An accountant for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rhonda Falgie-DiAntonio, has raised two beautiful daughters with her husband, Vince. The couple celebrated their 30th anniversary in October, and in the interview below, you’ll learn what this truly amazing woman has been up to since graduating from PW in 1982. Scroll down to read all about it!
PW Classmates: What has your career path been since graduating from PW?
Rhonda: After graduating from PW, I attended Villanova University and earned a BS in Accounting. My first job out of college was as an auditor with a Big 8 accounting firm, currently KPMG. During my time there, I became a CPA and had the opportunity to work with clients in several different industries. Through that experience, I determined that I liked working with non-profit organizations.
It felt important to work for an organization where I felt strongly about its mission. I was fortunate to find a job at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where I could combine my background and training with my love for art, education, travel, and experiencing diverse cultures. I served as their controller for 11 years until I had my second child. At that point, I found that being a mom and spending time with my girls was extremely rewarding, and I decided to take time off and become a stay-at-home mom. I quickly volunteered and organized activities for their schools and various activities. During this time, I also started my own business providing accounting and tax consulting for various small business and nonprofit organizations while serving on several non-profit boards.
I gradually returned to working full-time for non-profit organizations, including an arts education organization that supports young people and their communities through multidisciplinary arts expression, education, and creative reflection. I first worked for Haverford College, but my love for the museum led me back there 18 years after I left when my younger daughter went to college. I currently work in their finance department, focusing primarily on investment and endowment accounting and financial reporting. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do growing up.
PW Classmates: Tell us about your family.
Rhonda: I met my husband, Vince, in 1990 while working at KPMG. This month, we are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary! Vince also earned his BS in accounting at Villanova. After college, he spent time as a naval officer and earned a law degree specializing in tax. He is currently working as a tax director for a property management company.
We live in Media, PA., where we raised our two wonderful daughters, Anna (24) and Gabrielle (21). My older daughter Anna graduated from Haverford College with a degree in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience and is now in Graduate school studying to be a Physician Assistant. My younger daughter Gabrielle is a senior at Villanova University majoring in Comprehensive Science with minors in psychology and computer science. She is interested in going to graduate school to become a Physical Therapist.
PW Classmates: What did you dream of becoming when you were in high school?
Rhonda: I was very interested in Art and Textile Design. I considered attending art school, but after taking several art classes in high school, I realized I would be better at creating art as a hobby. I also enjoyed DECA and learning the business side of merchandising. Then, I took an accounting class with Mr. Longo. He was a great teacher and made it interesting. My practical side took over, and I enrolled in the business school at VU as an accounting major.
PW Classmates: What advice would you give to your high school self?
Rhonda: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things. I had a blast in high school, but I wish I had gotten involved in more activities. Take time to travel and experience diverse cultures. These memories will stay with you for the rest of your life. Be true to yourself and follow your dreams. You will eventually realize them — or get close.
PW Classmates: What advice do you have for others about creating your best life?
Rhonda: Focus on what is important to you, and avoid getting hung up on the little things. Be true to yourself and authentic in your relationships. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Focus on being in the moment, take time every day to be kind to yourself, and know that you are enough. At 60, I hope to enjoy the next phase of life by taking time to nurture my relationships and reach out to rekindle old connections and friendships. Create a bucket list and not wait to check things off. Travel as much as possible over the next decade. There are so many things that I still want to see and experience.
PW Classmates: What would you like to say to all of your classmates today?
Rhonda: I am thankful for the community that I grew up in and the friendships I formed growing up. Attending the last reunion brought back so many cherished memories of elementary, junior high and high school. I wish you all an abundance of health, happiness, and love. I hope to see you all again soon.
Contact Rhonda by email: rdiantonio@verizon.net