GWI Alumni Spotlight: Meet Prianca Patel
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 Prianca Patel, a member of the GWI Alumni Class of 2021 and Co-President of the GWI Alumni Council. Read on to discover her GWI story and her advice for those looking to make their mark in the industry.
How do you stay connected with other GWI Alumni, and how do you value those relationships?
Being part of the Alumni Council has been an incredible way to stay connected with my fellow GWI Alumni. Through the initiatives we organize and the events we attend, I’ve built lasting friendships with people who continue to uplift and inspire me both personally and professionally. I’ve also stayed connected by attending GWI regional events in my area, as well as the Alumni Conference and Annual GWI Gala. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Council members, meet new Alumni, and continue strengthening our vibrant, robust, and supportive community!
If you could travel back to your first days in the Girls Who Invest program, what would you tell your younger self?
GWI can definitely be a daunting organization to join at the start; however, I would tell myself that the organization will be one of the best things that happened to you in your career if you lean into the experience. Make the most of it by building your community, reach out to fellow Scholars and Alumni, and ask questions. GWI is so unique because of how willing Alumni are to help one another achieve their goals. From the financial education to the career development resources, once you are an Alum, GWI and your community will support you, ensure you put your best foot forward, and help you build a lasting reputation far beyond completing the program.
What advice would you give to current Scholars or individuals considering applying to Girls Who Invest?
My advice to current Scholars is to take full advantage of everything the program offers - ask questions, take risks, and don’t be afraid to use your voice. You bring a unique perspective, and that’s what makes this community so powerful. It’s also integral to foster relationships with your cohort and other Alumni. The community is incredibly supportive and can open doors in ways you might not expect. And most importantly, remember that your voice is valued and you belong here!
Are there any Alumni or mentors from your GWI experience that have influenced your career the most?
The mentors I met through the Investor Circles program have influenced me the most in my career so far. The opportunity to connect with accomplished women in the industry in such an intimate, supportive setting was incredibly valuable. GWI fostered a safe space in these Circle meetings where we could ask honest questions and have candid conversations, and I still draw on the insights and advice I received from those mentors today. One mentor in particular has continued to guide me beyond the program, helping me think more critically about my career trajectory and long-term goals. Opportunities like this are rare for women in finance, and I’m deeply grateful to GWI for facilitating such meaningful growth and connection.
What would surprise people most about the impact Girls Who Invest has had on your career or the careers of Alumni you know in the industry?
I think many people would be surprised by just how powerful and effective the GWI community is when it comes to supporting Alumni through career transitions. I’ve seen firsthand how strong our community is - the moment someone expresses interest in exploring a new asset class or role, there’s an immediate outpouring of support from other Alumni eager to make introductions and share insights. I personally know a couple GWI Alumni who have successfully transitioned into new opportunities thanks to the encouragement and connections within this community. It’s a true testament to the strength of the GWI community and the respect our Alumni have earned at their respective firms; they consistently put their best foot forward and, in doing so, open doors for others to follow.
What's one skill or mindset shift you've developed through GWI that you didn't expect?
One skill I didn’t expect to develop so early in my career was a deep sense of confidence in my own voice. Coming into GWI, I thought I would mostly be learning technical and analytical skills, and while I did gain those skills, what surprised me most was how much the program taught me to speak up, share my perspective, and trust that my ideas have value. Specifically, the Alumni Council is an environment where my voice is not only heard but respected, and that experience has changed how I show up in professional spaces. Now, whether I’m in a meeting, pitching an idea, or navigating a new challenge, I carry that confidence with me.
As the Co-President of the Alumni Council, what does it mean to you to represent the GWI community?
Serving as Co-President of the Alumni Council is both an honor and a deeply meaningful experience for me. To represent this community means carrying forward the values that make GWI so special: empowerment, inclusion, and a shared belief that diverse voices make investing stronger. GWI gave me more than just an introduction to the world of finance; it gave me a community of women who constantly inspire me with their drive, resilience, and generosity, and I am proud to represent that.
What are some memorable experiences from your time on the Alumni Council?
One of my most memorable experiences was finally meeting several of my fellow Council members in person at the 2025 Alumni Conference. It was an incredible day filled with both educational and inspiring sessions, and experiencing it with a group of women I’ve come to know very well and deeply respect made it even more special!