2018 Conference Guide

PEOPLE, PASSION, PURPOSE: PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

THIRD BIENNIAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF FILIPINOS IN FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING (ISFFA)

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.

August 25, 2018 Summit Executive Centre, 10th Floor 205 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, 60601 Adelfia proudly supports the National Executive Board and Officers of ISFFA on its 3rd Biennial National Conference

August 25, 2018 Chicago, Illinois

Adelfia is a Filipino and women-owned firm. 400 E. Randolph St. Suite 700 Chicago, Illinois 60601 Tel: (312) 240-9500 www.adelfiacpas.com

1 Welcome Remarks from Chicago Chapter

On behalf of the ISFFA Chicago Chapter, I would personally welcome each of you to the 3rd Biennial ISFFA National Conference. It is an exciting time for our organization and what ISFFA stands for. This conference has been held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and now here in Chicago. We have filled this day with exciting insights, the most relevant topics, thought- provoking panels, and an opportunity to connect with successful people from all over the country who have the same goals.

This year’s conference theme is “People, Passion, Purpose: Pathways to Success.” This year’s Keynote Speaker would be none other than J. Carlitos “Itos” G. Cruz, Chairman and Managing Partner from SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Company. His experience and accomplishments precede him, including being inducted as President of the Association of Certified Public Accountings in Public Practice (ACPAPP) in 2017 and in 2018, he assumed the Presidency of the ACPAAP Foundation.

Today is a about leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and relevancy. It’s about adapting to the changes in our profession, while growing our brand and the opportunity that comes with it. It’s about making new connections, coming together as a community, and bettering oneself. It’s about becoming a part of a special movement with friends and colleagues.

We have developed this conference to include topics for everyone – whether you are a student or young professional or are already an experienced expert. So get excited for the breakout and general sessions, listen to the speeches and panels, create new connections, and don’t forget to enjoy yourselves here in Chicago!

ISFFA is empowering tomorrow’s leaders today… let’s continue the movement!

Mabuhay, Andrew Guerrero President ISFFA Chicago Chapter

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

02 Welcome Remarks from Chicago Chapter 03 Table of Contents 04 2018 Conference Program 08 2018 Biennial ISFFA National Conference Speakers 19 Floresca Scholarship 20 ISFFA/AICPA Scholars 2018 22 Message from Outgoing Chair 23 2016 - 2018 National Executive Board 24 12 Years of ISFFA 31 Sponsors 32 Message from Incoming Chair 33 2018 - 2020 National Executive Board 34 Message from Founding President

Announcement of 4th Biennial ISFFA 36 National Conference 2018 ISFFA National Conference 37 Planning Commitee

3 2018 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

8:15 - 8:45 a.m. 11:00 - 11:50 a.m.

BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING CONCURRENT SESSIONS Kathy Lai Master of Ceremonies Financial Literacy: Wealth Accumulation 2020 Marla Isidro 8:45 - 8:55 a.m. Human Side of Cybersecurity Ralph Villanueva WELCOME REMARKS Dr. Edith Winterhalter 11:50 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

8:55 - 9:00 a.m. LUNCH AND NETWORKING

INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. Arvin Floresca

GENERAL SESSION 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. National Board Induction of New Officers Dr. Edith Winterhalter

GENERAL SESSION Awarding of AICPA/ ISFFA Scholarship People, Passion, Purpose: Jennifer Bangit Pathways to Success Keynote Speaker ISFFA Chicago Scholarship Program J. Carlitos “Itos” G. Cruz (Floresca Scholarship-CPAR Review) Arvin Floresca 10:00 - 10:50 a.m.

1:10 - 2:00 p.m. GENERAL SESSION

Leadership Series Executive CONCURRENT SESSIONS Panel: Mindset for Success 7 Steps to Speaking with Impact Jennifer Cabalquinto Denise Harrington Eloisa Briones Malve Ildefonso Artificial Intelligence Justin Bass Moderators: Kathy Lai Dr. Edith Winterhalter Eileen Fisler

4 WWW.ISFFA.ORG Adelfia proudly supports the National Executive Board and Officers of ISFFA on its 3rd Biennial National Conference

August 25, 2018 Chicago, Illinois

Certified Public Accountants and Business Consultants

Adelfia is a Filipino and women-owned firm. 400 E. Randolph St. Suite 700 Chicago, Illinois 60601 Tel: (312) 240-9500 www.adelfiacpas.com

5 2018 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

2:10 - 3:00 p.m. 5:00 - 5:10 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS CLOSING REMARKS Tax Reform Update Announcement of ISFFA National Stella Marie B. Santos Conference 2020 Mavie Valera Maria Fides Balita Taking the CPA Exam Dr. Elizabeth Murphy 5:10 - 6:00 p.m.

3:10 - 4:00 p.m. NETWORKING RECEPTION, NETWORKING BINGO, AND MINI-RECRUITMENT CONCURRENT SESSIONS Entrepreneurship Tinette Sumiller Justin Garrido

The Hybrid Professional: A Modern Approach To Thinking About Your Career Paul Torres Ms. Maddie Rose Holler

4:10 - 5:00 p.m.

GENERAL SESSION

Millennials Panel: Dispelling the Millennial Myths and Facilitating a Strong Working Relationship with Millennials

Featuring former ISFFA Scholars:

Lenard Robles Kathlyn Talapian Celine Felix Hank Hsiao

Moderators: Andrew Guerrero People, Passion, Purpose Melinda Haag Pathways to Success

6 WWW.ISFFA.ORG Dedicated to trust. Committed to quality. Audit quality in a complex world.

KPMG is committed to delivering a high quality audit. We continue to advance audit quality with innovative capabilities and tools that provide our experienced audit professionals with an ability to look deeper into your company’s areas of risk, accounting practices, reporting processes and controls. Learn more at KPMG.com/us/audit Anticipate tomorrow. Deliver today.

©2018 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent 7 member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Some of the services or offerings provided by KPMG LLP are not permissible for its audit clients or affiliates. NDPPS 798686 2018 Biennial ISFFA National Conference Speakers

Kathy Lai, CPA Partner, Crowe LLP Ms. Lai is a highly accomplished licensed State and Local Government Expert Panel. CPA and CGMA public accounting pro- Through her participation with the AICPA, fessional of diverse experience derived she has been accredited with contributions from providing assurance services to large, to authoring the AICPA State and Local complex state and local governmental en- Government Audit Guide, including the tities, higher education institutions, school newest Pension Chapter to address the districts, utilities and not-for-profit orga- complex GASB pension standards, com- Master of Ceremonies nizations. With approximately 20 years of piling AICPA comment letters to GASB and experience in public accounting, Ms. Lai on emerging standards and presenting Artificial Intelligence has led the audits of some of the largest webcasts for the AICPA Governmental governments in California, including the Audit Quality Center. Other examples State of California (Single Audit), City of of Ms. Lai’s thought leadership includes Los Angeles, City of Santa Ana, City of presenting to over 1,000 Californians on Riverside, County of Los Angeles, Metro- the complexities of the Uniform Guidance politan Water District of Southern Califor- and emerging GASB pronouncements nia, Los Angeles Unified School District through her involvement with the Califor- and the California State University Sys- nia Society of Municipal Finance Officers tem. Among 400,000 CPA’s nationwide, (CSMFO), National Grants Management Ms. Lai has been appointed by the AICPA Association (NGMA) and tailored to serve on a select national 15-member client trainings.

