For Adams Kondeh, his job is not just about crunching numbers as an auditor in Washington, D.C., it is also about preparing for his future.

Adams’ journey started in Africa, and brought him to UW-Whitewater. He obtained a degree as a Master in Professional Accountancy, MPA.

Soon after accepting a job as an auditor, he decided he wanted more out of his education.

Kondeh enrolled in UW-Whitewater’s online MBA program, the largest in Wisconsin.

He could have enrolled in a program closer to Washington D.C., but he said a single class there could be as much as $1,000.

“It was probably the investment in my education that got me a job,” Kondeh said. “Whitewater has a good program and I feel comfortable with the professors.”

Freda Briscoe, director of the Minority Business Program and adviser for the National Association of Black Accountants, exposed Kondeh to the business world.

Briscoe said Kondeh was always determined and never let his failures or challenges overtake him. “He took ownership and responsibility for his education and never blamed others when he fell short,” Briscoe said. “He picked himself up and went at it again until he accomplished his goal.”

After using the NABA to build a strong network of professionals, Adams gained employment with Deloitte & Touche LLP in Milwaukee and eventually made his way to Washington, D.C.

Kondeh said it is a privilege to be an auditor.

“We make sure people are held accountable,” Kondeh said. “We are the watchdog for the government.”

Part of his watchdog role was to help write a public record for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Kondeh credits his accomplishments to his education. Managing both a full-time job and his online graduate studies was no easy task. His work required him to travel around the country, and he said finding a library was his biggest challenge.

“I went to California, Boston, Chicago, and Oklahoma; I was all over the states,” Kondeh said. “At night I would go to my hotel room and do my homework.”

After successfully completing the MPA and MBA programs Kondeh said he is still determined to succeed.

Kondeh said his job pushes him every day. He also said the most important part is the experience he gains while traveling.

“Going out there seeing all of these students makes you realize you’re just like them,” Kondeh said. “In terms of education, everyone is worried about their future; by travelling you really know that feeling.”

Kondeh said he enjoyed his time at UW-Whitewater and that he hopes other students can be inspired by his story.

“You can be whatever you want to be as long as you believe in yourself and try your hardest,” Kondeh said. “It doesn’t matter that you’re just in Whitewater; you can go anywhere.”

Briscoe said Kondeh always had a way of inspiring other students and enjoyed helping them succeed.

“Adams had a passion for helping others and seeing them reach their goals,” Briscoe said “He was always sharing words of wisdom and gave advice.”

Kondeh sees everything as a privilege for himself. His education is what drives him.

“I’m proud of what I’m doing, and if I can make it then everybody can do it,” Kondeh.

Briscoe said Kondeh was always his biggest source of inspiration, and a great role model for other students.

“He’s a great motivator and champion to have on your side,” Briscoe said.