2018 Conference Guide - ISFFAisffa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ISFFA_WEB... · 2018-08-25 ·...

PEOPLE, PASSION, PURPOSE:PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

THIRD BIENNIAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF FILIPINOS IN FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING (ISFFA)

2018 Conference Guide

August 25, 2018Summit Executive Centre, 10th Floor205 N. Michigan AvenueChicago, IL, 60601

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.

Adelfia is a Filipino and women-owned firm.400 E. Randolph St. Suite 700 Chicago, Illinois 60601

Tel: (312) 240-9500 www.adelfiacpas.com

Adelfia proudly supports

theNational Executive Board and Officers of ISFFA on its 3rd

Biennial National Conference

August 25, 2018Chicago, Illinois

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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 GuerreroPresidentISFFA Chicago Chapter

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Welcome Remarks from Chicago Chapter

Table of Contents

2018 Conference Program

2018 Biennial ISFFA National Conference Speakers

Floresca Scholarship

ISFFA/AICPA Scholars 2018

Message from Outgoing Chair

2016 - 2018 National Executive Board

12 Years of ISFFA

Sponsors

Message from Incoming Chair

2018 - 2020 National Executive Board

Message from Founding President

Announcement of 4th Biennial ISFFA National Conference

2018 ISFFA National Conference Planning Commitee

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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2018 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

WWW.ISFFA.ORG

9:00 - 9:50 a.m.

BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING Kathy LaiMaster of Ceremonies

WELCOME REMARKS Dr. Edith Winterhalter

INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Arvin Floresca

GENERAL SESSION People, Passion, Purpose: Pathways to Success

Keynote SpeakerJ. Carlitos “Itos” G. Cruz

10:00 - 10:50 a.m.

GENERAL SESSION

Leadership Series Executive Panel: Mindset for Success

Jennifer CabalquintoEloisa BrionesMalve Ildefonso

Moderators:Dr. Edith WinterhalterEileen Fisler

8:55 - 9:00 a.m.

8:45 - 8:55 a.m.

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

CONCURRENT SESSIONS Financial Literacy: Wealth Accumulation 2020

Marla Isidro

Human Side of CybersecurityRalph Villanueva

12:30 - 1:00 p.m.

1:10 - 2:00 p.m.

11:50 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

GENERAL SESSION National Board Induction of New Officers

Dr. Edith Winterhalter

Awarding of AICPA/ ISFFA ScholarshipJennifer Bangit

ISFFA Chicago Scholarship Program (Floresca Scholarship-CPAR Review)

Arvin Floresca

CONCURRENT SESSIONS 7 Steps to Speaking with Impact

Denise Harrington

Artificial Intelligence Justin BassKathy Lai

LUNCH AND NETWORKING

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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

Adelfiaproudly supports

theNational Executive Board and Officers of ISFFA on its 3rd

Biennial NationalConference

August 25, 2018Chicago, Illinois

5

WWW.ISFFA.ORG

2:10 - 3:00 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS Tax Reform Update

Stella Marie B. SantosMavie Valera

Taking the CPA Exam Dr. Elizabeth Murphy

3:10 - 4:00 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS Entrepreneurship

Tinette Sumiller Justin Garrido

The Hybrid Professional: A Modern Approach To Thinking About Your Career

Paul TorresMs. 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 RoblesKathlyn TalapianCeline FelixHank Hsiao

Moderators:Andrew GuerreroMelinda Haag

5:00 - 5:10 p.m.

5:10 - 6:00 p.m.