Dr. Edith Tijamo Winterhalter Associate Vice President for Strategic Business Operations California State University, Northridge Chair, ISFFA National Executive Board Dr. Edith Winterhalter is currently the of College and University Business Associate Vice President for Strategic Officers (NACUBO), and University Risk Business Operations in the Division of Management and Insurance Association Administration and Finance at California (URMIA). She is a Board Member of Welcome Remarks State University, Northridge (CSUN). the CSU Risk Management Association and She has been with CSUN for twenty years (CSURMA). Edith was awarded the Moderator now where she worked as the Director 100 Most Influential Filipina Women by Leadership Series of Academic Budget Management and the Filipina Women’s Network in 2017. Executive Panel: various other positions in the Division of She received her Doctor of Education in Mindset for Success Academic Affairs. Professional affiliations Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in include Society for College and University Education Administration, and Bachelor of Planning (SCUP), National Association Science in Accountancy at CSUN.

8 Arvin Floresca Director of SOX Compliance and Accounting Policies, Anixter Arvin Floresca is the Director of SOX for the firm’s internal audit services. He Compliance and Accounting Policies of was also a national instructor for Deloitte Anixter, a Fortune 500 company and a US courses. Arvin started his career as an leading global distributor of Network and external auditor at SGV &Co. (then Arthur Security solutions, Electrical and Electronic Andersen Philippines). He has broad Introduction of solutions and Utility Power solutions. Arvin experience outside of public accounting, Keynote Speaker is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified specifically in the Oil and Gas, Retail and and Internal Auditor, a Certified Information Energy industries. He has been an Assistant Floresca Scholarship Systems Auditor, and a Certified Global Treasurer and Accounting & Controls Management Accountant. He also received Manager at Shell Philippines Exploration his Certification in Risk Management and a project manager for Sarbanes-Oxley Assurance. His areas of expertise are in 404 compliance at Party City. He has Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance, Accounting also managed numerous compliance and Policies and Procedures, Enterprise operational audits of various government Risk Assessment and Management, and non-profit organizations as an Audit and Business Process Audits and Supervisor in a minority auditing firm Improvements. Arvin previously held in Chicago. Arvin received his Bachelor similar global leadership positions in of Science in Accountancy from De La the area of Internal Controls in AbbVie, Salle University in the Philippines. He a global leader in the pharmaceutical is also a Certified Public Accountant in industry, and CNH, a world leader in farm the Philippines. He is currently the Chair machinery and construction equipment. of the Speakers Committee of the IIA He was also a Manager of Enterprise Risk Chicago Chapter. He was a National Services at Deloitte where he worked with Facilitator for the IIA in the US and one clients in the Consumer Business and of the founding officers and ex- President Manufacturing industries. He was involved of the International Society of Filipinos in in various knowledge management and Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) training course development activities - Chicago Chapter.

Eileen Fisler Chief Financial Officer, St. Vincent Medical Center Vice Chair, ISFFA National Executive Board Having completed her accounting degree Nebraska in 1992. Since then, Eileen has and CPA license in 1983, Eileen Fisler worked in various for-profit and non- started her career in the Philippines as an profit healthcare organizations including accountant in International School, a non- the Hospital Corporation of America profit organization catering to students (HCA), Tenet Healthcare, United Health Moderator whose parents are diplomats or foreign Services, and Kaiser Permanente. In Leadership Series nationals of the Philippines. In 1987, she 2005, she finished her Master’s Degree in Executive Panel: migrated to the U.S. and worked as an Business Administration, with emphasis in Mindset for Success accountant at a workers’ compensation healthcare, at the University of California insurance company in Pasadena which in Irvine. Recently, she served as CFO for is fully owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Ventura County’s Health Care Agency, She made a tough decision to stay a $650 million operation, with 200 within the Los Angeles area when the employees under her leadership. She is accounting department moved to Berkshire currently the CFO for Palmdale Regional Hathaway’s headquarters in Omaha, Medical Center.

9 J. Carlitos “Itos” G. Cruz SVG & Co. Chairman and Managing

Keynote Speaker General Session People, Passion, Purpose: Pathways to Success

J. Carlitos “Itos” G. Cruz joined SGV in 1981 met and are in line with EY’s growth strategy. and was admitted to the partnership in 1995. He works closely with EY’s Global Leaders for He was appointed Head of Assurance Services in insights, updates, and strategy alignment. 2007, Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing Partner in 2010, and Chairman and Managing Itos completed the Advanced Management Partner in 2017. Program of Harvard Business School in 2007 and the Advanced International Program in Oil As an Assurance partner, Itos led the audit of and Gas Management at the University of Texas in multinational and Philippine companies 1994. He graduated from the University of engaged in various industries, including Santo Tomas (UST) in 1981 with a Bachelor of power generation, oil and gas, energy, chemicals, Science in Commerce degree, Major in utilities, and manufacturing. He also worked with Accounting. He was the first recipient of the UST- the Denver, Colorado office of an international AMV College of Accountancy Professional accounting firm where he honed his competency Achievement Award in Public Accounting in the audit of companies in the oil and gas given in 2009. He was cited as one of the industry. UST College of Commerce’s top 75 alumni during its 75th year celebration in 2008, and was During his term as Vice Chairman, he led the also awarded as an Outstanding Alumni in Firm’s initiatives in growing the local market, Public Practice in 1999. In 2016, he received establishing the Asia-Pacific Talent Hub (ATH), The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award as well as the first EY Global Delivery Services (TOTAL) in recognition of his achievements (GDS) offices in the Philippines. The ATH in the field of Accountancy. provides quality Assurance services to EY offices around the Asia-Pacific Area such as Itos is a member of the Makati Business Club, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Management Association of the Philippines, The GDS facilities deliver Assurance, Advisory German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Tax Services to support international EY Industry, Inc., and Philippine Institute of client engagements as well as provide Certified Public Accountants. He was the administrative and core business services to president of The Association of Certified EY offices globally. These developments have Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP) empowered SGV professionals to gain global in 2017 and in 2018, assumed the presidency experience and exposure while still based in the of the ACPAPP Foundation. He is also on the Philippines. Board of Trustees of the Philippine Business for Social Progress and President of the SGV In his current capacity as Chairman and Managing Foundation. Partner, Itos oversees the Firm, ascertaining that its objectives, purpose, and policies are 10 Jennifer Cabalquinto Golden State Warriors, Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Cabalquinto, Chief Financial growth business environments. Most Officer of the Golden State Warriors, is recently she served as Vice President and a senior finance executive with a proven CFO for Universal Studios Hollywood, track record of improving financial NBC Universal’s theme park and Citywalk performance, increasing productivity operations in Los Angeles, California. and enhancing internal controls leading She has previously held various finance Leadership Series to increased enterprise value. Jennifer leadership roles within NBC Universal’s Executive Panel: Cabalquinto is currently in her fifth season broadcast division and Telemundo. Mindset for Success as the Chief Financial Officer of the Golden Jennifer started her finance career as an State Warriors. In this role, she oversees auditor with Ernst & Young in New York. all day-to-day and long-term strategic Jennifer earned a Bachelors degree in and financial planning and accounting for Accounting from SUNY, Binghamton’s the organization. She has over 25 years School of Management. She and her finance leadership experience in a variety husband, Howard Joyce, reside in Oakland of start-up, turnaround, stable and high with their son Jack.

