Moirla Conejos

Moirla Conejos is chasing big dreams: she’s set her sights on be- coming a leader in the accounting profession and making a meaningful impact. “I know it won’t be easy, and getting there will require hard work, continuous learning, and building strong connections,” she says. “But I’m genuinely excited about the journey ahead.”

In many ways, Moirla’s journey and impact have already begun. As Vice-president of External Affairs for the accounting club at the University of Lethbridge’s Calgary Campus, a CPA Campus Ambassador, and a peer mentor for international students, she’s already a leader. Whether encouraging fellow students to get involved in extracurriculars or guiding international students through academic life in Canada, Moirla is helping others grow and succeed. Balancing this with her roles as a wife, mother, and student isn’t easy, but each challenge is a step toward a brighter future for her family.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have a wonderful support system, especially my husband,” Moirla shares.

Moirla and her husband prioritize communication and coordinate schedules and commitments to reduce stress and stay on the same page. They also set aside dedicated family time to reconnect and recharge. “Moments of laughter and togetherness remind me why I’m working so hard,” she says.

After gaining experience at an accounting firm in the Philippines, Moirla and her family moved to Alberta, where she continued her studies. As a new immigrant facing the challenge of networking, Moirla was encouraged by one of CPA Alberta’s Student Recruitment Officers to focus on creating meaningful stories in Canada. This gave her experiences to chat about at networking events, turning networking into an opportunity to create genuine connections through shared experiences while strengthening her soft skills.

“Never underestimate the power of soft skills,” she says. “They make us more relatable in professional settings and better prepared to handle unexpected situations.”

Q&A with Moirla

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

Being named a Capitalize Campus Star is more than just a personal achievement—it is a powerful reminder that our unique journeys, regardless of our backgrounds, can lead to success. As an international student, this recognition holds deep meaning for me because it demonstrates that being new to a country or system is not a limitation but an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute.

This achievement shows that equity and inclusivity exist within our community and that hard work, determination, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone can bridge any gap. I hope this recognition serves as an inspiration to other international students, proving that our diverse experiences enrich the academic and professional world. We belong here, and our perspectives are valuable. If I can achieve this, so can you.

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

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Eila Padilla, the founder of the University of Lethbridge Accounting Aces Club for paving the way for all University of Lethbridge Calgary Campus accounting students. Eila has been a true inspiration, particularly to international students on our campus. She showed us the immense value of volunteering, not only as a way to gain Canadian experience, but also as a means to contribute to our community. Her passion for networking and her dedication to supporting students has left a lasting impact, and her legacy continues to inspire us to aim higher.

What achievement or contribution are you most proud of so far?

Rather than focusing on a single achievement, I am most proud of contributing to a culture where all students at the University of Lethbridge Calgary Campus see the value of networking and volunteering. Networking and volunteering are more than just resume builders—they foster confidence, help develop valuable skills, and create lasting relationships. Seeing students from diverse backgrounds step outside their comfort zones, embrace these opportunities, and grow in their own unique ways has been incredibly rewarding. Contributing to this shared growth and sense of community is what I’m most proud of.

Capitalize and CPA Alberta are proud to introduce the 2025 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 2025 class!