Articles & Alerts
Voices of Influence: Perspectives from Women in Anchin Private Client
To celebrate Women’s History Month, we asked the remarkable women in Anchin Private Client to share their perspectives, wisdom and sources of inspiration, with the goal of providing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the talented women supporting the firm and its private clients.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Elizabeth Morin: Women’s History Month for me is a time that we celebrate women’s achievements. We must educate and raise awareness for women’s equality.
Kelly Igoe: Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to amplify women’s voices, empower one another, and celebrate our achievements.
Scarlet Arias: As a 22-year-old female tax accountant from the Dominican Republic, Women’s History Month holds great significance for me. It signifies a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women worldwide, including those in male-dominated fields like accounting. Women’s History Month serves as a reminder of the progress we’ve made in promoting gender equality and the ongoing efforts needed to overcome obstacles and uplift women across all of society. This month is about reflecting on women’s past struggles and being proud of how far women have come.
Dragana Radic: Women’s History Month signifies an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and challenges faced by women globally. While I understand the sentiment that women should be appreciated every day, the month serves as a focused time to amplify their voices, raise awareness about gender equality issues, and advocate for positive change. It’s about recognizing the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and working towards a more equitable and inclusive society, where everyone is valued and respected regardless of gender.
What women have you looked at as role models or mentors?
Tara Burek: My mother is my role model. As a child, I watched as she turned her struggles around to make the best of every situation. She is a single mother who raised two children with limited resources. She is a cancer survivor who never let the uncertainty of her future get the best of her. Those struggles taught me resilience. I wouldn’t be the mother, wife, or professional I am today without having seen first-hand how a person can rise above every obstacle thrown their way and wind up being a better person for it.
Mela Garber: I have tremendous admiration for Liz Elting. She not only built a highly successful business but also, after its sale, devoted herself to empowering and championing the growth and success of women.
Elizabeth Morin: I consider my mother a role model. Despite working full-time and commuting from Brooklyn to Manhattan, she always made time for me, my three siblings, and our dad every day. Her ability to juggle so much without ever complaining seemed like a superpower to me.
Kristen Thurston: I draw inspiration from the generations of women who came before me and the strides they made in paving the way for women in the business world. Their dedication and belief in women’s rightful place in any field have shaped the opportunities available to us today.
What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your career, thus far?
Mela Garber: The expertise and insight I’ve gained have equipped me to support my clients through challenging times, like the loss of a spouse or the dissolution of a marriage. Earning the title of “trusted advisor” from my clients is both a privilege and a testament to the rewarding nature of my work.
Scarlet Arias: The latest AICPA Demographics report reveals that only 7% of professional accounting staff in firms are Hispanic/Latino. I am proud to be part of this 7%, representing my community in a field that’s still growing in diversity. The most fulfilling part of my career has been breaking down barriers and showing that people from all backgrounds can excel in accounting. It’s been incredibly rewarding to use my own experiences and skills to contribute to the profession and to inspire other young Hispanics/Latinos to pursue their goals.
What advice would you give young women looking to achieve career success?
Elizabeth Zabludoff: Growing up, I had a clear grasp of my abilities and interests yet remained uncertain about the direction of my career path. I held onto the belief that everything would eventually fall into place, and indeed it has. I now have a profession that seems tailor-made for me, utilizing all my skills while constantly presenting new challenges that keep me engaged and driven. I’d like to reassure others experiencing similar uncertainty that despite the ambiguity, things can align in the end.
How can we inspire future generations of women?
Elizabeth Morin: We have the power to inspire future generations of women by highlighting their unique strengths. It’s essential to encourage them to pursue their dreams and goals, providing support as they navigate challenges and break down barriers. Women thrive when their voices are heard, their opinions are valued, and their company leads by example.
Kit Leung: We can inspire future generations of women by providing them with the opportunity to learn and grow in their careers. This includes a wide range of efforts including training, workshops, mentorship programs, and leadership development opportunities. Cultivating a supportive culture that empowers women is essential. It fosters an environment where they can succeed.
Valerie Makarenko: Each action we take today shapes the landscape for those who follow. Visibility matters. When women see other women in leadership roles, it ignites their ambition. Let’s amplify our voices, share our accomplishments, and challenge stereotypes. By doing so, we reshape perceptions and inspire the next generation. Visibility isn’t vanity; it’s empowerment.
Caroline Guo: We must encourage them to pursue their passions, promoting gender equality.
What is one quote or phrase you refer to when you need inspiration?
Tara Burek: One of my favorite quotes for inspiration is: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough”. I am a believer in setting the bar high with every goal no matter how intimidating it seems at the time. I remind myself that growth only happens when we embrace inevitable change. My family’s motto is: “Work hard, dream big, and never give up!” and this hasn’t failed us yet.
Elizabeth Morin: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
Mela Garber: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Kathleen Braica: My daughter shared a thought with me regarding uplifting and guiding others that struck me as deeply insightful. While playing volleyball, she remarked, “Teams are like popcorn – everyone pops at their own time.” This resonated with me and encapsulates why I find joy in collaborating with a team and mentoring others. I am reminded of this quote regularly as I help others grow, as witnessing their development and success is immensely fulfilling.
Nadine Francois: “She believed she could, so she did.” This quote reminds me of the power of self-belief and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Mi Lam: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote from Winston Churchill serves as a reminder to persevere in the face of adversity and never give up on my dreams.
Androula Constantinou: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt. This quote reminds us to have confidence in ourselves, even and especially in instances when we are underestimated or treated unfairly.
Mandy Zhao: “Everything is temporary.” It encourages me to cherish the good times, stay resilient during the tough times, and embrace change with a positive mindset.
Zoey Chen: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn’s words serve as a constant reminder to embrace optimism, creativity, and the limitless potential within ourselves.
Caroline Guo: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do” – Steve Jobs.
Xintong (Greta) Du: “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
