheng
- Brenda Salmeron-Ortiz
- Monica Garcia
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.