On October 1, 2026, 37 students from Oakland Unity High School, Woodside High School, and MetWest High School participated in a field trip with the Port of San Francisco along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Students explored the waterfront in small groups before meeting Meghan Wallace, Erica Petersen, Wendy Proctor, and Ann-Ariel Vecchio for a career panel at the Ferry Building.
Students toured the Embarcadero while learning about its history, climate-related challenges, rising sea levels, and the work the Port’s Waterfront Resilience Program is doing to protect the waterfront. The walking tour helped make the panelists’ careers in engineering, urban planning, architecture, and finance feel more tangible, and students especially enjoyed seeing a video of the Embarcadero during a high-tide event. They asked about climate mitigation funding, career paths, hands-on versus desk work, sea life, AI, and internship opportunities. Panelists encouraged students to stay connected to the things that bring them joy, embrace being the “different” person in the room, build strong relationships, pursue internships and youth opportunities, and ask questions even when they are not sure where to start. The Port team also emphasized the importance of daily habits, punctuality, communication, mentorship, and stepping outside of their comfort zones.
“It inspired me because even if I’m interested in a male dominated work field, I can still do it. It will take a lot of work but I am willing to do whatever it takes to do what I love. My favorite thing I learned was structure specifically built to thrive with nature. It helps keep a level head knowing that humanity is trying to live with nature and not overpower it.”
9th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to take risks. I don’t always need to feel comfortable to try new things. I loved learning about El Niño and its effects on sea levels. I also loved learning about the living sea wall.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me by looking forward to my future. And also to not give up on my dreams. Especially about women being able to do anything a man can do.”
9th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
91%
INTERESTED IN STEM
80%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
75%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
77%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“I feel inspired to try new things and explore what interests me in the moment instead of worrying about the future. My favorite thing I learned today was getting to listen to the board talk about their amazing jobs and how they got there. I also really enjoyed the tour of the pier!!” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me aware of the environment around us and all the jobs that are involved. I learned that the sea level is one foot higher than it should be. Thank you to the panel for sharing interesting information.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by explaining more about the challenges they see in their jobs. Also by saying that it’s okay to be afraid but still put yourself out there. My favorite thing to learn today was about the sea walls. I got to learn about how they got raised.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“I loved how each one of them was passionate about their job. They also were enthusiastic which made it more comfortable to speak with them. My favorite thing I learned about today was about Keri when she mentioned art and how you shouldn’t give it up, that’s exactly what I’m going through now. I’m naturally talented and I LOVE art but I don’t have time for it.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Made me feel like women can really do anything. I also thought about the amount of other women that are thinking of doing this. My favorite thing I learned today was that they were working on solutions to help wildlife. Also what women can do.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me by making me think more about how it is important to make good decisions and take the opportunities that are given. Another great thing that I was inspired by is to get out of my comfort zones.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Inspired me to get more ideas and be more open about choosing a career. My favorite thing I learned was don’t be afraid to pursue something new.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“By coming today I have been inspired to pursue a career although it can be called a male or boy job. My favorite thing I learned is that they change the sea wall over time. It was interesting.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me to be more confident in who I am. It makes me feel more open to new opportunities and learn about new things. I liked how everyone that talked felt very confident and motivated to inspire girls and have confidence.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today inspired me with just that amount of women around sharing their stories and how friendly everyone was. Along with the view and just seeing how somewhat similar their lives are to mine. I liked learning about the pier along with peoples lives. I just find them interesting and seeing how they got from where they are.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event showed me that it’s important for more women to be involved with STEM. It not only helps us but also future generations. I liked learning about everyone’s journey and how they got to where they are now. Our tour guide Helen was really nice too.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Hearing the women speak about their interests out of their job really inspired me. I used to think that my job would be my life but I can make time to do things I’m really interested in. I appreciate Luiz for explaining a lot during the tour, and the women who came in to talk about their experience working in STEM.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“It inspired me seeing more women in stem fields. They showed me it’s okay to be the only girl there. My favorite thing that I learned today is learning more about engineering and what they do in their jobs.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to feel more confident in my future career plan. My favorite thing was going on the tour with Luiz!!! He was very nice and considerate.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Luiz Barata
- Keri Bolding
- Messiah Foster
- Helen Balawejder
- Meghan Wallace
- Erica Petersen
- Wendy Proctor
- Ann-Ariel Vecchio
- Lynn Chammas
- Faith Velschow
- Minghui Liao
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.