Maret School’s Girls Who Start Chapter Ignites Entrepreneurial Passion

BY DEA PANCE

Maret School's Girls Who Start chapter, led by senior Sophie Bakshi and junior Pamina Burton, is gearing up for an exciting year of empowerment and education. Established five years ago by Sophie Beck ’23, the chapter continues to inspire its members.

"We want people, more than anything, to realize that anybody can start a business," says Bakshi, "it is not something that is reserved for specific people."

Bakshi, deeply committed to Girls Who Start's mission, serves as the national organization’s Co-Director of the Hackathon, Co-Director of the Summer Writing Workshop, and Primary Writer for the GWS Publication.

"As soon as I joined, I fell in love with the organization’s mission. I wanted to help in any way that I could," she adds.

Girls Who Start International Hackathon 2023, co-directed by Bakshi. Girls Who Start

The duo is diligently preparing for their first local club event of the year set for February, featuring a local businesswoman who will share her insights on building a successful brand. “We hope to show members that it is real and achievable,” says Bakshi. Encouraging audience interaction, the event will include an open floor for questions.

Looking ahead, Bakshi envisions a future event where members can "pitch" their business plans, fostering entrepreneurial spirit within the Girls Who Start community. This idea reflects the chapter’s commitment to not only educate but also empower its members to take their ideas from concept to reality.

The heartbeat of Maret School’s chapter is in its dedication to empowering young women and nurturing their passion for entrepreneurship. By showcasing successful role models, organizing interactive events, and fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, GWS is shaping a generation of confident and capable female entrepreneurs.