March kicks off the celebration of Women’s History Month, and we’d like to recognize the women who help lead Corrigan Krause. We asked our female leaders how women can overcome obstacles in the workplace and confidently make their mark while achieving their career ambitions.

 

Lynda Doland

Lynda Doland is a Director at Corrigan Krause and has more than 25 years of public accounting experience. She leads the Estate, Gift, and Trust group at the firm. Lynda specializes in individual and trust strategic planning and consulting. She works with trustees, executors, businesses, and individuals to help plan life events including retirement and estate planning.

Lynda emphasizes the importance of interacting with others and building those professional relationships, no matter how uncomfortable it may appear. “Women can overcome obstacles by being prepared, trusting their expertise, and being willing to speak up—even when it feels uncomfortable. Building credibility through consistency and follow‑through goes a long way.” She encourages other women to not let self-doubt overrule and to trust themselves. “Confidence tends to grow with experience, and often that means saying yes to opportunities before you feel completely ready.”

Lynda’s main advice to women who want to achieve their career ambitions is to advocate for yourself and be clear on what you want. “Be intentional about your goals and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Ask questions, seek feedback, and take on challenging assignments—they’re often where the most growth happens,” she said. “Careers are rarely linear, so try to view setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures. Most importantly, define success for yourself and make choices that align with your values and long‑term priorities.”

 

Sheri Terens

Sheri Terens has been a part Corrigan Krause for 14 over years. She leads the Employee Benefit Plan Audit specialty group as Director of the Assurance Services Department, assisting clients with the design of their employee benefit plans and helping to implement necessary policies and procedures.

Sheri encourages women to be confident when faced with challenges in the workplace, and to remember that drive, work ethic, and authenticity outweigh perfection. “Work can be challenging. There are tight deadlines, big personalities, unexpected setbacks, and moments where you question yourself. But building a strong presence at work isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being proactive, confident, and willing to grow.”

She pushes women to use their voice, even when feelings of uncertainty arise. “You don’t need to know everything to contribute something valuable. You don’t need to be chosen; you can position yourself. Speak up in meetings. Share your ideas confidently. Volunteer your perspective.” She puts emphasis on the importance of showing up and giving yourself credit throughout your professional journey. “The more you show up, the more people will see what you’re capable of. Keep track of your wins—big or small. When you recognize your own progress, confidence becomes a lot more natural.”

 

Kelly Stofko

Kelly Stofko is our Director of Human Resources here at Corrigan Krause. She has over 20 years of experience in human resources, previously working in a variety of industries. Kelly is passionate about helping our employees and providing effective tools to help manage their HR needs.

“I’ve found my success to be that I’m always willing to learn and be an active listener, which has allowed me to overcome different obstacles as my career has progressed. Showing others that you are interested in what they are engaging you for and/or not engaging you, helps develop rapport with others,” she said, encouraging other women to be present and engage with others in the workplace. “Once you can develop the rapport then that helps build the confidence to keep engaging, building and growing your future as well as others future. Dedication to your growth will drive you when obstacles and confidence is needed.”

Kelly emphasizes the importance of patience and in building and maintaining confidence. “Careers take time, so you must be willing to be patient, but know that with the right amount of determination you will reach your ambitions.  Never look at a ‘No’ as a closed door, but an opportunity to find a better solution or a different route.”

Kelly wrapped up with a great reminder that careers rarely move in a straight line, “I also believe that it’s important to leave a little grey in your career journey as it’s never a straight path forward and the bends build character for a successful future.”

 

Thank you for sharing your experience and advice with other women striving to succeed in the professional world!