Leading ladies: in this month's final entrywe ask a few questions of our 2014 women to watch award winners. the awards were doled out at this year's women's leadership forum held in los angeles at the end of april.

• Position: Final entry

Jameson Montanio, Emerging Leader Award Partner, Winningham Becker & Company

What would your advice be to women who are just starting in the profession?

Remember that your career is a journey; be open minded about what's ahead of you. While on your journey, work hard and be true to yourself Strive every day to do your best and learn as much as you can. Try and learn something new every day because it will only make you a well-rounded professional. find a place to work where you enjoy the people you work with. I know it's cliche, but it really is true. If you don't enjoy working with the people in your firm, chances are you aren't going to enjoy the work.

To what do you credit your success?

My parents raised me to be a hard worker with a good, strong work ethic. For the past 10 years, I've been surrounded on a daily basis by role models--male and female--with a very strong work ethic. They continue to inspire me to do the best I can, and I, in turn, try and inspire those up arid corners in the profession. Success doesn't happen overnight, but with the right environment and the right work ethic anything is possible. Without the foundation that my parents built and without the professional support I've received the last 10 years, I would not be where I am today.

Tayiika Dennis, Emerging Leader Award Senior Manager, NSBN LLP

How important is mentoring to you?

Mentoring. is very important to your career. At times, mentoring can feel like criticism. But always look at where the information is coming from. This person obviously has a vested interest in you and is taking the time to speak with you. As long as you know they have your best interest at heart, follow their advice. Most of the time they have "been there, done that" when it comes to the career situation you might be in.

How can firms work mentorship into their perspective?

In my experience, the best mentors in my career have developed organically and naturally, through the people I've met. You should seek out your mentors--people you admire and get along with. My advice is to seek two types of mentors: an individual within your firm who knows the culture and the politics, and an individual outside your firm who can provide you with a fresh, unbiased perspective. As a nonprofit auditor, I see the impact of the board of directors on an organization, so why not create your own personal board of directors? NSBN supports this process by having a culture that encourages interaction with people...