Samantha is the president of Cal Poly’s Society of Women Engineers. As a leader to her executive team members she has promoted inclusivity and personal connections through new mentorship programming.
Growing up I was always asked, “Are you Samantha’s sister?” and people would sometimes call me by her first name. However, it never bothered me because she was the most warm-hearted and accomplished person I knew. I have always looked up to her and wanted to make her proud. She pushed me to be the best version of myself— she is my role model.
She has always been by my side whether that was cheering for me at my high school basketball games, showing support by attending TEDxSanLuisObispo conferences or texting me encouraging messages about how proud she was on my initiative to start new programs on Cal Poly’s campus.
Samantha is the glue that keeps me going, and it is no surprise to me as she has furthered her career, she became the glue to other colleagues as well as organizations. As the President of Society of Women Engineers, she serves as a role model to the younger female generation by showing them they can break boundaries and teaching them how to become the best version of themselves.
So where would I be without Sammy G? I am glad I never have to answer that question because I know she will always be here for me.
Written by: Sarah Galicinao, sister
Sarah Galicinao
Sarah is also extremely involved in all facets of campus life. She is the incoming president of TEDx and an active member in Women’s Basketball, Women in Business, Society of Women Engineers and more.
When someone asks me, “Are you Sarah’s sister?” I proudly say, “Oh why yes, I am. Isn’t she great?” but it wasn’t always that way.
Sarah, being the younger sister, naturally became my shadow. It was Sarah who was often asked, “Are you Sammy G’s sister?” But there was a refreshing shift. Now, I have a front row seat to Sarah’s growth from my shadow to her own spotlight and a seat at her table as an adviser, a listener and a sister.
Our father once told us a story of Sarah’s resilience and ambition. It is one I keep close to my heart. On a family road trip, we parked our forest green minivan on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. Father unfolded the map and ironed out the creases, then nibbled on the temples of his glasses before proclaiming in defeat that we were lost. Click went Sarah’s seat belt. Sarah jumped over the car seat and took the map. After tousling it, she pointed her finger and said, “We need to go this way!” Her initiative has led to her success. Unsurprisingly, she took the initiative to host over 50 conditionally-admitted female business students on Cal Poly’s campus, to improve the TEDx leadership structure and to be a role model for underrepresented groups. Sarah is my role model— a source of motivation and sweet shining light. Every hour is golden hour in her world.