McKinsey is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is passionate about developing diverse leaders. This summer, we launched a series of McKinsey Achievement Awards to help women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and first-generation college students get to know our community better. This was the first edition of the awards and just one of our many programs for prospective candidates from all geographies, backgrounds, industries, etc. This year’s awardees received a McKinsey Mentor and $2,500 to support their academic pursuits or professional development. In this post, we introduce you to the women’s award recipients from Russia and Kazakhstan.
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McKinsey_Website_Accessibility@mckinsey.comNazerke Aibar - Kazakhstan
When I was 16 years old, I was selected for an exchange program that sent me from the Almaty suburb in Kazakhstan to the US to study. Since then, I have taken every opportunity to travel and learn about the world. My adventures have led me to four continents and laid the foundation for me to find my dream job someday . I applied for the McKinsey Women’s Achievement Award to tell my story and promote a project I initiated to help pupils from vulnerable populations in Kazakhstan obtain mentorship and education. My advice to people who apply for the next edition of McKinsey Achievement Awards is to write about an achievement that resonates with you and that has a value in your life.
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McKinsey_Website_Accessibility@mckinsey.comMaria Yatsenko – Russia
I am a graduate of King’s College London and Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation for two degrees, and I’m currently finishing my master’s at Imperial College London on a scholarship. One of the projects that have been the most rewarding to me was working on the launch of an e-commerce platform in fashion. I applied for the McKinsey Achievement Award to become part of McKinsey’s diverse community, connect with like-minded women, and gain a solid foundation for future impactful projects through the mentorship. I plan to use the prize money to support my further learning and scaling of the fashion platform.
My advice for others considering applying for the Achievement Awards is to not let your own self-doubt hold you back. You don’t have to run a multimillion-dollar company to be a contender. If you are trying to make the world a little better and more inclusive using all your passion, dedication and creativity, apply. Even small, ambitious initiatives have the chance to be recognized.
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McKinsey_Website_Accessibility@mckinsey.comDiana Sharapova – Russia
I was born in Belarus and have devoted my energy to self-development. At the age of 17, I moved to Prague for university. Living on my own in a new country was tough, but it proved I am a quick learner. I adjusted to the new country, culture and mentality. Now, after five years there, I work as a data analyst and dedicate my time to academic research, other projects and volunteering. I have learned three foreign languages, participated in international workshops, and competed in hackathons.
I applied for the Women’s Achievement Award for the mentorship to speed up my development and for the network of young leaders from all over the world. I strongly encourage you to apply, too. Focus on your strengths and achievements, highlight your experience and the most important things that you have learned. Be yourself.
Apply for one of the global McKinsey Achievement Awards by May 21, 2021 here.