CLOSING REMARKS

Announcement of ISFFA National Conference 2020

Maria Fides Balita

NETWORKING RECEPTION, NETWORKING BINGO, ANDMINI-RECRUITMENT

People, Passion, PurposePathways to Success

2018 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

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2018 Biennial ISFFA National Conference Speakers

Ms. Lai is a highly accomplished licensed CPA and CGMA public accounting pro-fessional of diverse experience derived from providing assurance services to large, complex state and local governmental en-tities, higher education institutions, school districts, utilities and not-for-profit orga-nizations. With approximately 20 years of experience in public accounting, Ms. Lai has led the audits of some of the largest governments in California, including the State of California (Single Audit), City of Los Angeles, City of Santa Ana, City of Riverside, County of Los Angeles, Metro-politan Water District of Southern Califor-nia, Los Angeles Unified School District and the California State University Sys-tem. Among 400,000 CPA’s nationwide, Ms. Lai has been appointed by the AICPA to serve on a select national 15-member

State and Local Government Expert Panel. Through her participation with the AICPA, she has been accredited with contributions to authoring the AICPA State and Local Government Audit Guide, including the newest Pension Chapter to address the complex GASB pension standards, com-piling AICPA comment letters to GASB on emerging standards and presenting webcasts for the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center. Other examples of Ms. Lai’s thought leadership includes presenting to over 1,000 Californians on the complexities of the Uniform Guidance and emerging GASB pronouncements through her involvement with the Califor-nia Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO), National Grants Management Association (NGMA) and tailored client trainings.

Dr. Edith Winterhalter is currently the Associate Vice President for Strategic Business Operations in the Division of Administration and Finance at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She has been with CSUN for twenty years now where she worked as the Director of Academic Budget Management and various other positions in the Division of Academic Affairs. Professional affiliations include Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), National Association

of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), and University Risk Management and Insurance Association (URMIA). She is a Board Member of the CSU Risk Management Association (CSURMA). Edith was awarded the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women by the Filipina Women’s Network in 2017. She received her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in Education Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at CSUN.

Kathy Lai, CPAPartner, Crowe LLP

Dr. Edith Tijamo WinterhalterAssociate Vice President for Strategic Business OperationsCalifornia State University, NorthridgeChair, ISFFA National Executive Board

Master of Ceremoniesand

Artificial Intelligence

Welcome Remarksand

ModeratorLeadership Series Executive Panel:

Mindset for Success

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Arvin Floresca is the Director of SOX Compliance and Accounting Policies of Anixter, a Fortune 500 company and a leading global distributor of Network and Security solutions, Electrical and Electronic solutions and Utility Power solutions. Arvin is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a Certified Global Management Accountant. He also received his Certification in Risk Management Assurance. His areas of expertise are in Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance, Accounting Policies and Procedures, Enterprise Risk Assessment and Management, and Business Process Audits and Improvements. Arvin previously held similar global leadership positions in the area of Internal Controls in AbbVie, a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, and CNH, a world leader in farm machinery and construction equipment. He was also a Manager of Enterprise Risk Services at Deloitte where he worked with clients in the Consumer Business and Manufacturing industries. He was involved in various knowledge management and training course development activities

for the firm’s internal audit services. He was also a national instructor for Deloitte US courses. Arvin started his career as an external auditor at SGV &Co. (then Arthur Andersen Philippines). He has broad experience outside of public accounting, specifically in the Oil and Gas, Retail and Energy industries. He has been an Assistant Treasurer and Accounting & Controls Manager at Shell Philippines Exploration and a project manager for Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance at Party City. He has also managed numerous compliance and operational audits of various government and non-profit organizations as an Audit Supervisor in a minority auditing firm in Chicago. Arvin received his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from De La Salle University in the Philippines. He is also a Certified Public Accountant in the Philippines. He is currently the Chair of the Speakers Committee of the IIA Chicago Chapter. He was a National Facilitator for the IIA in the US and one of the founding officers and ex- President of the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA)- Chicago Chapter.

