GWI Alumni Spotlight: Cire Ross
Our Alumni Community spans a variety of states, universities, asset classes, and more, bringing a wealth of varied experiences that strengthen Girls Who Invest as a whole. Among these exceptional individuals is Cire Ross, a member of the GWI Alumni Class of 2025 and Regional Rep of Washington, D.C. on the GWI Alumni Council. Read on to discover her GWI story and her advice for those looking to make their mark in the industry.
What motivated you to apply to Girls Who Invest, and what were your career aspirations when you joined the program?
I first heard about GWI while attending the Howard University career fair. The representative I spoke with shared the incredible learning opportunities the program offered. I remember thinking it sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I just had to apply to. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d get in. I’d heard how competitive the program was and immediately wrote myself off, convinced I didn’t have what it took to be part of it. I barely had the confidence to pursue anything and was terrified of failure. Thankfully, I was selected, though I had no idea I was stepping into a life-changing experience that would shape who I am for the rest of my life.
When I applied, I didn’t have a clear sense of my career goals. I was majoring in supply chain management mainly because it felt like a stable path after seeing the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Still, I wanted to be part of GWI so badly that I would read Reddit posts from other women who had been through the program, take notes from their advice, and constantly check the application portal for updates.
How has the Girls Who Invest community supported your professional development since completing the program?
I walked into the program with low confidence in myself. I didn’t know how to make friends, and I knew nothing about finance. By the end of the program, that had completely changed. I not only learned key foundational concepts in finance but also gained unshakable confidence and built a strong community of friends and supporters who continue to cheer me on, and that’s the most beautiful part of GWI.
Now that I’ve completed the program, many of my friends and I still keep in touch, and the Alumni Career Institute portal has been an incredible resource for recruiting opportunities, scholarships, and local events. What’s also been helpful for me is booking time with the Career Advancement team to speak one-on-one about any hiccups I face or questions I have about certain internships.
How has being part of GWI changed your perspective on your career goals?
The biggest impact GWI had on my perspective was that I needed to learn how to achieve success for myself and uplift others in my community alongside me.
Looking at your career trajectory now, what role did Girls Who Invest play in creating opportunities that might not have existed otherwise?
Before GWI, I had very little knowledge about the investment management industry. After completing the program, I developed a genuine passion for learning more. GWI carries real weight. Once I was accepted, new doors and opportunities began to open. As soon as I added GWI to my resume and LinkedIn, other finance programs and firms started reaching out, and people were more willing to connect. You quickly realize that GWI turns heads in every room you enter.
How do you stay connected with other GWI Alumni, and how do you value those relationships?
We still have a group chat and stay in touch all the time. Whenever someone needs advice about recruiting or is traveling for a conference, we’re always active in the chat. I value my GWI friends so much. They’ve lifted me up when I felt defeated after interview rejections or when life just felt heavy. They’re truly some of the most supportive people I’ve ever met. For example, when I became a D.C. Regional Representative, my GWI friends flooded the group chat with love and congratulations. It honestly almost made me cry. I can’t even put into words how much I love my GWI community.
If you could travel back to your first days in the Girls Who Invest program, what would you tell your younger self?
“Calm down, it’s going to be okay.” That’s the advice I would give myself. I remember the first night of the 2025 Summer Intensive Program, walking downstairs and seeing groups of women gathered for the pizza party. My heart was pounding, my throat was dry, and all I could think was how I was going to fit in or make friends. I went back up to my dorm to calm myself down, then finally came back downstairs and sat alone. Before I knew it, a girl named Meher Jain came up to me - she later became my roommate in New York City. Then another girl, Alexandra, joined us, and soon more followed. That’s when I knew everything was going to be okay. I was surrounded by some of the kindest, most supportive women ever. Making friends is the least of your worries at GWI.
What advice would you give to current Scholars or individuals considering applying to Girls Who Invest?
If you're considering applying, DO IT! GWI has so much to offer, please take advantage of it. For current Scholars I would say try to talk to everyone and try to be open minded about the program. You might come in as a finance major or come in with little knowledge like me, but please do your best to come in being intellectually curious and open minded.
What would you want current Scholars and future program participants to know about the legacy they're becoming part of?
I would say you're becoming a part of a program that builds on love and not competition. We help each other and once you complete the program you pass the baton to the next Scholar and spread the word about what the program has done for you.
How has being part of GWI changed your perspective on your career goals?
Gave me the confidence I felt I have always been capable of, but just needed an extra push from GWI to realize that I can conquer such a sharp and competitive industry.