Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Embracing Diversity, Leadership and Community

I’m Becky Sproul, Audit Talent and Culture Officer at KPMG US and I’m sharing how my background has shaped who I am today, personally and professionally. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans while reflecting on the profound impact of our diverse backgrounds. As a first-generation Cuban American, I am grateful for my family’s support in shaping the leader I am today, instilling me with strong values and fueling my passion for diversity and inclusion.

Shaping leadership through family support

My cultural background has significantly influenced my educational and career journey, grounding me in the values of hard work, perseverance and family support. These values have been instrumental in my accounting career, where attention to detail is crucial for precision and accuracy. Moreover, my family’s strong work ethic and the emphasis on integrity have become essential qualities in my professional life.

These factors have driven me to pursue higher education and excel in my accounting career, while also instilling in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back and create opportunities for others.

Giving back to the Hispanic community

In my accounting career, I have actively given back to the Hispanic community. I serve as an audit committee member for the United Way of Miami-Dade and as a board member of The PhD Project. I am also a member of the Business Dean’s Council at Florida International University. Through these roles, I am able to leverage my accounting skills to support organizations dedicated to serving and uplifting the Hispanic community.

I have experienced several proud moments in my career that have brought me immense joy. Being featured on ALPFA Inc’s Latinas to Watch List has highlighted the impact I have made as a Latina professional. Additionally, my active involvement in the Hispanic/Latino Network (Somos KPMG) and the KPMG Network of Women has allowed me to contribute to the advancement and empowerment of diverse professionals. This reinforces the importance of representation and leadership within the Hispanic community.

Overcoming challenges

Although I have achieved career success through conventional means, I have encountered challenges in balancing my cultural identity with the expectations and norms of a corporate environment. In addition, I found that at certain stages of my career, there was a lack of representation and role models that shared my background. However, through determination and perseverance, I have overcome biases and demonstrated my capabilities. These experiences have taught me the significance of resilience and self-advocacy in attaining success.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s embrace diversity in our communities and workplaces, working together to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Let’s uplift and empower one another, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans every day, not just during this month.