Arvin FlorescaDirector of SOX Compliance and Accounting Policies, Anixter

Introduction of Keynote Speaker

andFloresca Scholarship

Having completed her accounting degree and CPA license in 1983, Eileen Fisler started her career in the Philippines as an accountant in International School, a non-profit organization catering to students whose parents are diplomats or foreign nationals of the Philippines. In 1987, she migrated to the U.S. and worked as an accountant at a workers’ compensation insurance company in Pasadena which is fully owned by Berkshire Hathaway. She made a tough decision to stay within the Los Angeles area when the accounting department moved to Berkshire Hathaway’s headquarters in Omaha,

Nebraska in 1992. Since then, Eileen has worked in various for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations including the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Tenet Healthcare, United Health Services, and Kaiser Permanente. In 2005, she finished her Master’s Degree in Business Administration, with emphasis in healthcare, at the University of California in Irvine. Recently, she served as CFO for Ventura County’s Health Care Agency, a $650 million operation, with 200 employees under her leadership. She is currently the CFO for Palmdale Regional Medical Center.

Eileen FislerChief Financial Officer, St. Vincent Medical CenterVice Chair, ISFFA National Executive Board

ModeratorLeadership Series Executive Panel:

Mindset for Success

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J. Carlitos “Itos” G. Cruz joined SGV in 1981 and was admitted to the partnership in 1995. He was appointed Head of Assurance Services in2007, Vice Chairman and Deputy Managing Partner in 2010, and Chairman and Managing Partner in 2017.

As an Assurance partner, Itos led the audit of multinational and Philippine companies engaged in various industries, including power generation, oil and gas, energy, chemicals, utilities, and manufacturing. He also worked with the Denver, Colorado office of an international accounting firm where he honed his competency in the audit of companies in the oil and gas industry.

During his term as Vice Chairman, he led the Firm’s initiatives in growing the local market, establishing the Asia-Pacific Talent Hub (ATH), as well as the first EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) offices in the Philippines. The ATH provides quality Assurance services to EY offices around the Asia-Pacific Area such as Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The GDS facilities deliver Assurance, Advisory and Tax Services to support international EY client engagements as well as provide administrative and core business services to EY offices globally. These developments have empowered SGV professionals to gain global experience and exposure while still based in the Philippines.

In his current capacity as Chairman and Managing Partner, Itos oversees the Firm, ascertaining that its objectives, purpose, and policies are

met and are in line with EY’s growth strategy. He works closely with EY’s Global Leaders for insights, updates, and strategy alignment.

Itos completed the Advanced Management Program of Harvard Business School in 2007 and the Advanced International Program in Oil and Gas Management at the University of Texas in 1994. He graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree, Major in Accounting. He was the first recipient of the UST-AMV College of Accountancy Professional Achievement Award in Public Accounting given in 2009. He was cited as one of the UST College of Commerce’s top 75 alumni during its 75th year celebration in 2008, and was also awarded as an Outstanding Alumni in Public Practice in 1999. In 2016, he received The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award (TOTAL) in recognition of his achievements in the field of Accountancy.

Itos is a member of the Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce Industry, Inc., and Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He was the president of The Association of Certified Public Accountants in Public Practice (ACPAPP) in 2017 and in 2018, assumed the presidency of the ACPAPP Foundation. He is also on the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Business for Social Progress and President of the SGV Foundation.

J. Carlitos “Itos” G. CruzSVG & Co. Chairman and Managing

Keynote SpeakerGeneral SessionPeople, Passion, Purpose: Pathways to Success

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Jennifer Cabalquinto, Chief Financial Officer of the Golden State Warriors, is a senior finance executive with a proven track record of improving financial performance, increasing productivity and enhancing internal controls leading to increased enterprise value. Jennifer Cabalquinto is currently in her fifth season as the Chief Financial Officer of the Golden State Warriors. In this role, she oversees all day-to-day and long-term strategic and financial planning and accounting for the organization. She has over 25 years finance leadership experience in a variety of start-up, turnaround, stable and high

growth business environments. Most recently she served as Vice President and CFO for Universal Studios Hollywood, NBC Universal’s theme park and Citywalk operations in Los Angeles, California. She has previously held various finance leadership roles within NBC Universal’s broadcast division and Telemundo. Jennifer started her finance career as an auditor with Ernst & Young in New York. Jennifer earned a Bachelors degree in Accounting from SUNY, Binghamton’s School of Management. She and her husband, Howard Joyce, reside in Oakland with their son Jack.

