IMPACT INITIATIVE

KPMG believes in Olena

Stéphan Drolet, Regional Managing Partner, Quebec Region, KPMG and Olena Michurina, Let’s Start Up Pathway Graduate

From a career in Ukraine to a new future in Quebec: Finding the path to stability

KPMG, a partner investing in women’s future

KPMG is committed to building a more inclusive society by supporting initiatives that promote women’s integration and economic independence. By participating in the IMPACT Initiative, the company demonstrates its role as a change-maker: offering far more than financial support, providing mentorship opportunities and professional development that open doors to a sustainable future.

KPMG shares with the Lise Watier Foundation the belief that economic autonomy is a powerful driver of sustainable change. By supporting initiatives that strengthen women’s confidence and capabilities, we contribute together to building a more inclusive and resilient society.” – Stéphan Drolet, Regional Managing Partner, Quebec Region, KPMG

Olena: Resilience forged by exile

Olena fled the war in Ukraine with her two children, leaving her country under bombardment to provide a safer life for her family. Upon arriving in Canada, she learned French and English, worked in a private clinic, and volunteered with seniors. With a 15-year career as an accountant in Ukraine, she is driven by an unwavering determination to rebuild her professional life in Quebec and secure a stable future for her children. Through the Lise Watier Foundation’s Let’s Start Up Pathway, she was able to take the first steps in this transition with confidence: the program provided a support network, tailored professional guidance, and a nurturing environment that fostered intercultural understanding. This integration journey not only facilitated her adaptation but also strengthened her sense of belonging and her impact within her new community.

From war to accounting expertise

Olena pursued accounting studies in Quebec to consolidate her skills and obtain a recognized local certification. Her goal is clear: to secure stable employment that allows her to provide for her family and regain the professional stability she had in Ukraine. In the long term, she hopes to join an accounting firm or company and progress into specialized roles such as auditing or financial management.

KPMG and Olena: When mentorship and training pave the way

With support from the IMPACT Initiative, Olena is currently enrolled in the Executive Development Course (EDC) at McGill University. Thanks to personalized mentorship from KPMG, she will receive targeted guidance: navigating Quebec’s financial systems, mastering accounting software, preparing for interviews, and connecting with a strategic professional network. This support will help her accelerate her integration and turn her international experience into a recognized asset in Canada. This partnership reflects the core vision of the IMPACT Initiative: a meaningful collaboration where the company contributes to the participant’s professional development while honouring its commitment to the community.