People & Culture Director
Michele Richter
Assurance Senior Manager
Masimba Zengeni
Working Parents of the Year
Check out some of Masimba’s favorite photos!
The greatest lesson they’ve taught me is to be kind. I think all parents are anxious about how their children will be received in the world. When I see the way my kids light up when someone shows them kindness, I’m in awe. It inspires me to approach my teams in the same way. I try to practice patience and prioritize kindness in all aspects of my life, and it’s noticeable how a little empathy goes a long way.
Are there any lessons that your children have taught you that you’ve applied in your day-to-day professional life?
No one can do everything alone, so I encourage you to speak up when you need help. Talk to your leaders and just be honest with them if you’re having issues balancing your workload. In my experience, they are more understanding than you may expect. You can’t get help in isolation, so maintaining an open dialogue is key to being a successful working parent.
What advice would you give to someone who is early in their working parent journey?
I’m blessed to work in a true “people first” environment. For so many at BDO – especially working parents – flexibility is an essential differentiator. When needed, I can step away to be there for my family and finish up the day’s work after hours. My leaders here understand that while work is important, so is family. I’m able to share responsibilities with my wife and be present for important family moments, all while having the support of my team.
How has BDO helped you thrive as a working parent?
It was such a surprise to receive this honor. It got me thinking about how much my life has changed since I became a parent. Anyone who says parenthood doesn’t change you is lying! I used to live life a bit more spontaneously, but raising three little ones requires me and my wife to plan ten steps ahead. I’ve definitely learned to manage my time more. Being recognized in this way gives me hope that I’m doing something right.
What does being named a Working Parent of the Year mean to you?
I came to the U.S. in 2015 from Zambia and met my wife here. We have seven-year-old twin girls — Anashe and Anatswanashe — and we welcomed our son, Masimba Jr., in June. My wife works full time as a nurse, so we are both busy trying to juggle the demands of our jobs and our kids’ lives. Our twins are neurodivergent, and understanding their learning needs has kept us adaptable. We’re pretty much nonstop, but I feel blessed to have a beautiful family.
Tell us a bit about your family and your life outside of work.
Check out some of Michele’s favorite photos!
Remain humble and kind. One time, I got an email from my son’s teacher saying he was the first one to make a new student feel welcomed. He knows firsthand what it’s like being the new kid. The student’s parent also reached out to say how grateful they were for my son. This is just one example of many where my children taught me things without even realizing it. They remind me daily why I wanted to be a parent in the first place.
You can accomplish anything, but understand that things don’t always happen the way you initially envision them. Additionally, do something for yourself from time to time and recharge, especially when your kids are little. Self-care sets you up for success, and that includes simple activities like reading or going to the park. You’re only as good to others as you are to yourself. Be patient with yourself.
I work with caring and kind people who showed me support during the most difficult times of my life. That’s why I’ve been at BDO for 24 years. My team looks out for me in many ways. For instance, when I’m on vacation and know I should be enjoying every minute with my family, I sometimes have a hard time disconnecting from work. My amazing colleagues encourage me to unplug, reminding me they have my back. They help me remember what’s most important.
This honor made me think about our ability as parents to find strength within ourselves. I take a glass-half-full approach to life. I wouldn’t have the beautiful children I have today without the painful losses I’ve experienced. While far from being a perfect parent, I learn from my kids every day. I wish there was a manual for every situation, but there isn’t! It is a privilege to be a parent, to work at BDO and to be recognized for both.
My husband, Michael, and I are so proud of our blended family, especially as our children – Nathan, Joseph, Daniel and Emma – assert their independence and fly the nest one by one. My parenting journey began with the life-changing love and devastating loss of my 13-month-old son, Brendan. After losing another child at five months pregnant, I began to look into adoption. My journey took me to China (twice!), and life has been an adventure ever since.
Masimba Zengeni Assurance Senior Manager
Michele Richter People & Culture Director
Peter Lee Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Senior Manager
Tax Principal
Ani del Cerro-Fals
I have a 15-year-old, Christopher, and a 12-year-old, Patrick — I call them “the boys.” My life outside of work is 100% about them, and they keep me busy! Christopher is a competitive swimmer and Patrick is a water polo player. I like to joke that they spend more time in chlorine and salt than on land. Outside of that, I like to practice yoga and spend time with family and friends since I thrive when I am around people.
Being Christopher and Patrick’s mom is my biggest priority. This honor is a marriage of what’s important to me: being a mom and being a professional. It validates how I live my life and brings genuine joy to my heart. This recognition also shows others that you can be a full-time parent while excelling at the firm.
The firm is proactive in encouraging work+life fit and recognizes how important it is to everyone, especially parents. I believe you can be fully invested in your children’s lives and excel in your career. For me, it sets a standard for my boys. They don’t know anything else but having a working mom, and I can see them mimic that work ethic and commitment in the classroom and when they play sports.
Be patient with yourself and work toward your goals. Some days, work may take priority, while your personal life is the focal point other days. You are not going to be perfect, but you can get close! What helps in that journey is setting goals, no matter how impossible they seem, and working toward them. People can achieve more than they realize. I aim to go to sleep knowing I did the best I could that day as a mom or as a professional.
I’m elated that the boys are dedicated to school and sports. But they have different personalities. Christopher is very serious, mature for his age and insightful. His demeanor motivates me to think before I speak and analyze situations carefully. Patrick, on the other hand, believes in the “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) mantra and finds moments to enjoy life. He teaches me to find joy, whether at work or at home. He’s a reminder that you have to have fun at work sometimes and find ways to connect with colleagues. The boys balance me out, and I am proud to be their mother.
Check out some of Ani’s favorite photos!
Ani del Cerro-Fals Tax Principal
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Senior Manager
Peter lee
Check out some of Peter’s favorite photos!
My son’s favorite game is Monopoly. His strategy is to buy every property he lands on, no matter what. When asked, “Why did you buy that,” his answer is, “You never know.” I think he heard that from a lottery commercial, but it’s something I try to remember when dealing with any issues. It reminds me that doing something is better than not doing anything. Desired outcomes don’t happen all the time, but at least you can adjust your plans accordingly.
Communication is key. Keeping others aware of your priorities, both at work and at home, allows you to ensure work is done and your spouse and kids are happy. The better your home and work plans and strategies are integrated, the easier your life will be.
Flexibility and trust are key aspects of BDO’s culture that enable me to be a capable working parent. I have been fortunate to have colleagues — both peers and managers — who are supportive and available. Having such a strong support structure gives me confidence when planning how and when I work.
There are always uncertainties when it comes to decisions you make as you try to balance work and family. This recognition provides me with some validation that I’m doing OK in balancing these two important areas of my life.
My wife Jessica and I are raising two beautiful children, a three-year-old, Norah, and an eight-year-old, Drew. Like most parents, we have an active daily schedule that revolves around our children’s activities — juggling drop-off and pick-up times for sports, dance, piano lessons and play dates. When our children are not outside, we try to limit their screen time. Luckily, my better half is very creative when it comes to planning activities, so we play board games, cook or make arts and crafts.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Senior Manager
Peter Lee
My wife Laura and I are raising two beautiful children, a three-year-old, Norah, and an eight-year-old, Drew. Like most parents, we have an active daily schedule that revolves around our children’s activities — juggling drop-off and pick-up times for sports, dance, piano lessons and play dates. When our children are not outside, we try to limit their screen time. Luckily, my better half is very creative when it comes to planning activities, so we play board games, cook or make arts and crafts.