Eloisa Briones Vice President, Administrative Services, Skyline College Eloisa M. Briones serves as the Vice Planning and Resources and Allocation President, Administrative Services of Committee and the Health, Safety & Skyline College. She is responsible for Emergency Preparedness Committee. VP providing administrative leadership and Briones gained extensive experience in oversight in all areas of the finance, budget community college finance and operations Leadership Series & operations, human resources, facilities for close to 25 years. She earned a Bachelor Executive Panel: and capital improvements, transportation of Science in Business Administration Mindset for Success services and Public Safety at Skyline and Accountancy from the University College. Eloisa is a member of the College of the Philippines. She is a Certified President’s Executive Leadership Council Public Accountant and is a member and various governance committees at of the Association of Chief Business Skyline College, as well as at the San Officials (ACBO), the American Council Mateo County Community College of Community College Administrators District, of which Skyline College is a part (ACCCA), and the National Asian Pacific of. She co-chairs the College’s Strategic Islander Council (NAPIC).

Malve Ildefonso Assurance Partner, Asset Management Practices, BDO Malve is an assurance Partner in BDO’s 820 Fair Value topic, ASC 946 Financial Asset Management practice, where she Statement Disclosures, Regulation S-X, serves as engagement leader and business and audit of internal control over financial advisor for alternative investment fund reporting. Malve also brings a different managers. Malve has over 19 years of perspective from her management and Leadership Series professional experience in both public oversight role over the financial reporting Executive Panel: accounting and industry; in Philadelphia, end-to-end process including the review of Mindset for Success Southern California, and the Bay area. filings with the Securities and Exchange Malve’s experience includes leading Commission for a large registered mutual audit engagement teams in serving clients fund complex. Malve has a proven track across a broad spectrum of public and record in executing highest quality audits private companies in the asset management and is passionate in managing and coaching industry, including Section 404 attestation her team including women and minorities for public advisors, registered funds, to deliver exceptional client service. private equity funds, fund of funds, broker dealer, and employee benefit plans. Malve’s technical expertise includes ASC 11 Marla Isidro Senior Vice President of Business Development and Co-Founder, Axianta Financial Partners Known as an entrepreneurial dynamo, a her to be one of the largest business builder business coach, and philanthropist, Marla in the financial industry. Motivated by Isidro learned early on in life that there her accomplishments, Marla co-founded are no boundaries to what you want to Axianta Financial Partners based in achieve in life. Her father inspired her Calabasas, California and has presence in with the mindset; if you set your mind on 40 different states. Marla has commanded Financial Literacy: something, you must focus on it to make it the stage in front of 30,000 business leaders Wealth Accumulation happen. Marla is a dynamic personality and and entrepreneurs. Her success has also 2020 highly-sought-after resource in business garnered her being named as one of the and professional circles for Fortune 500 100 Outstanding Filipino-Americans in CEOs, Lawyers, CPA firms, small business US. She was featured in the modern day owners, non-profit and community leaders ground-breaking movie Think and Grow from all sectors of society looking to Rich: The Legacy, based on Napoleon expand opportunity. Marla, who is a CPA Hill’s best-selling book alongside world- and owner of a beverage distribution renowned entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek, business who has contracts with San Real Estate Mogul and Shark Tank star Miguel Brewing Group, immigrated to the Barbara Corcoran, America’s greatest United States and left the Philippines with prosperity teacher Bob Proctor, Fellow her burgeoning family in tow in search of CPA and co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad the American dream. Having to take a step Sharon Lechter and many others who are back to garner a bookkeeping job was not giants in their fields. As a philanthropist, a setback for Marla, it was a challenge. Marla sits on the board of the All For In short order, she landed a job as Senior One Foundation, dedicated to changing Accountant for the largest Shopping the lives of children around the world by Center in the United States. Marla has improving social conditions, educational always had a passion for helping people opportunities, and healthcare availability. and wanting to make a difference in their Currently, they are active on projects in lives. Her entrepreneurial spirit, that was over 10 countries worldwide. For anyone planted in her as a young child, led her who dreams of owning a business or would to seek out a business opportunity in the like to capitalize on their entrepreneurial financial services industry. She believes, dream, Marla’s message will enlighten “with proper guidance and training you them with knowledge and the action steps can achieve anything you desire”. As a to catapult them to success. She currently brilliant educator, Marla’s ability to take lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband complicated financial concepts and present Lito and their three children; Klyde, Jethro them in simple, easy terms has catapulted and Amiea.

Ralph Villanueva CISA, CISM, PCI-ISA, PCIP, ITIL, CIA, CRMA, CFE IT Security and Compliance Analyst, Diamond Resort International

Ralph has been keeping his employers on how to bridge the collaboration gap compliant with IT compliance requirements between IT and the rest of the organization across numerous and diverse regulations when it comes to communicating and such as the Nevada Gaming Control Board, enforcing IT compliance requirements. the Payment Card Industry, Sarbanes – On top of that, Ralph earned numerous Oxley and ISO 27001 since 2010. His IT certifications such as the Certified Human Side of business degrees (bachelor’s from the Information Systems Auditor (CISA), the Cybersecurity University of the Philippines – Visayas and Certified Information Security Manager MBA from the Ateneo de Manila Graduate (CISM), IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), School of Business) and more than a Payment Card Industry – Internal Security decade’s staff and managerial experience Assessor (PCI-ISA) and Payment Card in auditing, accounting and financial Industry Professional (PCIP). management provides him with insights

12 He also has non-IT certifications such as the as the Philippine Institute of Certified Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), the Institute Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certification in of Internal Auditors (IIA), the Association Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the and Certified Public Accountant licensed Information Systems Audit and Control in the Philippines (CPA-PH). Since the Association (ISACA) and the Society start of this decade, Ralph has spoken of Corporate Compliance and Ethics professionally in national and international Professionals (SCCE). conferences of major organizations such

Jennifer Bangit, Senior Director and Assistant Corporate Controller, Herbalife, Nutrition Ltd. ISFFA Scholarship Committee Chair Jenny Bangit is currently the Sr. Director, her career at Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Assistant Corporate Controller at Co (SGV) in Manila, Philippines. Jen Herbalife, Nutrition Ltd. She has over 20 graduated cum laude from the University years of public and private accounting of the Philippines with a Bachelor of experience. Previously, Jen was a Manager Science in Business Administration and Awarding of AICPA/ ISFFA Scholarship of Corporate Reporting and Analysis at Accountancy. She was a Top 20 placer the Walt Disney Company and AVP for at the Philippine Licensure Examination. SEC Reporting at Indymac Bank. She was She is also a licensed CPA in the State of also an Audit Senior at Arthur Andersen California. LLP in the Los Angeles office. She started

