The first recipient of the KPMG Novelette A. Ebanks Inspirational Scholarship, Rochel Gardner, has graduated with a Master’s in Accounting in May 2020, after achieving her Bachelor’s in Accounting and Business Analytics degree in May 2019 from Indiana University.

In
2015, Rochel was awarded the first Novelette A. Ebanks Inspirational
Scholarship for exceptional academic achievement, commitment to the
community and a robust work ethic.

While
studying, Rochel was an active member of the IU Women’s Varsity
Basketball Club and the Undergraduate Business Diversity Council,
which strives to strengthen diversity, inclusion and equality within
the Kelley School of Business. She also volunteered with the Habit
for Humanity initiative, helping building houses for families in
need.

During
the summers, Rochel worked within the Audit team and the Advisory
team at KPMG in the Cayman Islands, gaining further experience based
on her career aspirations. Now a full-time employee with the Cayman
Islands firm, in her spare time Rochel participates as a member of
the Leo’s Club Grand Cayman and the Women of Valor Basketball Club.

“My
best advice to students who are interested in pursuing a degree in
financial services is don’t be afraid of failure. If you don’t
challenge yourself, you won’t see any progress. Instead, have an
open mind and a determination for success. Always aim to make
yourself proud of your hard work and commitment to completing your
degree,” said Rochel of her further education experience.

“KPMG
have been extremely supportive throughout my entire collegiate
journey. The support system at the firm helped me every step of the
way giving me valuable advice and constant encouragement.”

“I
look forward to working full-time and being able to help future
scholarship recipients, as well as the upcoming opportunities to work
within the communities to empower other young Caymanians.” said
Rochel.

The
Novelette A. Ebanks Inspirational Scholarship is awarded to a
Caymanian student who displays strong academic achievements, a
commitment to the community or at school and leadership
qualities. The scholarship was created in loving memory of KPMG
Partner and inspirational mentor to local students, Novelette A.
Ebanks.

“Novelette
was a kind, caring individual, always gracious in her presentation.
She never lost sight of the most important element in an organization
– the people – and she went out of her way to help those she
worked with. It was bittersweet on her retirement, but her decision
to spend more time with her children was a natural one. It was a
privilege to have been mentored, trained, worked alongside and more
importantly, a friend of Novelette’s,” said KPMG Partner, Sheenah
Hislop. “Rochel truly embodied Novelette’s essence and we are
excited for the extraordinary successes she will bring to KPMG.”

Novelette’s
daughter, Giselle Ebanks said, "My mother inspired both my
brother and I to strive for the very best and to be resolute in
achieving our goals. In particular, her guidance was instrumental in
my decision and success in attending medical school and Kiefer’s
(her son’s) acceptance into a top tier boarding school. I am very
fortunate and grateful to have had such an amazing role model as a
mother, whose legacy I will continue to embody.”

The
Novelette A. Ebanks Inspirational Scholarship is part of The KPMG
Ignite Your Future Program, which offers local and overseas
scholarships to local students who are interested in a future career
in accounting, finance, actuarial science or accounting information
systems. There are also a range of internship opportunities at the
firm, for both undergraduates and postgraduates.

More
information, including how to apply for a scholarship or internship
can be found at www.kpmg.ky/en/home/careers/graduates,
or, reach out to Cindy Reid at cindyreid@kpmg.ky.