Eloisa M. Briones serves as the Vice President, Administrative Services of Skyline College. She is responsible for providing administrative leadership and oversight in all areas of the finance, budget & operations, human resources, facilities and capital improvements, transportation services and Public Safety at Skyline College. Eloisa is a member of the College President’s Executive Leadership Council and various governance committees at Skyline College, as well as at the San Mateo County Community College District, of which Skyline College is a part of. She co-chairs the College’s Strategic

Planning and Resources and Allocation Committee and the Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee. VP Briones gained extensive experience in community college finance and operations for close to 25 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accountancy from the University of the Philippines. She is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the Association of Chief Business Officials (ACBO), the American Council of Community College Administrators (ACCCA), and the National Asian Pacific Islander Council (NAPIC).

Malve is an assurance Partner in BDO’s Asset Management practice, where she serves as engagement leader and business advisor for alternative investment fund managers. Malve has over 19 years of professional experience in both public accounting and industry; in Philadelphia, Southern California, and the Bay area. Malve’s experience includes leading audit engagement teams in serving clients across a broad spectrum of public and private companies in the asset management industry, including Section 404 attestation for public advisors, registered funds, private equity funds, fund of funds, broker dealer, and employee benefit plans. Malve’s technical expertise includes ASC

820 Fair Value topic, ASC 946 Financial Statement Disclosures, Regulation S-X, and audit of internal control over financial reporting. Malve also brings a different perspective from her management and oversight role over the financial reporting end-to-end process including the review of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a large registered mutual fund complex. Malve has a proven track record in executing highest quality audits and is passionate in managing and coaching her team including women and minorities to deliver exceptional client service.

Jennifer CabalquintoGolden State Warriors, Chief Financial Officer

Eloisa BrionesVice President, Administrative Services, Skyline College

Malve IldefonsoAssurance Partner, Asset Management Practices, BDO

Leadership Series Executive Panel:

Mindset for Success


Mindset for Success


Mindset for Success

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Marla Isidro Senior Vice President of Business Development and Co-Founder, Axianta Financial Partners

Ralph has been keeping his employers compliant with IT compliance requirements across numerous and diverse regulations such as the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Payment Card Industry, Sarbanes – Oxley and ISO 27001 since 2010. His business degrees (bachelor’s from the University of the Philippines – Visayas and MBA from the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business) and more than a decade’s staff and managerial experience in auditing, accounting and financial management provides him with insights

on how to bridge the collaboration gap between IT and the rest of the organization when it comes to communicating and enforcing IT compliance requirements. On top of that, Ralph earned numerous IT certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Payment Card Industry – Internal Security Assessor (PCI-ISA) and Payment Card Industry Professional (PCIP).

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

Financial Literacy: Wealth Accumulation

2020

Human Side of Cybersecurity

Known as an entrepreneurial dynamo, a business coach, and philanthropist, Marla Isidro learned early on in life that there are no boundaries to what you want to achieve in life. Her father inspired her with the mindset; if you set your mind on something, you must focus on it to make it happen. Marla is a dynamic personality and highly-sought-after resource in business and professional circles for Fortune 500 CEOs, Lawyers, CPA firms, small business owners, non-profit and community leaders from all sectors of society looking to expand opportunity. Marla, who is a CPA and owner of a beverage distribution business who has contracts with San Miguel Brewing Group, immigrated to the United States and left the Philippines with her burgeoning family in tow in search of the American dream. Having to take a step back to garner a bookkeeping job was not a setback for Marla, it was a challenge. In short order, she landed a job as Senior Accountant for the largest Shopping Center in the United States. Marla has always had a passion for helping people and wanting to make a difference in their lives. Her entrepreneurial spirit, that was planted in her as a young child, led her to seek out a business opportunity in the financial services industry. She believes, “with proper guidance and training you can achieve anything you desire”. As a brilliant educator, Marla’s ability to take complicated financial concepts and present them in simple, easy terms has catapulted

