A Guiding Voice

In celebration of National Mentoring Month in January, KPMG is proud to share the story of an inspiring mentoring relationship between Jackie Gordon, an Audit Partner in New York and Julie Singh, recipient of the KPMG Future Leaders Program Class of 2020 and current sophomore at Hofstra University.

In addition to annual scholarships and leadership training throughout their college careers, each KPMG Future Leader is paired with a female executive mentor that has attended the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit. These mentoring relationships provide support and guidance to help our students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Singh, a first-generation college student from Queens, New York, is no stranger to adversity. Growing up in a single parent household, she gained perspective on hard work and perseverance by supporting her family through high school. “Being different is not a bad thing, it is part of my uniqueness, and has allowed me to be more confident and take pride in my life experiences.” With aspirations of becoming a successful businesswoman, Singh was excited to be matched with Gordon. The two instantly hit it off.

Singh told us, “I look up to Jackie as a woman with an important role at KPMG and gives me hope that I can do that in the future as well. I think that mentorship can benefit young women by seeing someone who they can view as a role model.”

“I was fortunate to have mentors very early on and throughout my college education and career,” Gordon explained. “Their advice and support helped shape the individual and leader that I am today. Serving as Julie’s mentor is a way for me to pay it forward.” 

With drive and determination, Singh has flourished in the first part of her collegiate career. She serves as chairwoman of facilities & operations for Hofstra’s student government association, scholarship chair of her sorority, an anchor and associate at WHRU Radio and host of her own business podcast. All of these responsibilities in addition to a demanding academic track have come with challenges, and Singh is appreciative of Gordon being there to help her along the way.

“There are so many things I admire about Jackie, but what I admire most is her willingness to help others,” Singh said. “Jackie is very busy and has a life and family of her own. However, she always makes time and goes out of her way to have monthly meetings with me. She is always willing to help others learn and grow.”

Gordon has also benefitted from the relationship, drawing inspiration from Singh’s journey, “getting to know Julie and her drive to excellence reminds me to approach our daily challenges with a positive mindset and reach for higher,” Gordon said. “I’m blown away by Julie’s drive for learning and success.  She’s done so much already at her young age. I know I’ll continue to be amazed by her accomplishments.”

Next up for Singh is an internship with KPMG Embark this summer, and we’re excited to continue supporting on her on her journey.

Applications are still being accepted for the KPMG Future Leaders Program—class of 2022. Through your relationships with community organizations and your networks, we invite you to share the application with qualified young women who could benefit from this opportunity.  Applications must be submitted by February 1, 2022. An independent selection committee will select and notify the 22 recipients by April 15, 2022.

Since the program’s inception in 2016, $3.54 million in scholarships has been awarded to 122 KPMG Future Leaders. We are proud of the impact this program is having and look forward to expanding our reach in 2022. If you have any questions, please contact Stefanie Conley.