Hi! My name is Zarriea. I’m a senior at Wake Forest University and, more relevantly, the intern here at She’s Independent. My introduction to She’s Independent was just as unorthodox as the experience I’ve had! I had no idea what She’s Independent or who Natalie was prior to August of this year. Back in 2019, I joined Colorado-based Greenhouse Scholars, a scholarship organization made up of “a community of leaders using education to transform underserved communities in our backyard and around the world.” Fast forward to this year at our annual Summer Symposium where we had our first womxn-only session on the agenda, which was exciting in and of itself, but as a rising senior on the cusp of job applications and entering the world of finance, one of the last industries stuck in time and its old fashioned ways, I was drawn to the session topic “Navigating Power Dynamics” taught by our very own, Natalie Levy. 

That hour was incredibly impactful for me. Whether it was learning about the power of silence and the importance of negotiations or just how astonishingly disparate the equity funding and board advisory gaps are, I found myself being exposed to real “life skills” and information that extended far beyond classroom usage. But nothing was quite as impactful to me as Natalie and her story. I don’t know if it was her long blonde hair and shiny gold belt- two things women in finance are looked upon poorly for– or her willingness to be completely vulnerable in a room full of strangers, but the introvert in me felt moved to hang back after the session and ask Natalie to be my mentor. A hearty but time-constrained conversation later and I was offered an internship! 

Since starting at She’s Independent, I feel like I’ve grown in inestimable ways. If I can be completely honest, I had zero prior knowledge of angel investing. I could feel my always-in-the-red Robinhood account on my shoulder saying “why would she want you?” But soon enough I would learn that that’s what we do here at She’s Independent: learn by doing! Because of this curiosity, I signed up to be an Investment Observer. In just a few short months, I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in on pitch meetings from some mission-driven and impactful companies, hearing the concerns of women in the working world about their own compensation packages, and seeing the very real ways angel investing changes people’s lives. 

In college, I’ve learned how to reconcile bank accounts and project sales, but never was I taught how to sell the most valuable asset I have–myself. Through the She’s Independent workshops, I feel equipped with the tools to advocate for myself to maximize my compensation and chart a path to success on my own terms. I am surrounded by women who are passionate about making an impact and creating real change for the women in their worlds, and that inspires me in ways I never knew I needed. As I reflect on my time with She’s Independent, I can only share my gratitude for the people I’ve met and the things I’ve learned. I will cherish them, and you all, forever.

About Zarriea 

Zarriea Crawford comes from a background in banking, real estate, non-profit work, supply chain transportation & logistics, and most recently, an internship with She's Independent. She is a rising senior at Wake Forest University majoring in finance with a minor in bioethics, humanities, and medicine. Prior to Wake Forest, Zarriea earned her AAS in accounting as well as another in business technology and has 5 business and accounting-related certifications. In her free time, Zarriea enjoys trying new restaurants, spending time with her friends and family, and adding to her candle collection.