Denise Harrington CEO and Founder, DMH Consulting Group Twenty-six years ago, Denise Harrington to become stronger contributors. Denise is launched a business that focuses on well known in the technology, sports, and transforming the way that corporations retail industries as “THE” go to person and businesses communicate. She stepped for assisting brands in having stronger on the stage of a major business club to messages and messengers. Her influence give a speech on the “Art of Speaking on brands and those who represent them 7 Steps to Speaking with Impact” and on that day a company has helped many companies’ soar in with Impact and legacy began! Denise, the owner of the marketplace. Denise has prepared DMH Consulting Group, works with individuals to speak on some of the most C-Suite Executives, Premier Athletes, visible global topics such as sustainability, and individuals, giving them the tools marketplace growth, global workforce, to capture their “Signature Style” and emerging markets and women’s initiatives. presence. Denise has helped individuals Her client list consists of companies like: speak more clearly under pressure and Nike, Autodesk, Microsoft, and Cisco… coaches teams to communicate their including developing and delivering company’s brand with Impact! Denise programs for University of Oregon’s is not only a change maker, she inspires Masters program in Sports Product others to become game changers, showing Management and Clemson University. them how to get out in front of the message, She is “the one to watch” as she works influence, and persuade. Most recently to influence the influential, those who Denise has been focusing on helping have a critical role in shaping the future of women develop stronger voices in the global workplace and economy. Denise is workplace. She believes that as women a graduate of Tuck School of Business at moving forward in the business arena, Dartmouth-Minority Business Executive knowing how to communicate who they Program. are and what they believe in will help them

13 Justin Bass Chief Data Science Officer, Crowe LLP Justin A. Bass is the Chief Data Science strategy, as well as the I nnovation Strategy Officer for Crowe LLP, and leads the newly Team, a group within the Innovation formed Data Science Business Unit. After Task Force for strategic planning of starting the Advanced Data Science group, investment direction. In a field predicated the firm-wide shared resource responsible on continuous learning, Justin’s formal for all machine learning (ML) and artificial education includes two degrees from Artificial Intelligence intelligence (AI) at Crowe, traction began The University of Michigan (Aerospace to build to incorporate machine learning Engineering and Engineering Physics), into all aspects of Crowe, and continue one from Purdue University (Aeronautical to push forward to use AI and ML in all and Astronautical Engineering), and two areas of innovation. Justin also sits on the from The Pennsylvania State University Crowe’s Data council, a cross-BU group (Statistics and Finance). tasked with planning a firm-wide data

Stella Marie B. Santos, CPA Managing Partner, Adelfia LLC

Stella Marie B. Santos has over 25 years Illinois, USA. She ranked 12th place in of compliance examination and financial the Philippine CPA examination. She is a audit experience. Prior to founding licensed CPA in Illinois and Indiana. She ADELFIA LLC, she worked in a local is a member of the American Institute of accounting firm based in Chicago since Certified Public Accountants, Illinois CPA October 1993, and became a Partner in Society, Government Finance Officers Tax Reform Update January 2003. Prior to that, she had eight Association (GFOA) – Special Review years of combined work experience as an Committee, the Philippine CPAs of Greater assistant to the Vice President- Finance at Chicago, and the International Society an international garment manufacturing of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting company and as an audit executive at an (ISFFA). She is a peer reviewer under accounting firm based in the Philippines the AICPA Peer Review Program and a (member practice of one of the Big Four member of the Illinois CPA Society Peer Accounting Firms). Stella was principally Review Committee. She has extensive in-charge of the accounting and tax practice knowledge of State and Local government of a local accounting firm for more than agencies, Universities, Correctional 15 years. She also dealt with IRS and Facilities, Regional Offices of Education, state income tax authorities representing Manufacturing, Retail and Trading clients in audits and tax resolution cases. companies, State Lotteries, Casinos, Home Stella graduated Cum Laude from the Health agencies, Physician practices, University of the Philippines with a Community Care Programs, Non-Profits degree in Bachelor of Science in Business and Medicaid Integrity Programs having Administration and Accountancy. She engagements performed on these entities. is a CPA both in the Philippines and in

Mavie Valera, CPA Partner, Adelfia LLC Maria Divina B. Valera (Mavie) has over (ISFFA). She has concentrated knowledge 20 years of combined experience in public on International Tax Services focused on accounting and industry. Prior to joining compliance issues associated with the ADELFIA LLC, she worked for one of operation of an international business. the Big Four firms and a local accounting These services for outbound investment firm based in Chicago. Mavie also worked from the U.S. frequently include Tax Reform Update for a major airline in the Philippines. preparation of client assistance packages, Mavie graduated from Maryknoll College preparation of financial information for (Philippines) with a degree of Bachelor of foreign-owned subsidiaries, calculation Arts in Business Administration. She took of foreign tax credit information, overall accounting credits at Devry University in foreign loss calculation, and foreign Chicago. She is a licensed CPA in Illinois. earnings and profits calculations. She She is a member of the American Institute also provided Assurance and Audit of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois Services on various Private/Publicly held CPA Society, and the International Society Companies, Government & Non-for-Profit of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting Organizations. 14 Dr. Elizabeth Murphy Associate Professor, School of Accountancy and MIS, De Paul University

Dr. Murphy serves as an Illinois delegate instructor at the University of St. Frances. on the AICPA and has served as a member Her previous work experience also of the Illinois CPA Society’s Board of includes positions at KPMG, Chicago’s Directors. She has received numerous Field Museum of Natural History, Internal awards, most recently, the Constantine Revenue Service and Marshall Field’s. Taking the CPA Exam “Gus” Economic Distinguished Teaching Throughout her career, she has published Award, DePaul Women in Action Award, articles on accounting education and ethics and the Illinois CPA Society Special in journals that include the Journal of Public Achievement in Volunteerism Award. In Budgeting, Accounting and Finance, addition, she serves as the faculty advisor Journal of Accounting and Finance to DePaul’s Midwest Association of Research, The Journal of Accounting Case Hispanic Accountants (MAHA). Beth has Research, Business & Society Review, been offering the CPA Exam Workshops Journal of Accounting Education, Strategic for MAHA for years and was invited to Finance, Ohio CPA Journal, Critical offer these workshops to all accounting Perspectives on Accounting, Kent/Bentley students by the DePaul Career Center Journal of Accounting and Computers, and has been invited to give CPA Exam College Teaching and Learning Journal, workshops at other Illinois universities. and the American Journal of Business Prior to teaching at DePaul, she was an Education.

