GWI Alumni Spotlight: Meet Macy Desmarais
Our Alumni Community spans a variety of states, universities, asset classes, and more, bringing a wealth of varied experiences that strengthen GWI as a whole. Among these exceptional individuals is Macy Desmarais, a member of the GWI Alumni Class of 2021 and Seattle Regional Representative on the 2026 GWI Alumni Council. Read on to discover her GWI story and her advice for those looking to make their mark in the industry.
How has the Girls Who Invest community supported your professional development since completing the program?
Girls Who Invest has introduced me to one of the most inspiring groups of women I have ever come across. Regardless of the specific area of finance you end up in, just being surrounded by such high-achieving women inherently makes me better and more motivated to pursue amazing things throughout my career. I feel extremely thankful to have such a supportive community in my back pocket if I ever need a pick-me-up, advice on my next move, or beyond.
What advice would you give to current Scholars or individuals considering applying to Girls Who Invest?
100% do it! Regardless of what specific area your career ends up being in, GWI provides such an incredible support system and learning environment as you navigate those pivotal years. I truly could not be more thankful that I made the decision to apply, because (not to be dramatic), but I do think it has changed my life!
What would you want current Scholars and future program participants to know about the legacy they're becoming part of?
You are becoming a part of history! I feel so proud to be a part of an organization that is doing so much good for the world and lifting up women in so many more ways than one. The Girls Who Invest name already holds so much weight, and that weight is only going to continue to grow throughout the years. Think of how cool it will be to talk to your future daughter or granddaughter about the impact GWI had and continues to have throughout the world, and getting to say, “I was a part of that!”
Looking at your career trajectory now, what role did Girls Who Invest play in creating opportunities that might not have existed otherwise?
I was accepted into Girls Who Invest when I had little to no finance experience, and the GWI team took a chance on me. To this day, I have had multiple employers and mentors be inherently impressed by the Girls Who Invest name on my resume and therefore be willing to once again take a chance on me because GWI did all those years ago. It is a prestigious program that I am incredibly proud to be a part of!
Northwest Regional Event for April Month of Service
How do you stay connected with other GWI Alumni, and how do you value those relationships?
The relationships I have fostered from GWI are one of my favorite parts of being a part of the program. I am lucky that, with being on the Alumni Council, I get to connect with my peers across the country more than most, and once again that is a massive benefit of getting more involved with GWI. But what really solidifies those relationships is when we get to meet up in person. Whether that be at the regional events I host in Seattle, or at the annual Alumni conference in NYC. Seeing the girls, giving hugs and smiles to the people whose names you have spent years seeing, makes it all worth it. I am lucky to have a solid group of friends that I have met through GWI throughout the years, and sure, the majority of other girls could say the same.
How does being part of the Alumni Council strengthen your relationship with GWI Alumni and Scholars?
Being a part of the Alumni Council is one of the best decisions I have made in a long time! Since I did OIP during COVID years, it was semi-difficult to create those IRL relationships that go beyond the summer of your program. But now, since being part of the Alumni Council, I have been able to meet [more Alumni] because you get back tenfold when you put in a little bit of extra effort.
What are some memorable experiences from your time on the Alumni Council?
The Alumni Conference in early 2024 was one of my favorite memories! It was the first one I attended since being on the Alumni Council, and it truly solidified my sense of belonging and friendship. Getting to meet so many people in person for the first time, I genuinely left not feeling like I wanted to leave NYC simply because of the people I met and the friendships I was creating! Even though I live in Seattle and probably travel the farthest of anyone there, it is so worth it every year!
What inspired you to join the Alumni Council, and what did you hope to accomplish during your term?
The Seattle community is one of GWI’s smaller markets, but because of that, I hope to bring together a few of us and prove that the community can still provide the same benefits even in smaller numbers! I was, and continue to be, proud of what GWI is doing, and therefore it is an honor to represent GWI on the West Coast. I hope that one day our GWI presence on this side of the country can be just as prevalent as the East Coast, and I look forward to hopefully being a part of that mission!