Mentor Spotlight: Samantha Palmer Shields on the Power of Presence, Purpose, and Possibility

Samantha Palmer Shields

“Mentors are allies, sounding boards, examples of what a life can be. Sometimes, having just one person who believes in you can be life-changing.”

At GWI, mentorship is not a one-way street, it’s a relationship that expands what young women believe is possible. This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to spotlight Samantha Palmer Shields, Director of The Launch Pad, whose approach to mentorship is rooted in empathy, community, and deep belief in the next generation.

Samantha joined GWI after seeing Founder & CEO Jennifer Openshaw speak in an interview about the organization’s mission. The clarity of that vision, and its tangible impact, immediately resonated. She recognized an opportunity to give back and to be part of something larger: a movement creating access, confidence, and connection for young women everywhere.

Over the past year, that commitment has grown into a meaningful mentorship experience; one that, like the best partnerships, goes both ways.

Working with her mentee has challenged Samantha to slow down, reflect, and deepen her own sense of gratitude. Through her mentee’s experiences, she’s been reminded of the very real barriers many young women still face, but also of the power of support in transforming those challenges into possibility. That perspective has shaped how she shows up, not only as a mentor, but as a leader grounded in empathy and intention.

For Sam, leadership is deeply personal. Looking back, she wishes she had understood earlier that every version of herself, even the uncertain or evolving ones, had value. She now sees that those experiences are what allow us to connect, to lead, and to lift others. No one builds their path alone.

That belief in community has been a defining thread throughout her career. In 2019, she launched We Make Moves, a program designed to create space for women founders to explore their ambitions openly, especially the dreams they had kept quiet out of fear or societal pressure. What began as an initiative quickly became a community, one where women could prioritize both their wellness and their vision, and move forward with support instead of isolation.

It’s this same philosophy that shapes how Sam views mentorship today.

In a world where digital connection often replaces real connection, she believes mentorship is more essential than ever, offering something social platforms cannot: genuine support, perspective, and belief.

“Mentors are allies, sounding boards, examples of what a life can be. Sometimes, having just one person who believes in you can be life-changing,” she says.

As she works with the next generation, Samantha encourages young women to lead with both awareness and intention, understanding the paths that came before them while creating something better for those who will follow.

At the core of her mentorship is a message she returns to often: “You are whole. Your circumstance does not define you. Continue to dream, expand your world view, lean into your curiosity, and most of all, be gentle with yourself. You are doing this for the first time.”

Sam’s experience with GWI has only reinforced her belief in the power of showing up for others. What begins as a structured program quickly becomes something more human: being there for someone at the exact moment they need encouragement, perspective, or simply someone in their corner.

She’s also passionate about challenging the narratives young women carry about leadership and success. Too often, she notes, self-doubt is internalized when the real issue is external. Not every room is built to recognize your voice, but that doesn’t mean your voice isn’t powerful. The key is to keep going, and to trust that the right spaces will meet you with the recognition you deserve.

This year, Samantha’s own impact was recognized when she received an award from the Women’s Commission at the University of Miami for her work advancing women’s issues. The moment was both surprising and affirming. It served as a reminder that even when it feels like no one is watching, your work matters. And more importantly, that the right people will see it.

Ready to make a difference?Join our mentor community and help shape what’s next.