The AI in Action Virtual Panel with Microsoft brought together 97 students from Vanguard Academy Digital Learning Center, Armwood High School, Todd Beamer High School, and Sojourner Truth Independent Study for a virtual exploration of careers and opportunities in technology and AI. The event featured Microsoft professionals including Lead Panelist Megan Schumacher, Panelists Sahitya Maruvada, Esin Saka, Beatris Mendez Gandica, Jaya Vardhani Mamidala, and Kristen Oshiro, with Harsha Sridharan facilitating and KR Shubha serving as Tech Host.
Students had the opportunity to hear how the Panelists found their way into tech careers and how they are using AI in their day-to-day work. They asked about what classes to take, how to choose a career, preparing for interviews, keeping up with changes in technology, and whether the Panelists ever feel like the work is too difficult. Panelists encouraged students to stay curious, ask questions, try new things, continue learning, and explore STEM clubs, camps, job shadows, and other opportunities. They also shared resources for interview preparation and different engineering pathways. Educators appreciated hearing personal stories and seeing how Panelists connected students’ interests to possible career paths, while students were especially engaged in the interactive chat, sharing their own experiences and ideas. The conversation also touched on using AI responsibly, inclusiveness, creativity, design, and cybersecurity, giving students a practical look at how their interests today can connect to the evolving world of technology.
“I thought I wanted to be a flight attendant after high school, but hearing from the panelists and how positive their experiences have been working in STEM has really inspired me to look more into it. Ms. Luke even gave me a copy of our CTE courses I can sign up for next year to learn more. I learned that there are many girls from other schools around my area that are also interested in STEM. Hearing from the panelists and seeing how many others were in the meeting helped me feel more connected and confident in wanting to learn more.”
10th Grade IGNITE Student
“I was inspired seeing how many resources are out there and how many women in STEM are able to work together and share about new learnings and the overall teamwork. I saved all the resources and links shared! Signing up for the newsletters and will now start looking for more bootcamps! I don’t have a cell phone so hearing about all the other ways to connect and even use AI to stay connected was really inspiring.”
11th Grade IGNITE Student
“This event helped me want to start coding.”
7th Grade IGNITE Student
STUDENTS SURVEYED FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT REPORTED...
73%
INTERESTED IN STEM
67%
KNOW MORE ABOUT STEM CAREERS & THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN STEM
67%
FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
IN PURSUING STEM
69%
GAINED PERSPECTIVE & FEEL MORE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE FUTURE
Additional Student Feedback:
“I love how all the women who shared with us are strong and passionate. That made me feel proud of us women.” – 10th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to work hard on my dream and not to give up. My favorite thing that I learned today is to try my best and look forward to my future.” – 9th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me to follow my dreams no matter what anyone says because at the end of the day it is my dream and my life.” – 6th Grade IGNITE Student
“It made me feel better knowing that many of the professionals that I used to view as untouchable struggle with many of the same problems that I do, such as imposter syndrome or holding myself back. I will always struggle with these issues but this makes me feel comfortable and slightly more confident to pursue this dream.” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“I think learning that the pay of these various positions is good was one of my favorite things to learn about. It’s good to know that if one day I secure a position I will be able to support a comfortable life!” – 12th Grade IGNITE Student
“I ACTUALLY CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW IT INSPIRED ME, I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH. I loved how everyone is so nice, inspiring, and sharing their own POV’s, girls are actually so awesome.” – 8th Grade IGNITE Student
“Today’s event inspired me since I’ve always been interested in wanting to learn more coding since that’s what I used to practice on in elementary school and now it made me want to try again so I can maybe make a game in the future. My favorite thing I learned today was how you don’t need to necessarily be creative in order to be in the STEM field. I always thought that you needed to be pretty creative in that field since you’ll be making new products depending on the field.” – 11th Grade IGNITE Student
Thank you to our IGNITE Volunteers and Educators:
- Harsha Sridharan
- KR Shubha
- Megan Schumacher
- Sahitya Maruvada
- Isabel Milewski
- Esin Saka
- Beatris Mendez Gandica
- Jaya Vardhani Mamidala
- Kristen Oshiro
- Briana Oulds
- Theodore Newfield, Armwood High School
- Julianna Mululu, O’Connell High School
- Christina Walker, Sojourner Truth Independent Study
- Esmeralda Razo, Vanguard Academy & Digital Learning Center
- Alicia Luke, Todd Beamer High School
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.