Every year on March 8th, we recognize International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s achievements and increase their visibility in and outside of the workplace. We are especially proud to share that 54% of the Cray Kaiser team is made up of women, with the firm being 56% women-owned. Today and every day, we recognize the value that women bring to the workplace while continuing to forge a path for women’s equality in the world.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re sharing a few thoughts from the female team members at CK:
“International Women’s Day is a day to honor women everywhere for their contributions to the world and to educate others to stand for every woman’s dignity and value. It is a celebration of the freedom each of us has to become everything we were uniquely created to be. Whether a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, daughter, teacher, doctor, volunteer, athlete, employee or executive, women bring an interesting perspective and skillset to anything they are involved in. Today, we reflect on the gifts and talents that we each possess. We pause to honor the immeasurable value every woman brings to the world. Whether it’s in the board room or the kitchen; a manufacturing plant or a classroom; a judge’s chamber or the halls of government; women truly are pillars on which we build our communities.
The women at CK possess a plethora of gifts and talents that together build a strong path for the future of CK.”
– Holly Kolschefski | Executive Coordinator
“I embrace the People in our core values. ‘A strong woman is someone who raises other women up instead of tearing them down.’ (author unknown) We all have a place, a purpose, contributions to make, ideas to share, and lessons to learn. These are gifts that should be embraced and shared. The women in my life are amazing role models!”
-Julie Ergastolo | Manager
“I have been blessed with many wonderful women in my life. In my career, I have met many special and considerate women who helped to support me and give me good advice about my career and life, many of whom I am still dear friends with. One even wrote a personal reference for me for my current position. During the interview process at CK, I was especially impressed with how kind, thoughtful, down to earth and thorough all the women who I interviewed with were. They impressed me and I knew I wanted to be part of the team at CK. I am so happy to find so many helpful and friendly women at the firm and I look forward to getting to know all of the women at the firm much better.
In my life, my mom has been one of my most influential people. She always has been such a strong and caring person who raised my two older sisters and me to be very independent. I am so blessed to have my mom in my life. The other most influential woman in my life is my beautiful (inside and out) daughter. She is kind and good hearted and very smart. She has taught me the key virtues of patience and understanding and has increased my love of books and history. I truly am thankful for all of the women in my life.”
– Sheila Grisamore | In-Charge Accountant
“In the words of the singer, Rihanna, ‘There’s something special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.’ May we all be fearless together.”
– Raimonda Kesler, CPA | In-Charge Accountant
“Having been raised by parents who had four daughters, we were always encouraged to be whatever we could be and it took an investment of time, teaching, and tenacity. I’ve been blessed to have been surrounded by family who ‘cheered’ me along my journey along with a Firm who inspired me to be my very best. And, along the way, allowed me to move them forward as well. I am thankful for the CK women who show me daily their brilliance and their heart in all they do.”
– Deanna Salo, CPA | Principal
“It’s always surprising to me to see women underrepresented in public accounting. I’m proud to work at a firm that provides a supportive environment where women thrive both personally and professionally.”
– Karen K. Snodgrass, CPA | Principal
“International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women, their uniqueness, their very many and often overlooked accomplishments, and the impact they make in our world. Throughout my career, I have seen the challenges that women go through to prove that they’ve got what it takes, just like their counterparts, to be successful. At CK, I see women living this as a reality. I’m equipped here at CK with several resources, one being a great mentoring program, with a female mentor who is committed to my career growth.”
– Rolake C. Adedara, CPA | Assurance Manager
“International Women’s Day represents how far we’ve come in the accounting profession and as a society. It represents the culmination of the courage of women in business in the past and highlights the bright future ahead. I’ve had the privilege to be mentored by several extremely intelligent, hardworking, and supportive women that have made me into the auditor that I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
– Kayla Daniels | Senior Assurance Accountant
“I find that having women in leadership empowers me and it shows that our opinions and thoughts are valued. It motivates me and gives me goals and attributes to strive for.”
– Nicole Hughes-Durkin | Administrative Assistant
“International Women’s Day is a celebration of the achievements of women in every area: social, cultural, career, and home. I believe women are great jugglers and wear various ‘hats’ throughout the day. They think outside the box and are able to quickly respond to client needs. They are strong, career-oriented, heads of household (they make sure that the ship runs smooth), some are moms (a full-time job), students, daughters tending to their parents, and the list goes on and on. Overall, women are SUPERWOMEN.”
– Maribel Gonzalez | Tax Senior
“This day helps make us aware of all the achievements women have had and opens the door for future achievements for our daughters and granddaughters. The value in having women in leadership at Cray Kaiser is that there is a diversification of ideas and talents.”
– Maureen Todd | Accounting Services Specialist