Building Connections That Last: Career Lessons from Networking with Eagle Point Credit
GWI came together with Eagle Point Credit to provide and interactive networking and community service event for young women while beautifying Cos Cob Mill Pond Park.
Some of the most valuable career conversations don't happen across a conference table, they happen while working side by side toward a shared goal.
Girls With Impact participants experienced exactly that during the Summer of Success Tour, where Eagle Point Credit partnered with Girls With Impact, Atko Bros Landscaping, and the Town of Greenwich for a unique day of networking, mentorship, and community service at Cos Cob Mill Pond Park.
Together, participants planted native trees and plants to enhance the park’s natural ecosystem, supporting local wildlife while building something just as meaningful: professional relationships.
Networking Doesn't Have to Feel Like Networking
The event included a networking challenge for young women, designed to make introductions easy and conversations natural.
Through a game of Networking BINGO, participants and Eagle Point professionals connected over shared interests, career experiences, and personal stories.
Rather than worrying about saying the "right" thing, participants discovered that meaningful conversations begin with simple questions and genuine curiosity.
Eagle Point team members didn’t simply volunteer - they invested in the students. Throughout the afternoon they shared career advice, encouraged questions and took the time to build genuine relationships, creating an environment where young women felt confident engaging with accomplished professionals.
Christin Schaeffer, Assistant Vice President, Client and Partner Solutions at Eagle Point Credit Company, shared the mentality behind this partnership.
“One of the reasons we’ve partnered with Girls With Impact over the years is because we believe every young woman deserves access. It’s inspiring to see our team connect with these remarkable young women in such an authentic way, and we’re proud to be part of an organization that is expanding what’s possible for the next generation.”
GWI President Carrie Reynolds reflected on the impact of those interactions.
"One of the greatest barriers facing many young women isn’t talent - it’s access. Access to mentors. To professional networks. To people who help them see new possibilities for their future. That’s why partnerships like this matter. Together with Eagle Point, we created an experience most young women would never otherwise have. That’s what makes Girls With Impact different: We create access - to people, experiences, and opportunities to help young women realize what’s possible."
Your Network Is One of Your Greatest Assets
Girls With Impact graduate Lucy Kassel knows firsthand the lasting value of those relationships.
Now nearly six years removed from completing the GWI Innovation Academy program, she shared why she continues to come back to Girls With Impact experiences.
"I did the Girls With Impact program almost six years ago when I was 14, and the skills and things I learned were extremely valuable. But the best part of GWI, and the thing that is still helping me today, is the network of people I've met and getting to continue doing things like this to help build my career."
Her story reminded participants that while skills help open doors, relationships often help keep them open.
The Power of a Community Coming Together
The success of the event was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of many community partners.
Girls With Impact is grateful to Eagle Point Credit for creating an environment where authentic mentorship could flourish, and to Atko Bros Landscaping and the Town of Greenwich for helping create a lasting impact on Cos Cob Mill Pond Park.
Participants also enjoyed generous prizes donated by local Greenwich businesses, including Gretchen Scott boutique on Greenwich Avenue, and Cos Cob’s own Green & Tonic, Island Fin Poké Co., Acuri's Pizza, Wild Acres Rotisserie, Chicken Joe's, and Sobol, whose support helped make the day even more memorable.
Building Your Network: Start Early, and Never Stop
Creating access is at the heart of everything Girls With Impact does. Through live programs, mentorship, and real-world experiences, we equip young women with the skills, confidence, and connections to realize what’s possible.
Learn more about our programs and how you can help shape the next generation of leaders.