The meetings always have a great line up of speakers from such diverse backgrounds and with such different jobs. It makes the event very interesting to the girls attending and I feel that there is usually at least one speaker on the panel that the girls can identify with.

IGNITE and programs like it are still needed. After all, anyone can create music, art, and innovation with technology, but only if they are inspired to do so.

Our female students that are interested in technology are at a disadvantage for the mere fact that they are females, as males mostly dominate the field of technology. The IGNITE program tries to even out this disparity.

The employee stories that are shared at the IGNITE lunches at Microsoft are inspiring even for those students who thought they were not interested in technology. These are stories of success from women who have each taken very different paths to get where they are today. It’s a great reality check on the limited world view the girls have when they walk in the room.

Someone asked me once why I like going to IGNITE events so much and I told him because it reminds me how much I love my job and how lucky I am to be working for a company that appreciates the importance of encouraging girls.