Shows
Making SparksFrom Curiosity to Career: How SparkShop is Building the Next Generation of MakersWhat if the biggest challenge in manufacturing isn't technology, but timing? In this episode of MakingSparks, host Brendon DiVincenzo sits down with Shonali Ditz, co-founder and executive director of SparkShop, to explore a powerful idea: we're trying to solve a talent pipeline problem far too late. Shonali's journey from engineering student to nonprofit founder started with a realization that many in the industry share—there simply aren't enough people entering manufacturing and engineering. But instead of focusing on recruiting at the college or job level, she and her team went upstream… all the way to elementary school. What...
2026-05-0649 min
Advanced Manufacturing NowSparking Innovation: Transforming STEM Education and Diversity in EngineeringHow can we ignite a passion for STEM in young minds and create a more diverse engineering workforce? Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Shonali Ditz, Co-Founder and Executive Director of SparkShop. Shonali shares her personal journey, from navigating the challenges of engineering at Northwestern University to co-founding SparkShop, an organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of engineers. Discover how SparkShop is breaking down barriers by introducing hands-on engineering experiences to 4th and 5th graders, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. This episode highlights the critical importance of early STEM exposure...
2025-03-2622 min
Northwestern IntersectionsBuilding Excitement Around Science with Shonali Ditz ’13Ditz cofounded STEM education nonprofit SparkShop in 2017 to help bring entertaining and informative science education to underserved schools in Chicago. Since then, her programming has reached over 8,000 Chicago elementary schoolers. Discover how Ditz used her Northwestern University education to build a successful program and career.
2024-12-0219 min
Northwestern IntersectionsBuilding Excitement Around Science with Shonali Ditz '13Ditz cofounded STEM education nonprofit SparkShop in 2017 to help bring entertaining and informative science education to underserved schools in Chicago. Since then, her programming has reached over 8,000 Chicago elementary schoolers. Discover how Ditz used her Northwestern University education to build a successful program and career.
2024-12-0219 min
F1 or F-Off | A Motorsports PodcastEpisode 15: It's a Sprint Race! | An Interview with Knockoff McLaren & SparkShop Founders, Shonali Ditz & Tiernan MurrellWhat's up FOOFO fam - we've got an excellent episode for you today. We recently had the privilege of interviewing two extremely talented and inspiring individuals - Tiernan Murrell & Shonali Ditz - founders of Knockoff McLaren and SparkShop. Prepare yourselves for some laughs, some gasps, and some really inspiring material. We know you all will enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it. Since this is a longer episode, we've included some timestamps below for your listening pleasure:
Intro – 0:00
Knockoff McLaren Origin Story – 2:38
Favorite Races – 10:15
Back to the Origin Story – 12:48
How to Get Paddock...
2023-04-212h 03
WAM#63 SPARKing Excitement For Engineering & Manufacturing In Elementary SchoolsOn this week's episode of WAM, host, Barbara Trautlein had the pleasure of speaking with Shonali Ditz and Tiernan Murrell, the founders and directors of SparkShop, an immersive, non-profit engineering education program that empowers children to see their futures as engineers. Shonali and Tiernan talk about their passion for working together in a team to apply their experience in hands-on projects. The ladies also share how they are approaching education differently to foster innovation and diversity of thought with their students. Be sure to listen in for an inspiring conversation!
To learn more about Shonali, Tiernan, and SparkShop, visit sparkshop.c...
2019-03-2637 min