Counting Success: Alumni achieve partner at leading firms

Two alumni achieved career milestones and were recognized as firm partners in their organizations. “My goal when starting my career was to be a partner. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment but continues to be challenging,” Colleen Wevodau said. As an assurance partner in the commercial real estate practice with Baker Tilly, Wevodau has been with the organization since her graduation in 2006. “Most people think as an accountant you sit at your computer in a hole not socializing with anyone. It’s the complete opposite. It’s a great balance of technical work and relationship building.”

Meredith Pace, a 2008 graduate, has also been with PwC for the entirety of her career. After interning with the organization while at Richmond, Pace said she “never looked back,” and although she has been with the firm throughout her career, has had diverse experiences. “I’ve lived and worked in five different offices across two countries,” she said. “Firms have much to offer in the long run and are a great place to start a career.” 

Pace and Wevodau fondly remember their time at the Robins School and credit much of their success to the lessons they learned in the classroom, namely accounting professor Joe Hoyle’s. “Faculty taught in a way that encouraged me to be at my best,” Pace said. “Professor Hoyle’s teaching method forced me to come prepared in a way that no other teacher did. I got to know my fellow students better in my accounting class because we worked hard together and there was no anonymity.”

As a political science double major, Pace also had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Daniel Palazzolo, professor of political science, contributing to his research published in a political science journal.  

“I had the best experience in college. Take me back!” Wevodau said. “As a student-athlete, I felt really supported by my coaches and professors. I always sat in the back of the class with my pinnie ready to head directly to practice after class. Professor Hoyle never forgot I was back there and challenged me to keep up with my studies. To this day I still stay in contact with him.”

Both acknowledge the hard work and determination it took to achieve the partnership goal and the importance of continued mentorship. “A good piece of advice I’ve received is to take a long-term view on your career,” Pace shared. “There are going to be hard days or weeks—particularly in public accounting during the infamous busy season. For women starting out, but really for anyone, I’d recommend finding mentors—people ahead of you who have been through it before. It never crossed my mind that I would end up a partner at PwC until I started working for a female partner with kids and saw how she could be there for her family while still fully committed to the job and excelling with our clients.”

“I’ve always been ambitious in my career and wanted to exceed as much as possible, but I also know how lucky and blessed I am to have my career and the support of my mentors,” said Wevodau. “Because of this, I knew I had to give back to my community. I became heavily involved in several non-profit organizations and was the president of Calvary Women’s Services board of directors. As I tell students currently interviewing, it’s one thing to go to school and have good grades but what else are you doing to promote being a well-rounded person?”

Wevodau was recently recognized for her contributions to the field and community in the Washington Business Journal’s annual 40 Under 40 list, a roundup of Greater Washington’s rising stars. Her advice to students considering a career in accounting embodies the tenacity that takes Spiders so far. “Don’t be scared—it is well worth it."