My path to partner
As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my career as a Partner, I am grateful for all of the experiences and people that have helped me get this far. It really does take a village and I have been blessed by so many mentors, partners and friends who have helped me reach this career milestone. I do believe that if you want to see more women in leadership roles, the best place to start is by being a woman leader or by serving as a mentor/sponsor for one. To succeed in anything in life, it also takes effort, "grit", persistence and perseverance. My story is a testament of those principles.
The road to get here has not been an easy one. It was met with numerous obstacles and roadblocks along the way. Sometimes I wish it had been easier, but I know that those struggles made the reward worth it even more in the end. I didn't grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth. As the first in my immediate family to go to college, I had to work hard to get there. I was determined to succeed and make the most of my future and I put in the effort, day after day, in that pursuit. And I did it. I graduated high school six months early, second in my class.
Getting married at 20 (during my sophomore year of college) in retrospect was not the wisest decision. But I didn't listen to the naysayers who said I wouldn't finish college. I worked hard, I held part-time jobs to make ends meet and I took almost two years worth of classes my last year to finish on time. And I finished first in my graduating class.
My first five years at EY were probably one of the most challenging in my career. Becoming a caregiver for a disabled spouse at 25 was not in my life plan, and figuring out how to balance that while working towards my CPA certification was a daily challenge. But I did it. I didn't do it alone though. My mentors and partners at the time stood by my side. They home schooled me when I couldn't leave my house to attend the required training in person. They allowed me to work flexible hours at home and to find clients that embraced my flexible arrangement. They also supported me when I knew I had to leave the situation for my own health. They nominated me for roles I had always dreamed of and never stopped believing in me or supporting my path. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for these ladies.
When I first went to NYC to interview for a residency position in the National Office, I was applying for an accounting role in my industry sector. Had the audit leader at the time not "hijacked" my interview and encouraged me to try an audit rotation, my path would have been different. But working in the audit group, travelling regularly from New York to Cleveland and making lifelong friends and mentors was a priceless experience. I am forever grateful for that healing chapter in my life where I found myself again.
Applying for an SEC fellowship in DC was probably the second most challenging time in my career. With the countless hours and months spent drafting a policy paper, prepping for the 12 hour interview process and trying to see the profession through a different lens, I labeled this period the "career endurance challenge." It was a period of extreme vulnerability and it required immense stamina and perseverance to make it through. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone throughout my fellowship and tried to bring 100% of myself to the Commission, including by sharing my love of dance with my colleagues. I also went from a bachelorette to Team Todling during the three year period and it was so much fun to share this experience with such phenomenal friends.
Reflecting on my experiences, I am tremendously grateful for each challenge, opportunity and person who was part of my journey. In the days ahead, I plan to continue on the path to pay it forward. Investing in people, being intentionally kind and generous, and supporting others on their own path is how I plan to live my life. I never forget where I came from, I hope to always remain humble and appreciate all that I have. I know the tremendous joy in giving back and I hope that that is my lasting legacy.
