The second annual AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will serve to highlight and showcase some of the most diverse and impactful young professionals across the Philadelphia region.

At the event, taking place on August 27, 2021, Andres Vivas López will be one of the 40 honorees. Currently, he is a change management consultant at KPMG.

Andres Vivas López has worked as a Change Management Consultant at KPMG since October 2020. 

López earned an associate degree in business administration and management from the Community College of Philadelphia before later earning a bachelor degree in accounting and finance from Drexel University. 

Here are Andres Vivas López's responses: 

The biggest challenge of my professional career came in 2018 when I realized I was not happy with my career as an audit professional. I knew I needed a change but didn't want to leave the firm or those I'd started my career alongside. Fortunately, my mentors within KPMG's Hispanic Latino Business Resource Group were able to guide me through this and advocate on my behalf so I could transfer internally rather than have to leave the firm.

In my opinion the most important step to improving diversity, equity and inclusion within the financial services industry is increasing representation within middle management. Most corporations have excellent recruiting pipelines but fail to adequately support underrepresented individuals once they've joined. It will take time but the establishment of formal mentoring and advocacy programs is crucial to making sure everyone gets a seat at the table and has the same career advancement opportunities.

Being a leader to me means not shying away from challenging the status quo or making difficult decisions while at the same time providing others the tools to succeed and grow.

In five years I hope to be celebrating my ten-year anniversary with KPMG, continuing to further DEI efforts within Corporate America and on a summer sabbatical during the 2026 World Cup.