Navigating a Nonlinear Path: Redefining Success in Audit, Tech, and Leadership
Recognized as one of 2025’s Most Influential Women, Stephanie Castro shares how purpose, persistence, and mentorship shaped her journey from the classroom to audit and tech—redefining leadership through empathy, empowerment, and innovation.
My career journey has been anything but linear — and that’s something I take great pride in. I began as an assistant teacher in a therapeutic preschool for children with special needs, where I spent nearly a decade honing skills that continue to guide me today: patience, empathy, and the ability to communicate with clarity and care. That foundational experience taught me how to listen, lead with intention, and build trust — all qualities that are essential in any professional space.
As I grew professionally, I felt the urge to challenge myself in new ways. I returned to school and earned my MBA in Finance Management from Iona University — a decision that sparked a major pivot into the world of audit and compliance. This transition led me to PwC, where I’ve advanced from Associate to Senior Associate in Digital Assurance & Transparency.
Today, I specialize in IT General Controls (ITGC), SOX, COSO frameworks, GAAP, and data analytics. I work with Fortune 500 companies to help them strengthen governance, manage risk, and enhance the integrity of their control environments. What excites me most is operating at the intersection of IT, audit, and cybersecurity — a space where risk and opportunity converge.
As technology evolves, so do the threats and vulnerabilities organizations face. My goal is to continue growing in this dynamic space, providing strategic insight while bridging technical complexity with business needs.
Beyond the technical aspects, what drives me most is mentorship — especially supporting the next generation of professionals entering audit and tech. I’m particularly passionate about empowering women in this field, helping them see that it’s possible to build a career that’s both ambitious and balanced. Success, to me, is not about a title — it’s about continuous growth, purposeful impact, and creating environments where people and organizations can thrive.
Advice for Women Entering Audit and Tech
If I could share a few key lessons with women entering this field, they would be:
Seek Out Stretch Opportunities
Don’t shy away from projects that intimidate you. Discomfort is often a sign that you’re growing. The biggest leaps in my career came when I said yes to challenges that felt just beyond my comfort zone.
Invest in Balance Early
Burnout is not a badge of honor. Protecting your energy is essential to sustaining a long, meaningful career. Learning how to balance ambition with well-being is a leadership skill in itself.
Find Mentors — and Be One
Mentorship multiplies impact. When we lift each other up, we expand what’s possible — not just for ourselves, but for everyone in the space.
As someone who’s made a significant pivot and thrived in an evolving industry, I want others to know that nonlinear paths are not setbacks — they’re strategic. Every chapter builds a skill set that prepares you for the next one. Whether you’re teaching, auditing, or leading digital transformation, every experience adds value.
Final Thoughts
The intersection of IT, audit, and cybersecurity is where the future is being shaped — and I want to be right there, helping organizations navigate risk with confidence and clarity.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Growth comes from stepping into discomfort and saying yes to challenges that scare you a little.
Don’t be afraid to pivot — your next chapter might be the most impactful yet.