Tinette Sumiller Owner, Genever LA Bar Tinette is a financial planner who works everyone to uplift each other. Connections with fellow financial professionals, create possibilities and choices, and individuals, families, and small businesses choices allow for change; even if the to help them achieve short and long term changes are unsolicited, choices allow for financial goals, elevate their standard of healthy adjustments to those changes. She living, protect the ones they love, and has worked in corporate finance for over create the possibilities and choices they 10 years where she followed a career path Entrepreneurship wouldn’t otherwise have. She also donates that eventually landed her to be her own her time and talents to teach arts to adults boss. Tinette is a CFP (Certified Financial and children, to educate her students more Planner) candidate, a licensed insurance about the beauty and essence of Philippine professional, a Certified Financial Culture through dance and music lived Education Consultant, an Associate as a Filipino American. Tinette is also Dance Director for Kayamanan Ng Lahi, a co-owner of an all- female owned bar and holds a blue cord in Capoeira under borne out of friendship and a meeting of Capoeira Brasil. Tinette holds a Bachelor the minds. In everything she does, Tinette of Arts in International Economics with an believes that by sharing what she knows, emphasis in East Asia from the University she creates relationships with people that of California, Los Angeles. lead to further connections that allow for

Justin Garrido Co-Founder & CEO, Social Products Natural Foods Justin is an experienced social out of poverty by providing them access entrepreneur, management consultant, to markets here in the U.S. He works and retail executive passionate about with farmers primarily in North Cotabato, collaborating with others to address some Mindanao, while also supporting farmer of the world’s greatest challenges through initiatives in the Rice Terraces of Luzon. social enterprise, digital technology, and He previously founded a crowdfunding Entrepreneurship sustainable agriculture. He’s the founder for social good platform in the Philippines of Social Products heirloom rice from -SocialProjectPH, while building cross- Philippine cooperative smallholder sector partnerships along the way with farmers, which supports sustainable various aligned stakeholders. agriculture and empowers Filipino farmers 15 He created these models for more efficient of stores to record sales through people processes in broken developing markets, leadership and operational excellence. which allowed nonprofits to connect Later as a director of purchasing, he directly with engaged donors, and small managed one of the largest divisions in scale farmers to connect with conscious the country with responsibility for the consumers. Prior to that Justin had supply chain management. He holds his various strategy consulting projects across BA in business management from the industries from medical imaging to FMCG, University of Maryland and he completed as well as from non-profits to multinational his MBA in Australia and the Philippines, corporations in Australia and the U.S. the latter is where he found his calling While in retail management with Aldi for the intersection of business + social Foods, he worked as a district manager good in communities and farms across the across the east coast leading districts Philippines.

Paul Torres Director, KPMG Paul Torres is a Director in KPMG’s security assessment. Paul has substantial Advisory Services Practice with over 15 experience leading and coordinating years of professional experience. He has advisory engagements for national/global a strong background in cybersecurity clients ranging from large public to small maturity assessment, penetration private companies across several industries testing, social engineering, business as diverse as media and entertainment, impact analysis, business continuity banking, manufacturing, retail, technology The Hybrid Professional: A Modern planning, disaster recovery gap analysis, and communications, computer Approach To Thinking enterprise risk management, IT general manufacturing, higher education, and state About Your Career controls, project management, IT risk and local government. assessment, compliance review, and

Ms. Maddie Rose Holler Miss Arizona 2017. Philanthropist. & Aspiring Journalist MaddieRose Holler, Miss Arizona 2017, is with a number of charitable organizations in currently pursuing a Masters in journalism the valley, she currently serves as President and mass communication with a double of Military Family Support Group, an minor in Digital Audiences and Special Arizona 501c3 that is dedicated to assisting Events Management at Arizona State our nation’s troops by providing them University’s Walter Cronkite School and with individually packed care packages The Barrett Honors College. Inspired as a symbol of the community’s gratitude, The Hybrid by her father’s 20 years of service in the love, pride and patriotism. A trained Professional: A Modern U.S. Navy and her brother’s active duty vocalist, MaddieRose can speak a little bit Approach To Thinking service, completing two tours in Iraq and of Tagalog, her Philippine mother’s native About Your Career one Western Pacific Deployment, she language, as she is half German and half embraced her service platform Supporting Filipino. Our Military and Their Families. Working

Lenard Robles Senior Associate, KPMG Risk Consulting, KPMG Los Angeles

Lenard Robles is currently an Advisory Philippines - Diliman. He also competed in Senior Associate at KPMG in the IT Audit various local and international tournaments and Assurance practice. Before migrating as a member of the university’s debate to Los Angeles, Lenard worked at Ernst team, and was the Philippines’ official & Young Philippines (SGV &Co.) as a representative to the London International Millennials Panel: Tax Associate. He holds a CPA license Public Speaking Competition in 2013. Dispelling the Millennial in the Philippines. Lenard is a cum laude He has been a member of ISFFA since Myths and Facilitating graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree September 2015. a Strong Working in Business Administration &Accountancy Relationship with (BS BAA) at the University of the Millennials 16 Kathlyn Talapian Senior Tax Consultant, Deloitte Tax Services, Chicago Kathlyn Talapian is a Senior Tax on a rotational basis for one of the leading Consultant at Deloitte Tax LLP’s Business global investment banking firms based in Tax Services group. She has over three New York City as part of a co-sourcing years of experience of providing tax assignment. While Kathlyn proudly compliance and consulting services across grew up in the Philippines, she earned Federal engagements in the Investment her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Management, Real Estate, and Corporate and Information Systems from Loyola Millennials Panel: practices. Kathlyn has an extensive University in Chicago. Aside from serving Dispelling the Millennial background of working with tax issues as a Vice-President of the Chicago Chapter Myths and Facilitating a Strong Working prevalent in the Hedge Fund, Private of the International Society of Filipinos Relationship with Equity and Inbound Company spaces. She in Finance and Accounting, she is also a Millennials is also a part of Deloitte’s Private Aviation leader of the United Methodist Church, tax practice, where she assists with tax where she serves as an officer of her local implications of private aircraft ownership church and the National Assoc. of Filipino- and usage. Her responsibilities in all her American United Methodists. She enjoys engagements include project management, seeing musical shows and exploring new and coordinating with clients and other tax restaurants and places in her spare time. groups to ensure a smooth and efficient She is passionate about education and tries process. She has actively managed to give back to the community by raising Deloitte’s India Tax Practice, working funds annually to buy school supplies onsite with teams in Delhi and Hyderabad for schools in marginalized towns in the during peak tax season. She also works Philippines.

Celine Felix Accounting Student, California State University, Fullerton Celine Felix is a rising senior who just finished her first year at CSUF receiving a full ride after transferring from Mt. SAC after two years. She is highly involved within her campus. She currently heads her business honors program as the Vice Millennials Panel: President of Engagement while leading Dispelling the Millennial the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network. Myths and Facilitating She is currently finishing to her Forensic a Strong Working Internship with Luttrell Wegis, LLP. If Relationship with she’s not studying or running an event, Millennials you can find her drinking boba or doing anything outdoors.

Hank Hsiao FSO Assurance, Associate, EY Los Angeles Hank is an assurance associate within Ernst with the International Society of Filipinos & Young’s asset management practice in in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) Los the Los Angeles office. Prior to his role at Angeles chapter to bridge students and EY, Hank served in a number of leadership professionals alike by coordinating with positions in relation to Beta Alpha Psi established organizations and firms to (BAP), the Bookstein Volunteer Income create opportunities. Hank is heavily Millennials Panel: Tax Assistance (VITA) program and involved in on-campus recruiting efforts Dispelling the Millennial Association of Latino Professionals for at Ernst & Young and is also tracking his Myths and Facilitating America (ALPFA) within California State CPA. Within the asset management space, a Strong Working University, Northridge (CSUN)’s College Hank holds a concentrated focus toward Relationship with of Business and Economics (COBAE) private equity, venture capital, hedge funds Millennials platform. He also collaborates heavily and fund of funds. 17 Andrew Guerrero Audit Supervisor, Adelfia LLC Andrew Guerrero is currently the Chicago Science in Accounting on August 2011 Chapter President and has been an avid at the University of Central Florida, in officer of Chicago ISFFA since its launch Orlando, Florida. In March 2014, he in 2013. His passion and dedication as an graduated with distinction from DeVry officer has contributed to ISFFA’s growth. University with his Masters of Science in He is also the Public Relations Officer Accounting. Andrew is currently an Audit of the Philippine CPAs of Greater Supervisor for Adelfia LLC with 6 years Moderator Chicago (PCPA), a Filipino American of public accounting experience and his Millennials Panel: professional accounting organization in concentration is in external audit of state Dispelling the Millennial Myths and Facilitating Chicago. He obtained his Bachelor of and local governments. a Strong Working Relationship with Millennials

