A 23-year-old Hungarian-American, Katarina Lengyel is a competitive dancer, power yogi, and math nerd. With a master’s degree in accounting, she recently started her public accounting career with a Top Five firm and is currently pursuing her Certified Public Accountant [CPA] certification. “Numbers have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I am a statistically rare birth, so was born a ‘number.’ Crunching numbers is how I make a living, and counting steps and choreographing numbers is something I’ve done as a dancer since I was a little girl.”
Katarina has seamlessly blended her academic prowess with her deep-rooted passion for the arts with her commitment to social causes. This unique fusion of interests has not only shaped her career trajectory but has also inspired her to create initiatives that uplift and empower others.
From an early age, Katarina always found solace and empowerment in the dance studio. For her, dance is more than just an art form; it is a sanctuary where she can shed the stresses of the world and reconnect with herself. This profound connection to dance fueled her dream of creating a space where others could experience the same liberation and joy. She shared with Vogue that it wasn’t just her love for dance that drove this vision—her cousin Allie, born with an unbalanced chromosomal translocation, played a pivotal role in inspiring Katarina’s latest endeavor.
In October, Katarina plans to launch a dance and yoga program specifically designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This initiative is not just about movement. She tells Vogue, “It’s about creating a safe and supportive environment where neurodiverse individuals can explore the arts and express themselves in ways beyond words. My program is built on the belief that everyone, regardless of their challenges, can achieve greatness and embrace their unique beauty.” She emphasizes that our differences are what make us uniquely beautiful, and through movement, she aims to empower individuals to overcome obstacles and embrace their true selves.
Katarina’s academic journey is as impressive as her commitment to the arts. After graduating with honors from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Dance, she continued her studies at NYU Stern School of Business – earning that hard-fought master’s degree. There, she not only excelled academically but also took on a leadership role, organizing networking events and managing program funding.
Despite her demanding schedule, Katarina finds time for her other passions, including modeling, yoga, skiing, traveling, and participating in pageantry. Over the past several years, Katarina has competed for the title of Miss New Jersey USA where last year she placed first runner up.
Katarina’s commitment to giving back extends beyond her dance and yoga initiative. She is an active volunteer with the Bayshore Lunch Program, which provides meals and support to those in need, and she is a dedicated supporter of Breast Intentions, an organization that offers emotional and financial assistance to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Through her various roles and initiatives, Katarina Lengyel is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to others can create a beautiful and impactful life. Her final comment to Vogue was “One of my favorite quotes is ‘In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years. I feel like my purpose on this earth is to make every step I take count toward helping others achieve their steps. And I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Credits:-
Model: Katarina Lengyel
Photographer: Ryan Edelson
Creative Director: Thom Brodeur
Production Agency: Brodeur Beauties
