Alumni Spotlight

I loved being a part of dedicated and successful sports teams. From Soccer to Cheerleading to Track & Field, I was always surrounded by great athletes, and it was fun to work together and compete. Being able to participate in the State Track & Field Championship was an experience that I’ll never forget!

Did you have a teacher or class that was a major influence on you?
Mr. Gillen had an incredible influence on me. I took an elective history class with him, which really should have been a “life skills” course. For example, he would have us take exams using our non-dominant hand to teach us how to think through our answers and be patient. We always thought it was silly, but there was a deeper meaning behind everything he asked us to do, which ultimately led to teaching us a valuable life skill.

He was such an incredible man that took an interest in his students and their athletic and academic journeys. I’ll never forget the first time I unexpectedly heard him call my name over the PA System and ask me to come to his office – my heart dropped, and I thought I was in trouble. When I arrived, he had me take a seat just to discuss some strategies the Girls’ Soccer team could take as they entered the playoffs. I’ll always cherish his wisdom, compassion, and advice as I navigated sports and academics at JFK.

Education/Professional Experience:
I graduated from The Ohio State University (’18) and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting as well as a minor in Chemistry. I began my career within the Deal Advisory – Financial Due Diligence practice at KPMG in Chicago, where I supported mergers & acquisitions across various industries, ranging from a popular fast-food restaurant to a leading Lloyd’s of London insurance broker, to a Fortune 100 chemical company.

Last year, I accepted a position with McDonald’s Corporation at their headquarters (also in Chicago) within the US Finance Department. I’m a part of the National Initiatives team and am responsible for being a financial resource for new equipment “tests” and store-remodeling projects that are deployed nationally. For example, I help to plan and account for the digital menu boards in each drive-thru and I recently finished working on a remodeling test that intends to optimize the service area of the restaurant so that crew members can move more efficiently as they’re taking and fulfilling orders.

What career did you choose and tell us a little bit about how you got there?
My career path is a little unusual – from initially studying chemistry, to public accounting, to strategic finance. I should’ve known not to pursue a career in science/medicine when I fainted while dissecting a pig in freshman year biology class with Ms. Raab… needless to say, I realized it wasn’t for me in college and began to pursue a business-focused career. I chose to pivot from chemistry to accounting because my father, a CPA for the last 27 years, taught me that a strong foundation in accounting is vital to be a successful businessperson.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
After a few grueling years in Deal Advisory, I knew I needed to make a career change. I am proud of myself for standing up for my values, becoming confident in my tactical skills and landing my dream job at McDonald’s. Being able to work for a global brand that is a household name has always been a dream of mine. Seeing my work come to life each time I pass a McDonald’s store is extremely rewarding and I am now one of those people who loves their job!

What is a specific piece of advice you would give to a Kennedy senior?
There is a lot of pressure during your senior year and throughout college to have it all figured out and know exactly what your future will look like. Don’t stress about it! Everything ends up falling into place and you’ll end up exactly where you need to be, even if your path ends up taking a few unexpected or frustrating turns. Make sure to challenge yourself and when things seem tough, whether it’s in the classroom or in a work environment, always be intentional about maintaining a positive attitude and learning something from the situation.When I gave the commencement speech for my graduating class at JFK, I emphasized that people come into your life for a reason and the lessons they bring are invaluable – which still holds true for me 8 years later. I am a firm believer that the most important lessons in life come from your relationships with others, so I encourage you all to make as many friends and connections as possible, be an open book, try new things and never take a single moment for granted!