YWCA of the City of New York

On Thursday, July 1, the latest class of the YWCA-NYC Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN) celebrated their graduation. Sponsored by KPMG’s KNOW, the event was highlighted by remarks from the graduates and their KPMG mentors as well as a live performance by KPMG employee Daketa Stevenson-Scott singing the perfectly messaged Superwoman by Alicia Keys.

In her address to the graduates, Diane Fuller, KPMG Partner and YWCA Board Member, reminded the graduates and KPMG Mentors of the words of Jorge Luis Borges from The Instants:

If I could I would live my life over.
This time I would try to make more mistakes.
I would try not to be so perfect,
I would laugh more.
I would be so much sillier than I have been that I would take few things seriously.
I would be less hygienic.
I would risk more, take more trips, contemplate more sunsets, 
climb more mountains, ford more streams.
I would go to more places I have never been.
I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans.
I would have more real problems and fewer imaginary ones.
I was one of those people who lived every minute of life sensibly and productively.
Of course I had moments of delight.
But if I were able to go back it would be for good moments only.
Because, if you don’t know it, that’s what life’s made of: moments.
Do not waste even this one.
I was a guy who never went anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, an umbrella, and a poncho.
If I could live my life again I would travel more lightly.
If I could live again I would start going barefoot when spring comes and not stop till fall’s long gone.
I would walk down more side streets, contemplate more dawns, and play with more children, if I had my life ahead of me again.
But, come now.
I am 85 years old.
I know I am dying.

KPMG Task Force Co-Chairs Renee Pope and Laura Vincent were the Masters of Ceremony concluding their partnership with the YW’s WEN staff to create a memorable experience for both the volunteer mentors as well as the 14 WEN students.

All 12 graduates completed a rigorous six-week job readiness program at the YW Family Resource Center, and are excited to pursue their careers armed with the tools and knowledge that KPMG and the YW have given them.

Program Graduates and Mentors

July 8, 2010