Personal Growth, Professional Empowerment with Thought Leader Miriam Hernandez-Kakol

Описание: Miriam Hernandez-Kakol, Vice Chair at HITEC, joins the Money Movers at the HITEC Spring Leadership Summit in Houston to impart advice on the next generation of Latina professionals after her iconic career in global business. As an immigrant, single mom, and successful career professional, Miriam is a role model for Latinas in the workforce coming from modest beginnings with big dreams. Talking points include the determination of financially struggling immigrants, the struggles of single motherhood, the importance of mentorship, and the excitement of giving back.

Key Insights & Timestamps:
• [00:00]: Podcast begins
• [01:29]: Miriam’s journey from non-English-speaking immigrant to professional leader
• [07:45]: Developing determination & learning the importance of confident risk-taking
• [13:57]: Incorporating financial literacy & empowerment in mentorship opportunities
• [20:40]: Miriam’s key principles - risk taking, building a strong network, & giving back
• [27:19]: Dreaming bigger & having fun on the golf course

Guest Spotlight:
Miriam Hernandez-Kakol, Board Vice Chair at HITEC, Retired KPMG PartnerOriginally born in Guadalajara, Miriam Hernandez-Kakol immigrated to Kansas City at the age of 9 years old. Throughout her childhood and early adulthood, Miriam learned about the importance of determination, forging her professional path from teen motherhood to Manager at Bell Communications Research, Graduate of Carnegie Mellon, and Partner at KPMG. Since her retirement in 2021, Miriam has contributed her expertise on boards at Toyota Financial Savings Bank and HITEC.

Key Takeaways:
• When talking about her success, Miriam is thankful for the hard work of her mother and her early experiences with determination. Arriving in the US at age 9, Miriam learned English during her elementary school education, which led to bullying and discrimination from her peers. With the motivation to succeed and the inspiration from her hard-working mother, Miriam felt determined to forge a professional career she could be proud of, against all odds.

• Miriam is very aware that as a Latina who had a child at a young age, she could have become a statistic and suffered as one of many poverty-stricken immigrants in the US. Instead, Miriam was mentored early on by hardworking women like her mother and a nun at her Catholic school, Sister Janet, and was encouraged to take risks. Miriam had the privilege of a strong education and the determination to learn new skills at Bell Communications Research.

• From Bell Communications Research to KPMG partner, Miriam has had 3 key principles that have guided her professional success and made her the thought leader she is today. They are: confidence and courage in risk-taking, building a strong professional and personal network, and giving back to your community. Through these 3 principles, Miriam has built an enviable and exciting professional career that has continued to impact fellow Latinas well into her retirement.

Resources Mentioned:
HITEC | hitecglobal.org, KPMG | kpmg.com

Connect with Miriam Hernandez-Kakol:
•   / miriam-hernandez-kakol  

For More Information:
Produced by Speakerbox Media. Visit    / @stacilatoison   for more episodes, detailed show notes, and access to additional resources.

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