Estee G. Rios, an accounting and information systems junior in Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business, has been selected to participate in KPMG's Future Diversity Leaders program.

The audit, tax, and advisory firm chose 50 students from across the nation to participate in the program, designed to provide leadership training and financial support for outstanding minority undergraduate business students. KPMG launched the program earlier this year as part of its continuing effort to increase and support minority representation in the accounting profession.

Rios, whose parents currently live in Roseville, Calif., was nominated for the program as a result of her academic achievement, community and campus involvement, and active participation in diversity organizations. She is currently a resident advisor at Newman Hall.

“Estee is one of our most promising students,” said Lynette Wood, an assistant professor of accounting and information systems who nominated her. “I am delighted that KPMG recognized this as well.”

Manny Fernandez, the firm’s national managing partner of campus recruiting, said: “KPMG is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we believe that focused programs such as this can help increase the number of minority business leaders in the accounting profession and other areas of business.”

Upon successful completion of an internship next summer, Rios will be eligible for additional scholarship money and an offer to remain in the intern program the following summer, in which participants will gain hands-on experience with clients in their chosen business area. In addition to gaining work experience, Rios will be mentored by faculty advisors and KPMG professionals.

KPMG LLP is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International’s member firms have 113,000 professionals, including 6,800 partners, in 148 countries. (Source: KPMG)

Virginia Tech’s nationally ranked Pamplin College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting and information systems, business information technology, economics, finance, hospitality and tourism management, management, and marketing. The college emphasizes the development of ethical values and leadership, technology, and international business skills. A member of its marketing faculty directs the interdisciplinary Sloan Foundation Forest Industries Center at Virginia Tech. The college’s other centers focus on business leadership, business diversity, electronic commerce, organizational performance, and services innovation. The college is committed to serving business and society through the expertise of its faculty, alumni, and students. It is named in honor of alumnus Robert B. Pamplin, the former CEO of Georgia-Pacific, and businessman, philanthropist, and alumnus Robert B. Pamplin Jr.

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