Finding Her Path: How GWI Helped Georgetown Student Sarah Brannigan Pursue Her Passion for Business

When Sarah Brannigan joined Girls With Impact, she thought she had her future mapped out.

As a high school student with a passion for computer science and enrolled in a great program, she expected to pursue that path in college. But through the Girls With Impact program, she awakened a new passion for business, and built the confidence to follow that interest. Ultimately, this changed the course of her education and career.

Today, Sarah is a rising junior at Georgetown University studying Finance and Accounting. Along the way, she's explored how her GWI venture can grow, taken on leadership roles at one of the nation's most unique student organizations, and found the confidence to pursue opportunities she never imagined for herself.

Before Girls With Impact, how did you see your future? How has that vision changed?

Sarah: Before participating in Girls With Impact, I thought I was going to study computer science in college. I went to a high school that had a great computer science program, and I really enjoyed the classes that I was taking.

Then, when I had the opportunity to participate in GWI, I realized that I actually had a passion for business. Now I'm studying Finance and Accounting at Georgetown.

What's something you've accomplished since Girls With Impact that your younger self wouldn't have believed possible?

Something I've accomplished after GWI that my younger self would be very excited about is my involvement with the Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union.

It's the largest student-run financial institution in the world, and I serve as the Chief Communications Officer. I would have never imagined myself getting involved with this organization, but GWI gave me the confidence that I needed to join, and now it's one of my favorite experiences at Georgetown.

What does your work with the Georgetown University Alumni & Student Federal Credit Union entail?

As the Chief Communications Officer, I oversee our external communications, while managing our Human Resources and Intern Engagement departments. 

We host two biannual recruitment cycles for new students to get involved, and that's something I really enjoy being part of because, like I said before, joining the credit union was something I never imagined doing. I love being on the other side now and helping more students get involved through the recruitment process.

How did Girls With Impact change the way you think about business, leadership, or your own potential?

GWI definitely changed the way I thought about my own potential by giving me a support system to know that whatever I put my mind to can become a reality.

I joined the program with the idea of creating an all-girls caddie training program, and having the support system of the other participants and the teachers during GWI gave me the confidence that I needed to make that a reality.

How has the work you performed on your GWI venture impacted you after the program?

After completing the Girls With Impact program and creating my venture, She Can Carry, the first all-girls caddie training program in New York City, I wanted to explore that interest even deeper.

Now I'm studying Finance and Accounting at Georgetown, and most recently I joined the Durban Sports Business Fellowship at the university. It's something that I'm really excited about because it combines my interests in sports and business.

I'm super grateful to GWI for giving me the opportunity to explore that passion earlier on and now make it a reality.

Are there any lessons from Girls With Impact that you still use in your everyday life?

One concrete example of something I learned during GWI that I still use in my everyday life is how to create the perfect elevator pitch.

That's something we worked on during the first couple weeks of the program, and I definitely see myself using it in more than just the realm of business. I use it when I'm introducing myself to professors, meeting new friends at school, or talking with anyone I meet.

It's really impactful to be able to communicate your passions and your dreams for the future in such a short period of time, and I'm really grateful that GWI helped me create my elevator pitch.

What impact did the program have on your voice or confidence?

Yes. GWI completely increased my confidence levels, especially when entering the world of business.

I thought I was going to study computer science and pursue that in college. Business was always at the back of my mind, but I was scared about entering that new environment.

GWI gave me the mentorship and coaching that I needed to feel comfortable taking classes in Georgetown's business school and interning in the business field. It definitely gave me a toolkit of resources to handle different situations and enter every room with confidence.

Was there a difference between what you expected from GWI’s program and what you actually walked away with?

All of my expectations were exceeded through the GWI program. I expected a seven- to ten-week program, like it's advertised, but I actually received mentorship far beyond that.

After completing the program, I was matched with an individual mentor through the college readiness track. She helped me through the college application process, and we met several times as I worked to find a school that was the right fit for me both as a student and as an individual.

Beyond that, the community of participants and graduates is something I still tap into quite often, and I'm very grateful to have all of those individuals in my corner.

If you could go back and talk to yourself on day one of the GWI program, what would you say?

I would tell myself to take full advantage of the program.

I participated virtually, and I would tell myself to reach out to the other participants, teachers, and coaches to form as many relationships as I could.

I would also remind myself not to be afraid when creating my personal pitch, not to be afraid to fail, and to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities that can help make those dreams a reality.

What would you say to a young woman unsure if she belongs in business, leadership, or entrepreneurship?

I would tell her to just take advantage of the opportunity and say yes.

Know that there's a whole support system that wants you to succeed and wants you to be a trailblazer for the young women who come after you.

Don't be afraid to fail. If you put yourself out there and take advantage of everything this program has to offer, it can truly change the trajectory of your career and your life, just as it has for me.

Finding Confidence to Say "Yes" to New Opportunities

Sarah's story is a reminder that sometimes one opportunity can change everything.

Girls With Impact gave her the confidence to pursue a new path, build meaningful skills and relationships, and step into leadership roles she hadn’t imagined for herself.

Today, Sarah continues to grow as a leader while helping others discover opportunities of their own. Her journey reflects what's possible when young women are given the skills, mentorship, and encouragement to believe in themselves.

This is the kind of impact we strive to create every day. Learn more about our programs and register at https://www.girlswithimpact.org/our-programs