Unchartered direction
Harriet Tinka empowers the next generation through purpose and passion
As the daughter of African immigrants, Harriet Tinka CPA, CMA felt pressured to join one of a few acceptable careers: medicine, law, or engineering. She chose medicine.
While studying for her entrance exams, Harriet was approached by a modelling scout with an unexpected opportunity that led to an international modelling career. Her interest in accounting was sparked by an unplanned conversation with an accountant at her modelling agency, of all places.
“One day, I asked her what she does, and she told me she was an accountant,” Harriet says. “She showed me some of the skill sets accountants have, and I was so impressed.”
After retiring as a model, Harriet earned her designation and began working in various accounting roles with the City of Edmonton. Over her 20-year career with the city, Harriet gained valuable experience before being offered a unique opportunity while still with the city: to work as a campaign chair in collaboration with United Way, a role that deepened her passion for community work.
As a campaign chair, Harriet discovered there’s more to accounting than numbers on a page, much like working with people. “Accounting is great because it’s all about number crunching,” she says. “But even the numbers have a story.”
Harriet loved this side of the profession—making a difference in the community, especially with youth. Harriet was then approached by an agency to continue this work with young people, teaching them more than technical skills and helping them build confidence, learn how to stand out in interviews, and become well-rounded adults.
Harriet began to develop Empowered Me, an organization that helps youth build confidence and resilience through programs and educational workshops.
From numbers to impact
As the full-time owner of Empowered Me for the past 13 years, Harriet says being a CPA has been integral to her success. “Accounting taught me precision, patience, and integrity,” she says. “It’s important to see numbers and situations in a well-rounded way and to be ethical in everything you do. Being a CPA taught me that.”
The qualities Harriet developed through her accounting career also helped her become an effective coach and leader. “So many leaders are vision-driven but overlook the details,” she says. “As CPAs, we’re trained to look at complexity, assess risk, and ensure accountability.”
“Being a leader isn’t just about telling people where you’re going and what to do once you get there,” she continues. “It’s about explaining why you’re there, how you got there, and why it matters.”
Harriet also believes that to be an effective leader, it’s essential to take care of yourself. She follows the acronym MEDS—meditation, exercise, diet, and sleep—as a reminder to prioritize well-being to lead with clarity and resilience. She encourages others to also “take their MEDS,” reminding them that self-care is a foundation for success. “This practice helps me stay grounded and strong,” Harriet says. “It will take you far in your journey.”