Melinda S. Haag Director, Crowe LLP Melinda S. Haag is a Director with has been nationally recognized as an expert Crowe LLP in its Oak Brook, IL office, in creating and implementing community where she leads the Global Services justice initiatives, with an emphasis on business unit developing strategies and community prosecution, community managing firmwide change, integration, courts, community policing and creating process improvement, and risk mitigation community partnerships, both secular associated with real estate, travel, safety and faith-based. Other areas of expertise Moderator and security of people and facilities, as nationally recognized include strategic Millennials Panel: well as people and client support and planning, grant management, program Dispelling the Millennial office operations. She also leads Crowe’s management, information technology Myths and Facilitating LGBTQ people resource network called systems, and change management. a Strong Working Relationship with GALA. For more than 2 decades, Melinda Millennials

Maria Fides Balita Partner, Adelfia LLC Maria Fides Balita is a Partner of Ernst & Young Global). Maria is Licensed Adelfia LLC, a Chicago based Filipino Certified Public Accountant in the States of and women-owned Certified Public Illinois and Indiana, and the Philippines. Accounting firm. Maria has over 25 She recently served as board member years of experience, with 15 years public of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois accounting experience in audit. Prior to CPA Society. Her affiliations include joining Adelfia LLC, Maria served as Audit membership in the American Institute of Closing Remarks Manager for Mitchell & Titus, a member Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), firm of Ernst & Young Global, Deloitte’s the Illinois CPA Society, and The Institute Employee Benefit Plan Practice, KPMG’s of Internal Auditors. Maria received her Internal Audit Advisory Services, and E.C. Bachelor of Science, Major in Accounting Ortiz & Co. LLP. Maria also worked at Far from De La Salle University in Manila. She East Bank & Trust Company, Philippines was recognized in the 2014 Chicago Asian as Branch Operations Officer and as Staff American Hall of Fame in Finance and Auditor for SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. Accounting given by the Via Times Journal (Manila, Philippines) (member firm of & CPR TV Chicago.

18 The ISFFA Chicago – FLORESCA Philippine CPA Review Scholarship Fund

The fund aims to provide CPA review opportunity for financially-challenged Accounting graduates to pursue their dream of becoming a CPA in the Philippines. The Floresca family pledged to send 4 scholars (as a legacy of the 4 CPAs in their family) annually, in perpetuity, to a CPA review school (CPAR) and coordinate the administration (through NFJPIA) for the evaluation of eligible candidates for the Scholarship grant. The ISFFA Chicago Chapter will contribute to the fund on an annual basis based on its fund-raising efforts, with the support of the Floresca family. Thanks to the twelve ISFFA Chicago Chapter members and non-members who pledged during the Oath-taking Dinner in 2017: Maria Balita, Jenny Roan, Stella Santos, Ann Abueg, Mavie Valera, Anthony Sassli, Ian Mendoza, Mark Tan, Clarita Santos, Melvin Icalina, Emman Mijares, and Patrick Alforque. For this year, we will be sending 16 Scholars in the Philippines on their way to fulfilling their dreams of becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

ISFFA Founder’s Scholarship Program Awarded to 2 BS Accountancy Students for 2 years at the University of the East, Philippines

L-R: Joselito Florendo, VP Planning & L-R: Joselito Florendo, VP Planning & Finance, University of the Philippines (ISFFA Finance, University of the Philippines (ISFFA Representative); Ms. Dianne Ricamara, Scholar; Representative); Mr. Zosimo Battad, Chancellor, and Ms. Roselle Servanda, Scholar University of the East Caloocan City; and Mr. Louie Divinagracia, Dean, University of the East 19 ISFFA / AICPA Scholars 2018 The ISFFA Chicago – FLORESCA Philippine CPA Review Scholarship Fund

The fund aims to provide CPA review opportunity for financially-challenged Accounting graduates to pursue their dream of Celine Felix becoming a CPA in the Philippines. $4,000 The Floresca family pledged to send 4 scholars (as a legacy of the 4 CPAs in their family) annually, in California State University, Fullterton perpetuity, to a CPA review school (CPAR) and coordinate the administration (through NFJPIA) for the evaluation of eligible candidates for the Scholarship grant. The ISFFA Chicago Chapter will contribute to the fund on an annual basis based on its fund-raising efforts, with the support of the Floresca family. Thanks to the twelve ISFFA Chicago Chapter members and non-members who pledged during the Oath-taking Dinner in 2017: Maria Balita, Jenny Roan, Stella Santos, Ann Abueg, Mavie Valera, Anthony Sassli, Ian Mendoza, Mark Tan, Clarita Santos, Melvin Icalina, Emman Mijares, and Patrick Alforque. For this year, we will be sending 16 Scholars in the Philippines on their way to Samantha Lopez fulfilling their dreams of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. $3,000 DePaul University

Julius Loredo $2,000 California State University, Northridge

Alec Agana $1,000 California State University, Northridge

20 Highlights of our past two years...

21 Message from ISFFA National Executive Board Outgoing Chair Dr. Edith Winterhalter

It has been a very fulfilling experience to see ISFFA and ISFFAns grow over the years, culminating with my two-year term as the Chair of its National Executive Board. Together, we explored the meaning of success and led to this year’s theme of our national conference - People, Passion, Purpose: Pathways to Success.

Perhaps one of the most unexpected yet extremely satisfying aspect of joining ISFFA is seeing firsthand the growth of our PEOPLE. I have seen our students budding out of their shyness and feeling empowered to start on their professional journey, our young professionals blooming into mature individuals and seeing success in their careers, and our established professionals realizing life beyond their careers and taking on their journey from success to significance. In 2017, we established the “ISFFA Speaker Series Program” to foster the continuing success of our members. We have heard from successful individuals from different sectors discuss their pathways, the skills set they utilize in their careers, and lessons learned in their journey. Maraming salamat to all these leaders for willingly sharing their experiences so that we may learn from them as we embark on our own life’s journey.

Very palpable, too, is the PASSION that drives ISFFA in its three-pillar PURPOSE of leadership, mentorship, and scholarship. Our chapters are actively engaged in providing various technical and soft skills workshops such as Chicago’s mentorship event “Being a CPA: Is It Worth It?” as well as conducting activities that hone the leadership capabilities of its members. In addition, they bonded in various community-building activities such as Los Angeles’ volunteer event at the Los Angeles Food Bank. And continuing this year is the National Executive Board’s collaboration with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in providing academic scholarship awards to four deserving accounting students. Additionally, the National Executive Board fundraised for a travel scholarship fund to supplement the expenses of five members to our national conference in Chicago, Illinois this year. Maraming salamat to all who donated their time and resources in making all these activities and events meaningful and successful.

