Gurleen Mangat

Gurleen Mangat, a fourth-year Haskayne School of Business student, is known around campus for her energy, leadership, and love of community.

Her interest in accounting began thanks to a high school teacher, who made the subject come alive. “I used to think accounting was boring until I met Mr. Hall. He made me realize you have to be a fun person yourself. Then anything can be fun in life,” she says.

Mr. Hall also taught her accounting is about learning from and connecting with people, and that spirit of connection now defines her university life. Gurleen is active in the Accounting Students’ Association, Women in Business, and the Haskayne Tech Club, and she works as a teaching assistant and mentor.

This past summer, she completed a four-month internship at KPMG. “I loved it so much,” she says. “My seniors all had their CPA designation, and they were so intelligent.”

Gurleen hopes to one day blend her accounting career with philanthropy. “I feel like giving back to the community is very important,” she says. “It’s so fulfilling to see that you’re making an actual change in the world.”

She also hopes to empower young girls to believe in themselves and not let doubt or external expectations limit their potential. “You should always have the courage to be an exception to the rule, even when it goes against the norm,” she says.

Gurleen’s best advice? “Never stop learning. Every experience, good or bad, teaches you something valuable and helps you grow into a stronger, wiser version of yourself.”

Q&A with Gurleen

How do you strive to be a role model for other students on campus?

I actively strive to lead by example, demonstrating that success comes not from perfection, but from consistency, resilience, and a willingness to learn and adapt by exploring new opportunities as they arise. I aim to be approachable and supportive, helping classmates navigate their academic journeys by encouraging involvement in clubs and professional development opportunities and by pushing them to explore their interests without being limited by preconceptions. Above all, I hope to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to recognize their potential and pursue it with confidence.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for their help or inspiration? 

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to my parents, who came to Canada with very little yet always found ways to support my dreams. Their perseverance, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in me continue to inspire everything I do. I am deeply grateful to my brother, who has been my greatest role model, and to my friends, whose constant encouragement and belief in me have been a continual source of motivation throughout my academic journey. Finally, I thank the mentors and peers I have met along the way who have challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. Their guidance and support have played a meaningful role in shaping my goals and aspirations.

What is one challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?

One ongoing challenge I face is learning how to effectively prioritize responsibilities. Balancing a demanding courseload alongside leadership roles and work commitments, while still making time for myself and my loved ones, can be difficult. Over time, I have learned that organization is essential but so is setting clear boundaries and asking for help when needed. While I continue to find balance, these lessons have helped me manage multiple commitments and stay grounded without losing my sense of authenticity.

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!