Meet your 2024/25 Campus Ambassadors
The 2024/25 CPA Campus Ambassador team is here to assist you on the path toward the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. CPA Campus Ambassadors are your primary connection to CPA Alberta on campus. They will share information about important CPA-related events and activities, answer your questions about the path to becoming a CPA, and bring Capitalize to your campus every term.
Get in touch with your Campus Ambassador today!
Concordia University
Noah Saraya | nsaraya@cpaalberta.ca
Why did you want to become a CPA Campus Ambassador?
It’s important for me to be able to assist others in becoming the best version of themselves, while aiding on their journey to success, and I believe the CPA Campus Ambassador role would be my gateway to accomplishing both.
What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?
The biggest misconception people have about accounting is that it is strictly plotting numbers on spreadsheets. Though it, in fact, deals with numbers, I would like them to understand that it is heavily immersed with strategic and creative thinking, as well as strong communication skills.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am a certified forklift operator and have almost two years of operating experience.
MacEwan University
Chevy Halvorson | chalvorson@cpaalberta.ca
What are you looking forward to most about being a CPA Campus Ambassador?
I am looking forward to networking with students interested in learning about the CPA program or accounting in general. Having an ambassador on campus to provide information was extremely helpful to me when I started university, and I want to give the same guidance I received to new students.
Where is your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on the MacEwan campus is on the fifth floor of building nine, which is the top floor of the Robbins Health Learning Centre.There is a beautiful view of the Edmonton Ice District from the top floor, and it is a beautiful sight to see.
What accounting specialty are you most interested in?
I am most interested in audit and assurance. Before I went to University, I had initially planned on starting my own business. I can’t think of a better way to learn about business than to join an auditing team and experience the accounting industry.
Kyla Villar | kvillar@cpaalberta.ca
Why did you want to become a CPA Campus Ambassador?
I thought being a CPA Campus Ambassador was a great way to network with like-minded people and an efficient way to educate myself about the CPA program.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up with lots of birds; at one point, my family had nine!
If you could build your dream business overnight, what would it be?
When I was in high school, I ran a small crocheting business focused on creating tops and selling them for a small profit. If I had to start a business overnight, I would continue selling crochet tops and add a collection of mittens and toques to give to homeless shelters for free. I would use my profits from the tops to fund the mittens and toques for those in need.
Mount Royal University
Thomas Sharpe | tsharpe@cpaalberta.ca
Why do you want to be a CPA?
I have always been the type of person that seeks to understand as much as I can about whatever I embark upon. As such, whether I would undertake the CPA program or not was never a question for me. I want to become a CPA to expand my knowledge of accounting as wide as possible.
Where can students find you when you’re not in class?
When not in class, I can be found in the library studying, at home studying, or visiting family in B.C., while also studying.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Many people are surprised to learn that I am also a qualified electrician.
NAIT
Jingyuan Zhang | jzhang@cpaalberta.ca
Why have you chosen to pursue a career in accounting?
Accounting is the language of business, and I am passionate about understanding and interpreting financial data to drive strategic decisions.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am obsessed with Plants vs. Zombies because I destress by arranging my plants symmetrically.
What pump-up jam do you listen to before a big test or presentation?
“Eye of the Tiger” because it is written by Survivor.
Shang Li | sli@cpaalberta.ca
Why did you want to become a CPA Campus Ambassador?
I was interested in becoming a CPA Campus Ambassador because I am passionate about the accounting profession and want to help other NAIT students understand the opportunities and benefits of becoming a CPA. Being an ambassador allows me to connect with peers, share my experiences, and contribute to the growth of our professional community.
How is technology impacting accounting?
Technology will significantly impact the future of accounting by automating routine tasks, improving accuracy, and enabling real-time financial analysis.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People might be surprised to learn that I have a creative side and enjoy choreographing dance. This hobby helps me maintain a balanced and healthy life.
SAIT
Aesheka Capuno | acapuno@cpaalberta.ca
Why have you chosen to pursue a career in accounting?
Accounting offers plenty of opportunities to learn and make a difference in an organization. I can learn and develop my leadership skills and strategic thinking, which are beneficial in this type of career and apply in my personal life.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love to try out new cafes because I love coffee and little baked goods! I believe it’s one of the best things to do in Calgary.
Where is your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus is a little study place in SAIT’s building, Johnson Cobb. It’s a quiet place to study and be with friends if you want to be away from some chaotic buildings.
Jacqueline Rodriguez | jrodriguez@cpaalberta.ca
Why have you chosen to pursue a career in accounting?
During the pandemic, I read a lot of books about finance, which led me to want to learn more about tax laws and regulations, which is something these books lacked. I got online, and a course about taxes associated to a school popped up. I signed up for school quickly after that.
