One of the most eye-opening experiences I ever had in my professional career was within the first two months of starting my public accounting journey. Let me set the stage. 

It was the end of busy season, everyone was tired and we saw a partner walking over. Immediately we thought we’d receive more work, but instead he walked up to our admin and thanked her. There was no obvious reason, except that she had performed her duties responsibly and he wanted to openly thank her. Normally an unsung hero, he took the time to acknowledge her in positive manner and as a brand new member this has resonated with me to this day. 

The exponential effect of this small gesture on our cubicle community made a positive difference because it showed that everyone’s work at the firm mattered. Sometimes, as we’re stuck in the trenches of work, we forget the unsung heroes that help with the daily activities that make our lives easier.  

Some of these unsung heroes are our very own LA Chapter program managers. I warned them that I would write about them in this month’s message. They are truly the unsung heroes that help our chapter run effectively. 

Cynthia, our most recent program manager, runs our social media. When you like, follow, subscribe to our LinkedIn or Instagram you show her that you appreciate the content. Her insights deliver the best possible opportunities for our chapter to help our community of members. Your interactions with our social media helps us improve user content. And yes, Cynthia vetoed a CalCPA TikTok dance, with good reason.  

Shelly has been instrumental in leading our CalCPA Summer Leadership Program that helps students from non-targeted schools find their way into the CPA profession. Her dedication to this program has inspired so many of our board members to volunteer as mentors. Her efforts have led to more than 100 students being helped this year alone! Her excitement of this program is infectious and you can find her seeking mentors who have the same passion as us to help these students. You should connect with her if you want to mentor. 

Tricia has the toughest role! She has to deal with me and my incessant ideas and discussions about how we can better our CalCPA community. She’s able to translate my ideas into actionable items so we can communicate it to our board, CPA leaders and community. With her help, we’re planning some transformational events! 

Honorable mention: Melissa. While her role has expanded because she was too good to keep in the LA Chapter, she has been incredibly instrumental in helping our chapter move forward to the future. 

I can’t thank you enough for the incredible efforts you have made to help our community become better! 

Being a CPA is more than the busy season grind because our business is very much a people business. So with that said, what kind of difference do you want to make in your community?