Her Story
About Judy
Judy Keo serves as Senior Accounting Manager in the construction industry. With 11 years of experience as an accountant, she manages full month-end close processes, assist with overviewing project job costing, handles registrations and licensings, and files sales and use taxes. Keo began her accounting career in public accounting at BDO, where she worked as an auditor for four and a half years before moving to industry. She earned an associate's degree from Matanuska Susitna College in Wasilla, Alaska, and later transferred to complete her bachelor's degree at the University of Alaska. Prior to her accounting career, Keo owned and operated a nail salon franchise in the beauty industry for 20 years, which she later expanded to include hair services with suite renters. She advise young women entering the field to seek guidance from those who raised you, commit fully to your education, and absorb every lesson your mentors and predecessors have to offer. There will be moments that test your resolve. Push through them. Perseverance, more than talent or timing, is what separates those who build lasting careers from those who walk away too soon.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Judy
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes down to hard work, a strong work ethic, and the support of my family. I try to stay positive through challenges and see failure not as something to avoid, but as one of the best ways to learn and grow.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received in my career is to take care of myself and my mental health first. Be present as a daughter, sister, wife, mom, and friend, because life is too short to miss those opportunities to make lasting memories. Be apart of a orgnaization that value your contributions and care about your well-being.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Listen to your parents. Go to school. Really take in the knowledge that's given to you right then and there because you'll eventually utilize what's being taught to you. Follow the path of those that's already been down that path because they are wiser and they are smarter.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is getting people to embrace change and see it as an opportunity, not a threat. Systems built in the 90s simply can't keep up with the fast, innovative world we're living in today. Growth demands that we let go of "the way we've always done it" and lean into progress. Time is money, and money lost is hard to win back. Every day we wait to adapt is a day we're leaving potentials on the table. Organizations that thrive will be the ones bold enough to evolve, and it's on us as leaders to help our teams see change not as a risk, but as the biggest opportunity we have.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The three values that drive me, in work and in life, are integrity, collaboration, and accountability. Integrity is showing up honest, even when it's hard. Collaboration is my belief that we acheive together as a team; no win is truly a solo win. And accountability is my commitment to owning my actions and my growth. These values push me to lead with purpose, build with trust, and grow every single day.
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