As we conclude this year’s conference, I hope that the lessons we learned today will add to the ever-growing cache of knowledge that ISFFA members has been building over the years and help us to forge our professional and personal journeys. I hope that we continue to recognize that our PATHWAY TO SUCCESS truly requires PEOPLE and the relationships we build, PASSION in pursuing our goals, and life filled with PURPOSE. ISFFA provided me with all these three components and for that, maraming MARAMING SALAMAT po. 22 2016 - 2018 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Dr. Edith Winterhalter Eileen Fisler Maria Fides Balita Chair Vice Chair Secretary & Chicago Chapter Liaison

Kathy Lai Mark Bojocan Marialyn Salvador Los Angeles Chapter Liaison San Francisco Chapter Liaison Treasurer

Beth Hacia Rasel Menendez Liezl Malabanan Member Member Member

Joy Mayor Jennifer Bangit Mailo Lagman Member Member Member 23 12 YEARS OF ISFFA

We want to thank all of ISFFA’s current and past officers from all the chapters and the National Executive Board, as well as our advisors and friends.

ISFFA Founders

Benel Se-Liban Aireen M. Suguitan President Vice President of Newsletter

Casper Calisin Marinella F. Zipagang Executive Vice President Vice President of Conventions and Events E. “Bong” Batingana Vice President of Sponsorships Mary Antonette Santillan Secretary Hope Cue Elmer Pascual Vice President of Membership Treasurer

Susan Legaspi Jennifer “Jen” Bangit Founding Advisor Associate Treasurer

Gilbert Vasquez Marialyn “Lyn” Salvador Founding Honorary Advisory Auditor

Katherine Lai Grace Reyes Vice President of Student Relations Public Relations

Albert Ocampo Carmelita O’Neil Vice President of Founding Advisor Community Service Secretary and Chairperson of Scholarships

24 ISFFA Advisors

Gilbert R. Vasquez *Reynaldo L. Padilla Managing Partner Managing Partner Vasquez & Co. LLP Padilla & Company, LLP Founder of ALPFA Rowena Cipriano-Reyes *Washington SyCip Partner Founder SGV Group PwC

Benjamin Punongbayan Erlinda Olalia-Carin Chairman Partner Punongbayan & Araullo KPMG

Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo Aurora M. Rubin Consultant Retired Office of the Chairman Senior Partner Social Security Commission Deloitte & Touche

Rene S. Enriquez Albert Yeo Executive Director Senior Financial Advisor Mitchell & Titus, LLP Merrill Lynch

Los Angeles 2009-2010

Jonathan Agot Jennifer Bangit President Vice President of Sponsorship

Tonette Santillan Michelle Santos Executive Vice President Vice President of CPE/ Events

Alan Vuycankiat Maria Montero Vice President of Student Relations Vice President of Public Relations

Grace De Asis Lealei Magat Vice President of Secretary Community Outreach Elmer Pascual Lorenzo Moran Treasurer Vice President of Membership Ricel Lapig Auditor * Rest in peace 25 Los Angeles 2011-2013

Rey Puentengra Pamela Irineo President (2011-2012) Secretary

Beth Hacia Beth Hacia President (2013) Treasurer

Lalaine Nocum Pina Flores Vice-President Public Relation Officer

Los Angeles 2013-2015

Pamela Irineo Lorenzo Moran President (2013) Vice President of Student Affairs

Mark Bojocan Regina Tanedo President (2014-2015) Vice President of Membership

Esperanza Arato Jericho Naval Executive Vice President Vice President of Internal Affairs

Angel Francisco Mailo Lagman-Garcia Secretary Director of Website Mgmt

Malve Ildefonso Jay-Ar Ballesteros Vice President of Director of Community Services Branding and Marketing

Los Angeles 2015-2017

Lorenzo Moran Ejay Delos Reyes President Controller

Marlon Pasamba Allen Au Executive Vice President Vice President of Professional Affairs Lenard Robles Vice President of Finance Yzabel Balagtas Director of Scholarships

26 Tien Dang Kyla Tamondong Director of Public Relations Vice President of Education

Angelica Tolentino Matt Thienphrapa Vice President of Vice President of Professional Affairs Student Affairs

Christine Llamoso Pansy Lam Vice President of Social Affairs Secretary

Chicago 2013-2015

Maria Fides Balita Maribel Dore President Secretary

Arvin Floresca Abi Unada Executive Vice President Vice President of Newsletter

Andrew Guerrero Ann Abueg Vice President of Student Affairs Assistant Vice President

Jennifer Roam Theresa Icalina Treasurer Vice President of Community Service Stella Marie Santos Sponsorship Melvin Icalina Auditor Mavie Valera Vice President of Membership Gayle Floresca Vice President of CPE and Events

Chicago 2015-2017

Arvin Floresca Ana Ausan President Treasurer

Andrew Guerrero Janpaul Ferrer Executive Vice President Vice President of Sponsorship

Ricky Peralta Jennifer Alba Vice President of Student Affairs Vice President of Membership

27 Charlene Baccay Patrick Alforque Secretary Auditor

Carla mae Cajalne Emmanuel Mijares Vice President of Newsletter Vice President of CPE

Melvin Icalina Marchesa Nieto Vice President of Events Vice President of Website

Katrina Chavez Vice President of Community Service

Chicago 2017-2019

Andrew Guerrero Mark Tan President Vice President of Mentorship

Charlene Beccay Katrina Elvambuena Executive Vice President Vice President of Community Service

Ruth Hajduk Kathlyn Talapian Secretary Vice President of External Affairs

Emmanuel Mijares Joan Santos Treasurer Vice President of Social Media

Lorenzo Moran Marchesa Nieto Vice President of Leadership Vice President of Advertising and Promotion Jasmine Pineda Vice President of Membership

28 San Francisco 2012-2014

Emily Enriquez-Patton Lynmour Naira President Vice President of Media and Public Affairs Shirley Bayani Vice President of Evelyn Torres Coporate Affairs and Communications Vice President of Finance

Ryan Bumbrique Rizza Velarde Vice President of Events Vice President of Operations and Information Technology Control and Oversight

Melissa Garcia Riza Barron Vice President of Membership Volunteer Staff and Student Relations Maria Luisa Jarcia Volunteer Staff

San Francisco 2014-2016

Shirely Bayani Lynmour Naira President Media Committee Chair

Ryan Dumbrique Arnel Medina Vice President Membership Committee Chair

Arlene Poblete Community Service Committee Chair

New York 2009

Michael Gonzalez Al Katigbak President Secretary

Marge Quimosing Maricel Lo Vice President Vice President of Membership

Joan Nicholas Michael Alberto Treasurer Vice President of Marketing

29 National Executive Board 2011-2014

Marylou Garcia Edith Winterhalter Chair Student Relations Committee Chair

Colleen Abang Socorro Padua Vice Chair Website Committee Chair

Benel Se-Liban Mary Anne Sabido Werner Treasurer Mary Jane Aquino Albert Yeo Rey Padilla Eileen Fisler Membership Committee Co-Chair Clariza Mullins JL Garcia Susan Afan Members Membership Committee Co-Chair

National Executive Board 2014-2016

Mary Anne Sabido Werner Susan Afan Chair Membership Committee Co-Chair

JL Garcia Socorro Padua Vice Chair Website Committee Chair

Benel Se-Liban Mary Jane Aquino Treasurer Clariza Mullins Carmelita O’Neil Eileen Fisler Philomena Pena Secretary Maria Fides Balita Members

National Executive Board 2016-2018

Edith Winterhalter Chapter Liaisons: Chair Chicago- Maria Fides Balita Los Angeles- Kathy Lai Eileen Fisler San Francisco- Mark Bojocan Vice Chair Jenny Bangit Marialyn Salvador Beth Hacia Treasurer Mailo Lagman Liezl Malabanan Maria Fides Balita Joy Mayor Secretary Rasel Menedez 30 Members Thank you so much for our generous sponsors!

