Staff Celebrations
IGNITE founder included in list of 100 women who made a difference; program encourages young women to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, math
The International Alliance for Women (TIAW) named IGNITE founder Cathi Rodgveller to its Top 100 list of women whose efforts made a difference to the economic empowerment of women in 2011.
Rodgveller will be recognized at the “World of Difference 100” awards dinner on Oct. 27, 2011, at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Rodgveller, a Schools to Work counselor with the District’s Career and Technical Education department, founded IGNITE (Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution) about 10 years ago to encourage young girls to consider careers in the male-dominated field of science, technology, engineering and math. The program connects students to professional women working in companies such as Microsoft, Boeing, and Cisco Systems, who act as role models and mentors.
Since the start of the IGNITE program, female participation in technology classes skyrocketed from 10 percent to 50 percent. The program has also expanded beyond Seattle Public Schools and now has chapters across the world.