Crystal Cooke
Center for Audit Quality (CAQ)
Washington, DC USA
"I quickly learned that in order to change this dynamic, someone had to be "first," so why not me. Instead of being saddened by the situation and walking away, I turned it into a positive and wore it as a badge of honor that I was selected first."
Career Roadmap
Crystal's work combines: Education, Business, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Westerville North High School
Bachelor's Degree
Accounting
University of Cincinnati
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Senior Manager of Governance and Talent:
Bachelor's Degree: Accounting
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
1994 - I graduated from high school and was on my way to the University of Cincinnati on a basketball scholarship. Because my mom was an accountant, I decided to follow in her footsteps.
2.
1998 - I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BBS in accounting in June. Two weeks later, I began working at Fifth Third Bank in their Internal Audit group.
3.
2000 - I attended a National Association of Black Accountants conference in Washington, DC and networking reps from KPMG LLP, I decided to make the move from internal audit to public company audit.
4.
2001 - I moved to Washington DC and worked for KPMG LLP for the next seven years. I learned so much during my time here. My experiences will be with me forever & shaped me into the professional I am.
5.
2007 - Because making money was my priority, I didn't consider how that choice would affect getting my CPA. Life progressed quickly, I never earned my license, and had to move on from KPMG LLP.
6.
2007 - In searching for my next opportunity I was blessed to be introduced to the CAQ. An organization where I could remain connected to the profession, but take on a role that did not require a CPA.
7.
2015 - I enjoyed my work, but wanted something more purposeful in my work. This year, the Governing Board introduced our Talent initiative and I immediately asked to be a participant.
8.
2019 - I now help lead our Talent initiative and find passion in the work I do around helping to educate ethnically diverse audiences about the career and benefits that it can provide.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
As an African American in the public company audit profession, I am often put in situations of being the "first" or "only" person of color in the room. Being put in this position was often uncomfortable and made me question whether it was for me.
How I responded:
I quickly learned that in order to change this dynamic, someone had to be "first," so why not me. Instead of being saddened by the situation and walking away, I turned it into a positive and wore it as a badge of honor that I was selected first. I welcomed the responsibility of being the one that the organization chose to pave the way for other African Americans that came behind me. "Be the change you wish to see in the world!"
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
As a college graduate I had it in my head that I couldn't afford to go home after graduation. I didn't want to have to ask my parents for any additional money since I was an adult. My priority was to get a job to be able to take care of myself.