Women's History Month Q&A with Sandra Adam

Laying A Path for Women in Accounting and Consulting 

March 8, 2025 marks the celebration of International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” Central to this vision is empowering the next generation as catalysts for lasting change. In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, SitusAMC asked employees how they help empower girls and women in their communities and the workplace. Sandra Adam is Director, Financial Diligence & Forensics Analysis for SitusAMC. 

Q: Describe your work mentoring young professional women and how it came about. 

My passion is supporting women in the accounting and consulting industry. When I started my career in public accounting 25+ years ago, there was a definite lack of women in leadership roles. It was disheartening because I grew up in a single-parent household, so I was always surrounded by strong female role models. This inspired me to look for female mentors, as well as fulfill that role for the women coming into the industry after me. I became active in the Illinois Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Society. The women's committee provides mentors and awards scholarships to young women, and directs our members to volunteer opportunities in the community. When I moved to Arizona I continued my efforts in the Phoenix area. At SitusAMC, I participate in the Women's Empowerment Network (WEN). It’s a way to connect, brainstorm, learn and help each other to advance our careers. Mentorship for me also includes facilitating a team approach to deliver the best results for our clients.  

Q: What other volunteer organizations have you supported?  

I’ve worked with groups supporting women and their children. My daughter is a junior at Arizona State University. When she was growing up, I always involved her in my volunteering opportunities. During COVID-19, we participated in meal distribution with the YMCA Metropolitan Chicago, where we got to really connect with the community, and provide hot meals and farm fresh fruits and vegetables.. We also participated with Dress for Success, which helps women achieve economic independence through free programs, development tools and professional attire. Dress for Success in particular is important to me because I also did not have a suit for my first job interview out of college. My daughter and I worked at an event in the Dress for Success warehouse, organizing suits and clothing, and accessories like earrings, purses and shoes. The organization also helps women put together resumes and prepare for an interviews.   

Q: You also focus on helping women navigate work and family. How? 

It can be a whole different career trajectory and set of challenges when you have children, especially in navigating the high cost of childcare. I’ve volunteered through the YWCA Chicago’s early childhood education program, as well as programs to support and mentor single mothers in their careers. It's so important that we as women stay connected and support each other not only in our careers, but in raising our children and finding that balance between pursuing a passion and being a parent.   

Q: How would you describe the rewards of mentorship and volunteering? 

It's a great sense of pride to give back to young women and help them advance in their careers and move into leadership. I served as a guest speaker at my daughter’s high school, discussing forensic accounting and pursuing the CPA profession. Her accounting teacher was concerned about the lack of women who had registered for the course – only four had registered -- and asked me to speak about the profession. The female students thanked me, and said they rarely saw women teaching accounting. It’s gratifying to help guide my daughter and her peers, and inspire other young women in their career paths.