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Marie Marquardt

Marie Marquardt

KPMG

Lakeville, MN USA

"I overcame the discouragement by believing in myself and surrounding myself with energetic people who see no barriers or bias in others by promoting team work and transparency."

Career Roadmap

Marie's work combines: Action Sports, Education, and Learning / Being Challenged

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Day In The Life

Audit Managing Director

I audit financial statements by gathering information from a company's financial and internal control systems.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Accounting

    Central Washington University

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Accountants and Auditors:

Bachelor's Degree: Accounting

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 14 and given a 5 year life expectancy prognosis. I was wheelchair-bound for several years and was homeschooled for 2 years in high school.

  • 2.

    I went into renal failure for the 2nd time and reluctantly left KPMG to receive medical care and work for a client.

  • 3.

    I went on dialysis at the age of 19. Despite discouragement from my family and doctors, I went to college to become a CPA. At 19 I went on dialysis from renal failure.

  • 4.

    I received my 2nd kidney transplant in 2011 under research protocol and returned to KPMG.

  • 5.

    I received a kidney transplant, graduated from college, and went to work for KPMG.

  • 6.

    I celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary in 2019 and went to London, France, and Italy on a trip of a lifetime to celebrate my anniversary and life.

  • 7.

    I met my husband, gave birth to my son, and adopted a baby girl from China.

  • 8.

    I made Audit Managing Director in 2019. My children are both in college. I have a wonderful family who is my support system and motivates me to love life and be appreciative for everything.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Family:

    Because of my disability, you will never have a successful career as a CPA in public accounting.

  • How I responded:

    I overcame the discouragement by believing in myself and surrounding myself with energetic people who see no barriers or bias in others by promoting team work and transparency. I work in a firm where culture and inclusion & diversity are of the highest values, allowing me to be positive role model for others wanting a successful career path in the face of physical challenges. Working in this environment motivates me to feel a sense of accomplishment that is a catalyst to keep striving.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 14. I have had 2 kidney transplants and both of my knees and hips have joint replacements.

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