By Jennifer Openshaw
Every day, I sit down with business leaders and parents in Greenwich, and around the country, who share a common concern: the young women in their lives are not reaching their full potential. They worry about a rapidly changing job market, the rise of AI, and what it all means for their daughters’ futures—even when those young women are attending the best colleges and doing everything “right.”
Here in Greenwich, we are fortunate to be part of a community that not only recognizes challenges, but also rises to meet them. This is a community defined by leadership, generosity, and a deep commitment to giving back. And it is because of your support that Girls With Impact (GWI) has reached a powerful milestone: equipping more than 20,000 young women with the confidence, capabilities, and connections to succeed in today’s workplace.
This achievement belongs to all of us.
From the incredible energy and generosity we saw at our recent Trailblazer Gala, to the ongoing support from local families, business leaders, and partners, the Greenwich community has been instrumental in driving this mission forward. Reaching this milestone during Women’s History Month makes it even more meaningful. This is a moment to celebrate progress, and to accelerate its forward momentum. Because despite the gains women have made, significant gaps in leadership remain.
Research shows that women outperform men in 17 out of 19 leadership competencies, yet many still hesitate to identify themselves as leaders. And at the highest levels of leadership, representation remains unequal. This disconnect is not about capability, it’s about confidence, access, and preparation.
Years ago, I was at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where global leaders discussed this very issue. While many conversations centered on the challenges to be faced, at GWI, we are focused on solutions. We are moving from dialogue to action and ensuring young women are not just aware of opportunities, but fully prepared to seize them.
The need has never been more urgent. In my conversations with Connecticut business leaders, a clear theme has emerged: one of their top concerns is having workforce-ready talent. They are looking for young professionals who can think critically, communicate effectively, adapt quickly, and lead with confidence. At the same time, they want to ensure that young women are stepping fully into their potential in the workplace.
This is exactly where GWI comes in.Through our live, instructor-led programs like the Innovation Academy and Career Accelerator, we are equipping young women ages 14 to 26 with real-world business skills, mentorship, and the mindset needed to thrive. Our model is designed to help young women see themselves as leaders and instill the confidence to act accordingly.
And importantly, our work is rooted in access and equity. When a participant enrolls and pays tuition, she is also helping to open doors for another girl who may not otherwise have the opportunity. It’s a model that reflects the very spirit of this community: lifting others as we rise.
As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking ahead. Our goal is ambitious: to reach 50,000 young women by 2030. With communities like Greenwich leading the way, it is entirely within reach.
If your daughter or the young women in your life are ready to take hold of their future, our spring and summer program registration is now open at girlswithimpact.org/ our-programs. Participants can receive 15% off tuition with the code SENTINEL. For families who can benefit from scholarship support, we encourage you to reach out to Julie at julie.pesce@girlswithimpact.org
To those who have supported us, thank you. Together, we are preparing young women to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Jennifer Openshaw is a nationally recognized financial leader, author, and Founder & CEO of Girls With Impact, the nation’s leading online business and leadership training program for young women. A former financial executive and trusted media expert featured on outlets including Oprah, Today, CNN, and CNBC, she has spent her career advancing women’s economic empowerment and advising Fortune 500 companies, bringing both professional expertise and personal resilience to her mission.
