About Ignita
Meet Our Founder
Hi! I’m Sonal Onkar, an engineer, leader, and a passionate advocate for girls and women in STEM. My journey started with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from India and a Master’s in Automotive Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan. I spent a decade in the automotive industry working on mainstream and electric vehicles in various engineering roles, earned an MBA from Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan before transitioning into the technology sector, specializing in Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology.
Being one of the only women engineers and leaders in the room for nearly two decades was both a challenge and a learning experience. I had to navigate spaces where my voice wasn’t always the loudest, yet I had to make it resonate with strength and clarity. I learned how to communicate with confidence, advocate for my ideas, and lead with impact—skills that transformed my career. With experience at Fortune 100 companies and startups of all stages, I've had the opportunity to work within both large and small teams and build high-performing teams from the ground up. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on the common denominator that helps women succeed in a variety of demanding environments.
Over time, I realized that my journey wasn’t unique—many women in engineering faced the same struggles. As I mentored colleagues and rising engineers, I saw firsthand how strategic guidance, structured communication, and a strong support system could accelerate careers. Seeing those I mentored thrive was incredibly rewarding, and I knew I wanted to create something bigger, bolder, and more intentional.
How Ignita Was Born
Ignita was not just an idea—it was a necessity. I saw brilliant women hesitate to apply for leadership roles, struggle with visibility in meetings, or undersell their skills in interviews. I knew that with the right coaching, mindset shifts, and strategic preparation, they could own their careers with confidence. That’s why I created Ignita—a bold, empowering movement designed to help women engineers spark action, inspire transformation, and fuel their brilliance.
Ignita is about turning potential into impact, dreams into achievements, and hesitation into bold, fearless moves. Your career shouldn’t be a struggle—it should be a path you walk with confidence, clarity, and power. Whether you’re just starting out, aiming for a promotion, or stepping into leadership, I’m here to help you own your career and take it to the next level.