her to be one of the largest business builder in the financial industry. Motivated by her accomplishments, Marla co-founded Axianta Financial Partners based in Calabasas, California and has presence in 40 different states. Marla has commanded the stage in front of 30,000 business leaders and entrepreneurs. Her success has also garnered her being named as one of the 100 Outstanding Filipino-Americans in US. She was featured in the modern day ground-breaking movie Think and Grow Rich: The Legacy, based on Napoleon Hill’s best-selling book alongside world-renowned entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek, Real Estate Mogul and Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran, America’s greatest prosperity teacher Bob Proctor, Fellow CPA and co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad Sharon Lechter and many others who are giants in their fields. As a philanthropist, Marla sits on the board of the All For One Foundation, dedicated to changing the lives of children around the world by improving social conditions, educational opportunities, and healthcare availability. Currently, they are active on projects in over 10 countries worldwide. For anyone who dreams of owning a business or would like to capitalize on their entrepreneurial dream, Marla’s message will enlighten them with knowledge and the action steps to catapult them to success. She currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband Lito and their three children; Klyde, Jethro and Amiea.

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Jenny Bangit is currently the Sr. Director, Assistant Corporate Controller at Herbalife, Nutrition Ltd. She has over 20 years of public and private accounting experience. Previously, Jen was a Manager of Corporate Reporting and Analysis at the Walt Disney Company and AVP for SEC Reporting at Indymac Bank. She was also an Audit Senior at Arthur Andersen LLP in the Los Angeles office. She started

her career at Sycip, Gorres, Velayo & Co (SGV) in Manila, Philippines. Jen graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accountancy. She was a Top 20 placer at the Philippine Licensure Examination. She is also a licensed CPA in the State of California.

Twenty-six years ago, Denise Harrington launched a business that focuses on transforming the way that corporations and businesses communicate. She stepped on the stage of a major business club to give a speech on the “Art of Speaking with Impact” and on that day a company and legacy began! Denise, the owner of DMH Consulting Group, works with C-Suite Executives, Premier Athletes, and individuals, giving them the tools to capture their “Signature Style” and presence. Denise has helped individuals speak more clearly under pressure and coaches teams to communicate their company’s brand with Impact! Denise is not only a change maker, she inspires others to become game changers, showing them how to get out in front of the message, influence, and persuade. Most recently Denise has been focusing on helping women develop stronger voices in the workplace. She believes that as women moving forward in the business arena, knowing how to communicate who they are and what they believe in will help them

to become stronger contributors. Denise is well known in the technology, sports, and retail industries as “THE” go to person for assisting brands in having stronger messages and messengers. Her influence on brands and those who represent them has helped many companies’ soar in the marketplace. Denise has prepared individuals to speak on some of the most visible global topics such as sustainability, marketplace growth, global workforce, emerging markets and women’s initiatives. Her client list consists of companies like: Nike, Autodesk, Microsoft, and Cisco…including developing and delivering programs for University of Oregon’s Masters program in Sports Product Management and Clemson University. She is “the one to watch” as she works to influence the influential, those who have a critical role in shaping the future of global workplace and economy. Denise is a graduate of Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth-Minority Business Executive Program.

Jennifer Bangit, Senior Director and Assistant Corporate Controller, Herbalife, Nutrition Ltd.ISFFA Scholarship Committee Chair

Denise HarringtonCEO and Founder, DMH Consulting Group

Awarding of AICPA/ ISFFA Scholarship

7 Steps to Speaking with Impact

He also has non-IT certifications such as the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) and Certified Public Accountant licensed in the Philippines (CPA-PH). Since the start of this decade, Ralph has spoken professionally in national and international conferences of major organizations such

as the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics Professionals (SCCE).

