Governor’s STEM Scholars Explore Careers in Technology at Panasonic North America

On Wednesday, November 5, 20 Governor’s STEM Scholars visited Panasonic North America’s headquarters in Newark for an immersive look at careers shaping the future of technology. The visit connected Scholars with industry leaders who are driving innovation in fields such as AI, IT services, strategic sourcing, and early-career talent development.

Rick Elliot, President of Panasonic Connect of North America and Panasonic Foundation Board Member, with the Scholars.

The morning began with a welcome from Jessica McKenzie, Manager and Program Officer for the Office of Social Impact and Inclusion (OSII) and the Panasonic Foundation, who emphasized Panasonic’s commitment to empowering young people through opportunities in STEM. Scholars then heard a dynamic tech overview from Rick Elliot, President of Panasonic Connect of North America and Panasonic Foundation Board Member, who shared insights into how Panasonic is evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly connected world.

Next, Josh Jones, Emerging Talent Manager, detailed Panasonic’s early talent programs and highlighted internships, apprenticeships, and pathways available to students interested in launching careers in technology. One Scholar reflected on the session, saying, “The most interesting thing I learned during the Panasonic visit was how many STEM opportunities I could pursue in the future. The Early Talent Programs presentation helped me understand the different paths I can take to build a career in technology. It was inspiring.” That theme continued with Greg Bagliore, Senior Manager of IT Service Delivery, who explored Panasonic’s work in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies during an engaging presentation and Q&A. A career panel featuring Ram Trivedi and Ming Shih, moderated by Jenny Ha of OSII, offered Scholars candid reflections on professional growth, career pivots, and the importance of curiosity in the tech sector. Scholars also noted that adaptability was a recurring message throughout the day. One participant shared, “A theme that stood out to me was the importance of adaptability. Every speaker talked about being open to change and building a wide set of skills, which made me realize how essential it is to stay flexible in a tech career.”

The visit concluded with Citi Medina, Founder of EqualSpace, who showcased Newark’s thriving innovation ecosystem and encouraged Scholars to view New Jersey as a launchpad for bold ideas.

From cutting-edge AI applications to actionable career advice, the Panasonic site visit gave Scholars a firsthand look at the breadth of opportunities within the state’s technology landscape. The experience underscored a central message repeated throughout the day: the future of innovation is here, and New Jersey’s next generation of STEM leaders is ready to shape it.

The Governor’s STEM Scholars is grateful to Panasonic North America for its generous sponsorship and continued partnership in advancing STEM education and career pathways for New Jersey students.