Kate JanKatarina Lengyel, a 23-year-old German Hungarian American, gracefully bridges two worlds: one of high-level accounting and another of expressive dance. A competitive dancer, power yogi, and self-described “math nerd,” she recently completed her master’s degree in accounting at the prestigious NYU Stern School of Business and embarked on a career with a Top Five public accounting firm. Currently studying for her CPA exam, Katarina notes that numbers have always been an essential part of her life. “I can’t remember a time when numbers weren’t part of my life. My own birth was a statistical anomaly, so I guess you could say numbers have been my destiny. 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,” she shares.
Katarina’s journey blends academic achievement, artistic passion, and a commitment to social causes. This unique fusion has not only defined her career but has also inspired her to create initiatives that uplift and empower others. From an early age, she found solace and empowerment in the dance studio, where dance became more than an art form—it became her sanctuary. This deep connection to dance inspired her to create a space where others could experience the same joy and liberation she had found.
Katarina tells Vanity Fair that it was not just her love of dance that sparked this vision; her cousin Allie, born with an unbalanced chromosomal translocation, played a key role in inspiring her latest project. Just last month, Katarina launched a dance and yoga program specifically designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “It’s not just about movement,” she says. “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. Dance, movement, and music have been an important unifier for me, and I want to share that with marginalized and often ignored or overlooked communities.” Katarina emphasizes that our differences are what make us uniquely beautiful, and she aims to empower individuals to embrace their true selves through movement.
Her academic achievements are as impressive as her dedication 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. There, she not only excelled academically but also took on leadership roles, organizing networking events and managing program funding.
In addition to her career and philanthropic efforts, Katarina devotes time to modeling, yoga, skiing, traveling, and pageantry. Over the past several years, she has competed in the Miss New Jersey USA pageant, where she placed first runner-up last year.
Her commitment to giving back extends beyond her dance and yoga program. Katarina actively volunteers with the Bayshore Lunch Program, providing meals and support to those in need, and she is a resolute supporter of Breast Intentions, an organization that offers emotional and financial assistance to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Through her varied roles and initiatives, Katarina Lengyel exemplifies how passion, perseverance, and commitment to others can create a beautiful, impactful life.
As she told Vanity Fair, “One of my favorite quotes is from Muhammad Ali, ‘Don’t count the days, make the days count.’ That sums up for me why we’re all here. To do and be our best, but maybe most importantly; to help others see the best in themselves. Making what matters count is my personal mission.”