Steffany Peters

Give a brief bio about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I was born and raised in Killarney, Manitoba. Before I could walk, my mom taught me to recognize letters and numbers; and as I grew older, my dad taught me the value of working hard and doing one’s best. These lessons helped me to excel at school and discover the skill of being an independent learner. After graduating high school, I started at Brandon University to study accounting. Currently, I am close to completing my degree and look forward to working as an accountant.

What education have you taken?

I am in the final year of my Bachelor of Business Administration degree (accounting stream) at Brandon University.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am proud of my academic success, which is evidenced by the many scholarships I have received and being a part of the president’s honour society all throughout my degree. I am proud to have completed the grade seven piano exams, an instrument I have loved to play for many years. I am proud to have volunteered at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp for two seasons. Finally, I am proud to be a part of my hometown’s library, whether it be working as staff or volunteering to organize the used book sale.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I have always enjoyed numbers. I once said: “If only there was a job where I could be around numbers all day long.” My parents laughed and suggested accounting. In grade 10, I took an introductory accounting course at my school and fell in love with debits and credits. Seeing as there are many career opportunities in accounting, I made it my goal to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), of which the first step is the Business Administration degree I am so near to finishing.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy in life is to be kind, work hard, love others, and find things that make you happy.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the future, I see myself working in Westman as an accountant with a CPA designation. In fact, upon graduation I will begin working full-time at BDO in Brandon, where I have already worked two summer internships. I also see myself looking for volunteer opportunities to contribute to the community here in Brandon. Personally, I do not ever plan to stop learning. After achieving a CPA designation, I will search for the next challenge to conquer.

In one sentence, how will you #BreakTheBias?

I will #BreakTheBias by being a strong, independent, career-woman.

Nominator’s Comments:

Steffany Peters is an exemplary fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at Brandon University. Majoring in Accounting, with a cumulative GPA of 4.15, she consistently makes the Dean’s Honour List. She has received numerous awards such as the Brandon University Faculty Association Scholarship, Weston Family Scholarship, Chernoff Family Scholarship, Sarah Harriet Hall Memorial Academic Scholarships, MNP Scholarships, Brandon University Centennial Scholarship, Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Scholarships and Westoba Credit Union Business Scholarship for her academic excellence.

A quiet and humble leader, Steffany is committed to education in all areas of her life. She helps friends and fellow students achieve academic success of their own by offering them tutoring services. Steffany remains involved with the Killarney community by working in the local library when needed and helps organize book sales, promoting literacy, on an annual basis.

This past spring, Steffany was a Research Assistant on a project I conducted that focuses on women and caregivers working in accounting. Her passion for the subject matter was evident throughout the project as she conducted research, suggested ideas to improve the work, and proofread texts.

Steffany plans to pursue her CPA designation after graduation. She has secured full-time employment at an international accounting firm after having worked with the firm for the past two summers. One of the firm partners commented that they “were impressed by Steffany’s quiet professionalism and ability to catch onto things quickly”. The accounting world will benefit by having Steffany join the profession. Her brilliant mind, leadership abilities, and commitment to advancing knowledge are reasons that make me proud to nominate Steffany Peters for the Young Woman of Distinction Award.