By Ellen Sherberg – Bizwomen Contributor, The Business Journals
Many women have parents and teachers who prepared us for successful careers, but that not’s the case for everyone. Sandra Lopez Rivera acknowledges the role models, especially her mother, who helped her and resolves to be there for those who weren’t so fortunate. She received the NAF Alumni Award from her high school for her career accomplishments and sponsorship.
In a way, becoming an accountant was destiny. I grew up hearing about accounting as a career; it was my mother’s dream job and many of my cousins and uncles were accountants. When I took my first accounting class in high school, I fell in love with it too.
My teachers at the New Britain High School, NAF Academy of Business and Finance were amazing. They offered me hands-on-support and introduced me to work-based learning opportunities that soon led to me landing a full scholarship and my first job.
At Travelers, I continue to have the support and guidance of my colleagues and supervisors in developing my career. But I recognize I was fortunate. Too many people lack the same opportunities that helped me get to where I am today.
In STEM-related fields like finance, women only make up 34% of the workforce. At times, in my accounting classes in high school and college, I was often one of only a few women.
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Even when women find their way into finance, they still find themselves underrepresented at the top. Today, only six out of the 107 largest financial institutions in the U.S. are run by women. Women who enter our industry aren’t being promoted or recognized at the same rates as men and this is especially true for women of color.
While I had my mom as a role model to show me what hard work and dedication was, not everyone has the support and opportunities. She pushed and supported me during my journey to become an accountant.
I’ve made it my priority, as a Latina in finance, to pave the way for others. It’s this kind of support that can help someone advance their career. This looks not just like mentoring someone who is just starting out in their career, but making introductions to new contacts, providing feedback on resumes, and introducing them to potential career and advancement opportunities.
As the Harvard Business Review reports, this type of sponsorship can unlock opportunities. My mentors at NAF and Travelers were instrumental in helping me move up from internships to my current role as a Senior Auditor. I now strive to do the same for others by making introductions to people who can help my mentees take the next step in their careers.
Sponsorships are especially critical in closing the gender and racial gap in finance. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 21% of Latino/Hispanic employees and 22% had a sponsor in the office. Even just becoming a mentor or sponsor for someone who is otherwise underrepresented in the industry can unlock doors.
I’ve seen firsthand the difference it can make when someone is championing you in the workplace. This is the kind of inclusion that will ensure future generations find and excel on the path that is right for them and build a strong, sustainable network along the way.
In Her Own Words is a daily Bizwomen feature edited and curated by Ellen Sherberg and written by individual contributors. If you would like to contribute to this ongoing narrative, please send an email to ESherberg@bizjournals.com.