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

EVENT SPONSORS:

31 Message from the Incoming Chair Maria Fides Balita

The next two years begins another exciting their personal journey to help guide our members period for the International Society of Filipinos in as they create their own path to success. Each Finance & Accounting (ISFFA). mentoring event includes a breakout session that will help our members talk about a theme, and Empowering tomorrow’s leaders today. ISFFA’s develop soft skills like speaking in public, making four pillars of leadership, mentoring, scholarship, presentations, and learning at the same time. and community service continues to serve as our solid foundation to achieve our primary goal Community Service – We have done multiple to assist, educate, train and mentor emerging community service events, like packing meals at professionals, both domestically and globally. Feed My Starving Children, CPA Day of Service, The global economic stage has brought a caroling at a nursing home,and Los Angeles Food challenge as finance and accounting professionals Bank. to be the “modern breed” and to adapt. Soft skills has become as relevant as technical skills. While we all work on achieving our mission at ISFFA, we also find time to have fun – We have several initiatives in place at ISFFA that participating at Kalayaan Gala and Caroling by we will focus as well as enhance in the months the National Board, Fiesta Pinoy, Picnic, and ahead. Adobo Fest by Chicago Chapter, and for Los Angeles Chapter - Holiday Gala, Bowling and Scholarship – Our Scholarship Program has Archery. opportunities to be more effective and we will continue to strengthen this program. ISFFA It’s been 12 years since ISFFA was founded. It National Scholarship Fund will be launched. definitely has evolved – not quite as big as other ISFFA National website is in the process of accounting organizations, but continues to grow being set-up and will launch soon. Today, – focused on serving the needs of our members – we launched at the National Level the ISFFA Filipinos and non- Filipinos, one quarter at a time, Chicago - Floresca Philippine CPA Review and one activity at a time. We lift each other as (CPAR) Course Scholarship – Philippines CPAR we climb our professional ladder. We do not think Review Center – we will coordinate with CPAR of pride and division – we believe in humility so Center in the Philippines. ISFFA Founders Fund we can be celebrated. We take the good in our also funds college education of students who respective heritage and combine with the good in take accounting in the Philippines. I would like American culture. to encourage all our members and supporters to help us enhance our Scholarship program by your I would like to thank the founders of ISFFA, the contributions and also by disseminating to those past National Executive Board members, and my needing the assistance the scholarships we offer. predecessor, Edith Winterhalter, for laying the foundation of this dynamic organization. I would Leadership – Our Executive Leadership Series also like to thank you all for being here and continues to inspire and provide impactful sharing in our vision for ISFFA. Your presence leadership lessons and skills. We had plans of and support inspires us to fulfill our mission. launching a structured leadership program before. ISFFA will continue to let our members’ We will revisit and strategize. talents shine, develop their abilities to be an impactful leader, and give back meaningfully. Mentoring – Our mentoring program will continue as is. Each chapter conducts events such as inviting successful professionals for a talk of Be a mentor. Be a leader. Make a difference. 32 2018 - 2020 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Maria Fides Balita Kathy Lai Malve Ildefonso Marialyn Salvador Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer

Joy Mayor Beth Hacia Liezl Malabanan Marla Isidro Member Member Member Member

Cecile Pineda Mailo Lagman Roberto Concepcion Chris Salamanca Member Member Member Member

Theresa Icalina Member

33 Message from the ISFFA Founder

August 24, 2018

Dear Members, Friends and Supporters of ISFFA,

Mabuhay!

On behalf of the Founders, I would like to congratulate the ISFFA National Board and Chapter Board Officers (2016-2018) for their hard work and continued support to ISFFA mission and programs.

Thank you for bringing an exciting ISFFA National Conference to Chicago that will continue to inspire, empower and educate our members.

The International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting was founded to serve the Filipino community with special focus on assisting, educating, training, and mentoring emerging professionals, both domestically and globally.

With the organization born in Los Angeles, California twelve years ago, I am privileged and honored to see the growth of our organization from its humble beginnings as a simple dream of empowerment to becoming a global powerhouse that is currently influencing activities in major accounting and financial markets. Our members and their mentors are now in positions of authority and influence that help inspire a pipeline of professionals to make a difference in the communities they serve.

I’d like to borrow a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference, that you have lived and lived well.” This quote is the essence of my life’s mantra: What will matter? (Michael Josephson). The pathway to success is not how much financial or material wealth we gain. A life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice. We need to create and nurture in each one of us a passion to choose a life that matters.

We have all been blessed with the strength and resources to make a difference. May you continue on to do so through ISFFA!

God bless us all!!!

Sincerely,

Benel Se-Liban Founder, International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting

34 Congratulations

International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) on its Third Biennial National Conference 2018!

~ JBC Group, LLC WWW.WYJBCGROUP.COM (424) 254-8986 [email protected] Psalm 136:1

35 SAVE THE DATE!

4th Biennial ISFFA National Conference

Saturday, October 24, 2020

Visit our website www.isffa.org for more information.

People, Passion, Purpose: Pathways to Success

36 2018 ISFFA National Conference Planning Committee

Program and Scholarship Maria Fides Balita - Conference Chair Edith Winterhalter - Vice Conference Chair Kathy Lai, NEB Liezl Sangalang, NEB Benel Liban, NEB Rasel Manlapaz, NEB Lyn Salvador, NEB Jennifer Bangit, NEB Joy Mayor, NEB Eileen Fisler, NEB Andrew Guerrero, Chicago Chapter Presentations

Scholarship Jennifer Bangit, NEB Arvin Floresca, Chicago

Logistics, Tokens Andrew Guerrero, Chicago Richard Yamomo, Chicago John Tipsay, Chicago

Venue, Food & Beverage

Charlene Baccay, Chicago

Registration Charlene Baccay, Chicago Prichy Balita, Chicago Amera Gondouin, Chicago Jasmine Pineda - Speaker Registration, Chicago Richard Yamomo, Chicago John Tipsay, Chicago

CPE Credits

Emmanuel Mijares, Chicago Prichy Balita, Chicago

Social Media and Print Promotions

Jo-ann Santos, Chicago Emmanuel Mijares, Chicago

Finance

Emmanuel Mijares, Chicago Lyn Salvador, NEB

Newsletter

Lendard Robles, Los Angeles 37 Organizations must continually innovate to grow. Innovation requires… Diversity of thought and cultures

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is just one of the reasons human resource organizations and local and national media have named us one of the best places to work.

Audit / Tax / Advisory / Risk / Performance www.crowe.com

38

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