Diya Duggal

Despite coming from a family of medical doctors, Diya Duggal chose a different path: accounting. A high school accounting course solidified her decision. “I absolutely loved that course, and I was pretty sure that’s what I wanted to do,” says Diya.

Diya has always loved helping others and is finding ways to continue doing so while following her passion for accounting. She is the Vice-president of Finance for Women in Leadership, a teaching assistant for four courses on campus, a volunteer with the University of Alberta Accounting Club, and a CPA Campus Ambassador.

“I’ve always been a person who values empathy and enjoys helping people. Ever since my childhood, I’ve seen my parents always helping others, and I feel like it was ingrained in me,” says Diya. “I always feel good when I help others, and I’ve always believed that if I have more resources than others, why not share and help them become a better version of themselves?”

And Diya sees this desire to make a positive impact on others guiding her into tax, of all things! As a volunteer at a University of Alberta Accounting Club tax clinic, Diya discovered her passion for tax accounting. Working with clients and helping them navigate complex financial situations showed her how accounting can be a powerful way to support people and businesses.

“I’ve laughed with my parents and friends so many times about how I thought I would never go into tax, but after doing the tax clinic, I was so sure I wanted to work in that industry at least once in my life,” says Diya.

Q&A with Diya

What does being named a Capitalize Campus Star mean to you?

Being named a Capitalize Campus Star means a great deal to me. It’s a powerful reminder of how far I’ve come as an international student and a reflection of the hard work, adaptability, and resilience it has taken to build a sense of belonging and achieve my goals in a new environment. This recognition not only celebrates my journey so far, but also motivates me to keep striving for growth, make the most of every opportunity, and continue creating a positive impact in my community.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself through your academic journey so far?

Through my academic journey, I’ve learned that I can handle pressure well. There were times when I had to balance many responsibilities at once, such as grading exams as a teaching assistant just days before my own midterms. Even in those moments, I was able to stay organized and focused. These experiences taught me that I can manage challenges effectively without letting them affect my performance.

What motivates you on difficult days?

On difficult days, my long-term goal of becoming a CPA keeps me motivated. It’s something I’ve been working toward since I was 18, and reminding myself of that goal helps me push through challenges. In addition, the support of my family and friends plays an important role in encouraging me to stay committed and give my best effort.

Capitalize and CPA Alberta are proud to introduce the 2026 class of Capitalize Campus Stars. The Campus Stars program recognizes amazing Alberta post-secondary students who are dreaming of one day becoming CPAs. Learn more about the whole 2026 class!