I hope to one day make an impact with the knowledge I have learnt through school and life and be able to educate immigrants on accounting and taxes. Being an immigrant to this country and seeing my family’s lack of education about financial options and accounting knowledge motivates me to make an impact on them and others. I hope to one day make an impact on the immigrant population in Calgary.
If you could build your dream business overnight, what would it be?
My dream business would be to be a property manager for a building or plot of land. I would target women of all ages to live there and build a community. I always think back to when my mother immigrated to Canada with two little girls and how much a community would have helped her. In a dream world, I would help to create this for women in Calgary to help empower them.
Where is your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus is a tie between the silent library and the open area in front of the library. The silent library has allowed me to be so efficient and productive. The front area of the library has a lot of seating, which has allowed me to socialize and make great memories with my friends.
University of Alberta
Diya Duggal | dduggal@cpaalberta.ca
Why did you want to become a CPA Campus Ambassador?
Hailing from a family of doctors, I was the first to choose accounting as my career. The moment I attended my first accounting class, I knew it was my passion. I wanted to become a CPA Campus Ambassador to inspire other students to discover their passion for accounting. My goal was to create an environment where students felt comfortable sharing their views and asking questions. As an empathetic liaison, I aimed to foster inclusivity and support among the student body.
How is technology impacting accounting?
I believe technology will greatly enhance the accounting profession. Currently, various software solutions ease the workload in this field. In the coming years, technological advancements will continue to offer even more options, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
Where can students find you when you’re not in class?
You can find me at Carruthers or hanging out in a cafe.
Henry Nguyen | hnguyen@cpaalberta.ca
What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?
I wish people understood that accounting is not a boring career with lots of numbers and data. In contrast, accounting is essential and vital for all companies to maintain a healthy financial system and make key decisions to develop in the future.
What accounting specialty are you most interested in?
I am most interested in the consulting specialty in the accounting field; however, I understand that a consulting position requires lots of experience and professional knowledge. Therefore, I will do my best to work in an audit or tax position and gather sufficient knowledge and experience to become a consultant.
Where is your favourite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is Rutherford Library because I always spend time here focusing on my exam, work, or application. The second floor on the south end of Rutherford is really quiet, so I can stay there when I need to deeply focus on my tasks, and the second floor on the north end is really suitable for group working and discussion.
University of Calgary
Stephanie Tan | stan@cpaalberta.ca
Why have you chosen to pursue a career in accounting?
Ever since elementary school, I have been drawn to the fields of math and science due to their structured and rules-based natures. I chose to pursue accounting as it combines these aspects and provides an opportunity to work with numbers, analyze data, and provide valuable financial insights. It also offers diverse career opportunities and continuous learning, which keep the field dynamic and engaging.
How is technology impacting accounting?
I believe technology will greatly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of accounting. Automated systems will help to reduce human error and streamline processes, allowing accountants to focus on strategic analysis and decision-making. Additionally, advancements in data analytics and AI will provide deeper insights, enabling more informed financial planning and accurate forecasting.
Where is your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus is the 4th floor of the Haskayne School of Business. During the spring and the fall, the glass ceiling lets in a lot of sunlight, creating a pleasant study environment. It is also generally quieter up there, allowing me to focus better on my tasks.
Faraz Zarghami Jam | fzarghamijam@cpaalberta.ca
What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?
That being a mathematical genius is not a prerequisite for being a successful accountant. Many successful accountants faced challenges during their introductory calculus courses, as well!
What is your ideal study set-up?
Total peace and quiet, a medium steeped tea from Tim Hortons, and dual monitors.
Where can students find you when you’re not in class?
Playing soccer, at the gym, or most likely, computer number one in the University of Calgary’s Business Library.
University of Lethbridge, Calgary Campus
Moirla Conejos | mconejos@cpaalberta.ca
How is technology impacting accounting?
I think technology will bring both opportunities and challenges. While technology helps streamline many accounting processes, it will also require accountants to remain adaptable and proactive in updating their skill sets.
What accounting specialty are you most interested in?
I am most interested in auditing because my learning style finds understanding and learning complex audit procedures challenging. I am drawn to overcoming that challenge, which fuels my interest in mastering it.
Where is your favourite spot on campus?
Definitely, the student lounge! I have evening classes so it’s a perfect spot for catching up with classmates while waiting. It’s also a great place to read, do group work, or enjoy snacks.
Vivian Mai | vmai@cpaalberta.ca
Where is your favourite spot on campus?
My favourite spot is the lobby on the 6th floor, where my group of friends and I can sit there to study together.
What is your ideal study set-up?
My ideal study set-up includes a spacious desk with good lighting, my laptop, and a few key textbooks. I also like to have some noise-canceling headphones.
What accounting specialty are you most interested in?
I am most interested in audit and assurance because it plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial information