The 2025/26 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!

University of Lethbridge

Gabriele Young | gyoung@cpaalberta.ca

Where is your favourite spot to study on campus?

My favourite study spot, as cliche as it sounds, is the library. Sometimes I’ll go to the pool for a change of scenery. I’m be on the lookout for more interesting spots!

How are you using AI in your daily life?

AI is almost like the Google of our generation. I’ve used it as a styling tool, career exploration/research, or just your standard questions.

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?

When most people hear the word accounting, they will say, “So you like numbers?” But accounting is more than numbers. I wish people knew accounting is about understanding the operations of a business and how to use financial data to optimize performance and profitability. Just as a person is shaped by the influence of the people around them, a business is shaped by professionals including CPAs, who help it to become the best it can be.

What’s a great book you read recently?

Recently, I read a book called Journey by Danielle Steel. It highlights intimate partner violence (especially emotional), how it can happen to anyone, and how sometimes even the person experiencing the violence is unaware of the abuse they are facing. Definitely a tough read, but really eye-opening for anyone who wants to take up the challenge.

University of Lethbridge, Calgary Campus

Mannatpreet Kaur | mkaur@cpaalberta.ca

What area of accounting are you most interested in?

I’m most interested in auditing because it gives me the chance to work closely with clients and really understand how different businesses operate. I enjoy being in a customer-facing role, where I can ask questions, learn how things work on the ground, and see the bigger picture beyond just the numbers. It’s a great way to keep learning, build strong communication skills, and gain insight into real-world business practices.

Why did you want to become a CPA Campus Ambassador? 

When I started exploring the CPA pathway, I found CPA Alberta’s resources and info sessions incredibly helpful in giving me clarity and direction. That experience made me realize how valuable the right guidance can be—especially for international students who may not be as familiar with the process. I wanted to become a CPA Campus Ambassador so I could be that source of support for others. My goal is to make it easier for students to access information, feel confident about their path, and make the most of the opportunities available to them. 

How are you using AI in your daily life?

AI has become a part of almost everything I do! I use tools like ChatGPT to draft emails, understand tricky accounting concepts, and brainstorm ideas for school and work. It even helps me come up with quick recipes or outfit ideas when I’m in a rush. Whether I’m studying, planning my day, or just trying to be more productive, AI has definitely become my go-to assistant.

What drinks or snacks do you recommend as study fuel?

I love having green tea while studying because it gives me a gentle boost without the jitters; caffeine doesn’t always suit me, so I’m careful about how much I have. When it comes to snacks, it really depends on the person. I believe it’s important to eat what you love and what makes you happy because you study better when you feel good. At the same time, it’s key to avoid foods that make you dizzy or sluggish. Good food fuels both your body and mind, so finding that balance helps keep you focused and energized.

SAIT

Aesheka Capuno | acapuno@cpaalberta.ca

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

People may be surprised to learn that I play the piano, guitar, and drums. It’s a creative outlet that helps me balance the structured side of accounting.

How are you using AI in your daily life? 

I use AI to help streamline my study sessions—whether it’s generating quick summaries, creating flashcards, or checking my understanding of complex accounting topics. It’s also helpful for managing my schedule and brainstorming project ideas. 

What’s a great book you read recently? 

Never Lie by Freida McFadden. It’s a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Perfect for a study break! 

Tell us about a CPA who inspires you.  

A CPA who inspires me is Carol Wilding FCPA, FCA, former CEO of CPA Ontario. Her leadership and commitment to innovation in the profession remind me that being a CPA means more than just technical expertise; it’s about making an impact, upholding ethics, and embracing forward-thinking leadership. 

Kartik Bharti | kbharti@cpaalberta.ca

What drinks or snacks do you recommend as study fuel?

As a coffee enthusiast, I would recommend making coffee your go-to study fuel because it is honestly the best companion for long hours and tough deadlines. If coffee were a stock, I would be a billionaire by now. It is the CEO of my study routine, powering my focus and creativity. For snacks, I keep it simple and smart. Almonds and dark chocolate are my favourites. They are easy to grab, give a quick boost, and pair perfectly with coffee.

Why did you want to become a CPA Campus Ambassador? 

I have always been passionate about accounting. Even back home, my friends and I would support each other with studies and career goals. When I moved to Calgary, I realized I could continue doing the same (i.e. helping others stay motivated and build strong futures). Along with giving back to the accounting community, I saw this as a great chance to represent the CPA designation. It is a valuable networking and career opportunity for me, and I am proud to be part of something that helps both me and my peers grow. 

Where is your favourite study spot on campus? 

My favourite study spot on campus is the basement floor of the library, which is known as the silent library. I usually prefer sitting there alone for solo study. It is quiet, and I can really focus. I especially love the BYOD sections with extra monitors because they make it easy to multitask and create a great setup for getting things done. 

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting? 

I wish more people knew that accounting is much more than just numbers. It is the foundation of every business. Just like a financial adviser helps you understand and manage your money, an accountant helps clients make sense of their financial data to see where their business stands, identify challenges, and find opportunities to grow. Without accounting, businesses would be like a movie without a script: confusing and hard to follow. Accounting provides the clear guidance needed for smart decisions and long-term success. 

University of Calgary

Ivan Tan | itan@cpaalberta.ca

How are you using AI in your daily life?

I use AI to help me grow, whether it’s for studying, learning something new, or just making things easier to understand. I also use it for fun stuff like finding recipe ideas or brainstorming team names for sports. It’s like a creative assistant I always have on hand in every area of my life.

What area of accounting are you most interested in?  

Through speaking with many professionals in the accounting field, I’ve developed a strong interest in audit and assurance services, especially for private businesses. Working as a server in my parents’ restaurant gave me first-hand experience with small business operations and sparked my desire to work closely with business owners. I’m drawn to the private side because it offers a more personal, hands-on relationship and a deeper understanding of how accounting directly impacts a variety of industries, not just the big numbers in large public companies. 

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?  

I’ve had many opportunities to speak with professionals in the accounting field, and a common answer they shared is accounting isn’t just about sitting behind a desk and crunching numbers. It’s a much more dynamic and collaborative profession than people often assume. Accountants work closely in teams to solve real business problems by understanding how companies operate, identifying risks, and helping them make informed decisions to grow and succeed. Whether it’s through audit, tax planning, or advisory, accounting plays a critical role in shaping a company’s strategy. It’s a profession that requires strong communication, analytical thinking, and a genuine interest in helping others thrive. 

Tell us about a CPA who inspires you. 

A CPA who inspires me is my managerial accounting professor, David W. Adams CPA, CA. His charismatic character, passion, and dedication for teaching elevated the learning experience for everyone in our class. It was a class that everyone could look forward to as David created a community where we could all laugh and enjoy learning through his humor. His story as a CPA and lifestyle as a professor is one I want to lead, making me look forward to the accounting profession.  

Stephanie Tan | stan@cpaalberta.ca

Why did you want to become a CPA Campus Ambassador?

I want to be a CPA Campus Ambassador because I am passionate about building connections and creating opportunities for my peers! I love being involved with campus life at Haskayne, and I would like to further contribute to the student community.

What drinks or snacks do you recommend as study fuel? 

I love grabbing an iced chai and an apple as fuel for a long study session! 

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting? 

There are numerous niche disciplines within accounting, offering a multitude of opportunities. I think everyone can find an area they are interested in, whether that is tax, forensics, IT audit, or financial reporting.  

Tell us about a CPA who inspires you. 

A CPA that inspires me is my intermediate accounting professor, Wayne Irvine FCPA, FCA. I admire his passion for accounting and dedication to preparing students for the real world with his teaching style. Without his guidance and mentorship, I would not be the person that I am today! 

Mount Royal University

Nimrat Toor | ntoor@cpaalberta.ca

What’s a great book you read recently?

A great book I read recently was Atomic Habits by James Clear. It has changed the way I think about progress and productivity. The idea that small, consistent changes can lead to big results has stuck with me, and it is something I am trying to consistently apply in life.

Why did you want to become a CPA Campus Ambassador? 

I wanted to become a CPA Campus Ambassador to help other students learn more about the CPA program and discover opportunities they might not have known were available. The events hosted by CPA Alberta have helped me tremendously. I learned so much about the process towards becoming a CPA and made meaningful connections. This role gives me a chance to support fellow students in their professional journeys. 

What area of accounting are you most interested in? 

I am most interested in tax accounting. I love how tax is constantly changing, keeping the work dynamic and engaging. Staying up to date with tax laws and adapting my work really appeals to me. It challenges me to be detail-oriented and strategic. 

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? 

People might be surprised to learn that I have just learned how to ride a motorcycle! It is something I have always wanted to try, and I finally went for it. The experience is teaching me a lot about staying focused, thinking ahead, and trusting myself—all lessons that carry over into both academics and everyday life. 

MacEwan University

Chevy Halvorson | chalvorson@cpaalberta.ca

Tell us about a CPA who inspires you.

I am incredibly inspired by Janet Morhart CPA, CMA, a CPA and accounting expert specializing in television and film accounting. Watching movies has been my favourite pastime since I was a child and being involved in the television and film industry would be a dream come true for me. Once I obtain my CPA designation, I want to focus on production accounting to leverage my skills in the television and film industry.

What motivated you to become a CPA Campus Ambassador?

I wanted to be a CPA Campus Ambassador because it provides an excellent opportunity to network with current members of the accounting profession. Additionally, 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.  

What’s something about you that might surprise people?

I can speak Japanese! In high school, I took three years of Japanese classes, where I learned how to read and write the language.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about accounting?  

Accounting is not a specialty that has to apply exclusively to businesses. I think accounting practices, such as budgeting, are very beneficial to daily life. Creating a monthly personal budget can help when trying to save money, erase debt, or make month-long meal plans.

Concordia University of Edmonton

Bintu Karmara | bkarmara@cpaalberta.ca

What snacks or drinks do you recommend for studying?

Smoothies! I can’t get enough of them. I like to add loads of mangoes and pineapples.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about accounting? 

There are different types of accountants! This shocked me when I started taking accounting courses.

How do you incorporate AI into your daily routine?

I don’t incorporate AI in my daily routine. I don’t see the need for it in my daily life.

What’s something about you that might surprise people?

I like trying out new hobbies! Even though I suck at most of them.

NAIT

Dev Vodehra | dvodehra@cpaalberta.ca

What’s your favorite study spot on campus?

The Productivity Innovation Centre (PIC) building at NAIT is one of my favourite spots on campus to study. It is a very new building and not a lot of students know about it—either that or they’re not willing to walk that far. Hence it is a very quiet area where I can concentrate better than anywhere else on campus.

What’s something about you that might surprise people? 

Something that might surprise people is that I am very competitive, and I have tried out multiple sports, including hockey, cricket, badminton, and table tennis. I am usually just focused on my studies and work, so this is one of the things that might surprise people. 

What snacks or drinks do you recommend for studying? 

Dark chocolate and coffee are the two things that have always helped me stay focused while studying, so I’d definitely recommend that.  

Have you read a great book recently? 

Yes, I recently read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and it really stuck with me. It’s a story about persistence, self-belief, and finding meaning in the process, not just the destination. 

University of Alberta

Diya Duggal | dduggal@cpaalberta.ca

How do you incorporate AI into your daily routine?

As part of a generation growing up with technology, AI has become a regular part of my day. I use AI tools to stay informed, verify information, and enhance my productivity—whether it’s reviewing concepts, staying updated with current events, or managing study schedules. I view AI as a valuable support tool in both academic and personal contexts.

What motivated you to become a CPA Campus Ambassador? 

Hailing from a family of medical professionals, I was the first to pursue a different path by choosing accounting. From my very first accounting class, I knew I had found something I was truly passionate about. As an international student, I often wished for someone on campus who could guide me through the CPA journey. That desire, combined with my enthusiasm for accounting, motivated me to become a CPA Campus Ambassador. I wanted to be that go-to person for others—someone who inspires students to dive deeper into the profession, ask questions freely, and feel confident in their path. 

Which area of accounting interests you the most? 

Currently, I am completing a co-op placement, and I’ve discovered that I really enjoy the analytical side of accounting. There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into data, solving problems, and uncovering the story behind the numbers. It’s like solving a puzzle, and that challenge is what excites me most. 

What snacks or drinks do you recommend for studying?

My go-to study beverage is homemade hand-beaten coffee, which gives me a quick energy boost. Alongside that, a handful of nuts keeps me going through long study sessions. It’s a simple combo, but super effective. 

Henry Nguyen | hnguyen@cpaalberta.ca

What motivated you to become a CPA Campus Ambassador?

As an accounting student going into my third year, I wanted to take a more active role in the CPA community. Being a CPA Campus Ambassador allows me to inspire and share valuable resources with other students while building meaningful connections with professionals and mentors in the accounting industry.

Which area of accounting interests you the most? 

I’m most interested in the advisory and consulting area of accounting because it gives me more opportunities to work closely with businesses and customers. I really enjoy the dynamic, problem-solving nature of this area, although helping clients make informed decisions and improve their operations is challenging. 

How do you incorporate AI into your daily routine? 

I use AI (ChatGPT, Gemini) to help me complete basic tasks in my daily routine, such as building timetables, drafting emails, or summarizing documents. With the support from AI, I am able to complete all preliminary tasks in my routine quickly and efficiently, which leaves me with more time to complete other tasks. 

Tell us about a CPA who inspires you. 

My biggest inspiration is my dad, who pursued an accounting career and got his CPA designation in Vietnam. I witnessed how committed he was to helping clients and dealing with financial issues. His passion for the field and the trust he built with others inspired me to pursue accounting and follow in his footsteps.