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Justin A. Bass is the Chief Data Science Officer for Crowe LLP, and leads the newly formed Data Science Business Unit. After starting the Advanced Data Science group, the firm-wide shared resource responsible for all machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) at Crowe, traction began to build to incorporate machine learning into all aspects of Crowe, and continue to push forward to use AI and ML in all areas of innovation. Justin also sits on the Crowe’s Data council, a cross-BU group tasked with planning a firm-wide data

strategy, as well as the I nnovation Strategy Team, a group within the Innovation Task Force for strategic planning of investment direction. In a field predicated on continuous learning, Justin’s formal education includes two degrees from The University of Michigan (Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Physics), one from Purdue University (Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering), and two from The Pennsylvania State University (Statistics and Finance).

Justin BassChief Data Science Officer, Crowe LLP

Artificial Intelligence

Maria Divina B. Valera (Mavie) has over 20 years of combined experience in public accounting and industry. Prior to joining ADELFIA LLC, she worked for one of the Big Four firms and a local accounting firm based in Chicago. Mavie also worked for a major airline in the Philippines. Mavie graduated from Maryknoll College (Philippines) with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She took accounting credits at Devry University in Chicago. She is a licensed CPA in Illinois. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Illinois CPA Society, and the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting

(ISFFA). She has concentrated knowledge on International Tax Services focused on compliance issues associated with the operation of an international business. These services for outbound investment from the U.S. frequently include preparation of client assistance packages, preparation of financial information for foreign-owned subsidiaries, calculation of foreign tax credit information, overall foreign loss calculation, and foreign earnings and profits calculations. She also provided Assurance and Audit Services on various Private/Publicly heldCompanies, Government & Non-for-Profit Organizations.

Mavie Valera, CPA Partner, Adelfia LLC

Stella Marie B. Santos has over 25 years of compliance examination and financial audit experience. Prior to founding ADELFIA LLC, she worked in a local accounting firm based in Chicago since October 1993, and became a Partner in January 2003. Prior to that, she had eight years of combined work experience as an assistant to the Vice President- Finance at an international garment manufacturing company and as an audit executive at an accounting firm based in the Philippines (member practice of one of the Big Four Accounting Firms). Stella was principally in-charge of the accounting and tax practice of a local accounting firm for more than 15 years. She also dealt with IRS and state income tax authorities representing clients in audits and tax resolution cases. Stella graduated Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accountancy. She is a CPA both in the Philippines and in

Illinois, USA. She ranked 12th place in the Philippine CPA examination. She is a licensed CPA in Illinois and Indiana. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois CPA Society, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) – Special Review Committee, the Philippine CPAs of Greater Chicago, and the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA). She is a peer reviewer under the AICPA Peer Review Program and a member of the Illinois CPA Society Peer Review Committee. She has extensive knowledge of State and Local government agencies, Universities, Correctional Facilities, Regional Offices of Education, Manufacturing, Retail and Trading companies, State Lotteries, Casinos, Home Health agencies, Physician practices, Community Care Programs, Non-Profits and Medicaid Integrity Programs having engagements performed on these entities.

Stella Marie B. Santos, CPAManaging Partner, Adelfia LLC

Tax Reform Update

Tax Reform Update

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Tinette is a financial planner who works with fellow financial professionals, individuals, families, and small businesses to help them achieve short and long term financial goals, elevate their standard of living, protect the ones they love, and create the possibilities and choices they wouldn’t otherwise have. She also donates her time and talents to teach arts to adults and children, to educate her students more about the beauty and essence of Philippine Culture through dance and music lived as a Filipino American. Tinette is also a co-owner of an all- female owned bar borne out of friendship and a meeting of the minds. In everything she does, Tinette believes that by sharing what she knows, she creates relationships with people that lead to further connections that allow for

everyone to uplift each other. Connections create possibilities and choices, and choices allow for change; even if the changes are unsolicited, choices allow for healthy adjustments to those changes. She has worked in corporate finance for over 10 years where she followed a career path that eventually landed her to be her own boss. Tinette is a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) candidate, a licensed insurance professional, a Certified Financial Education Consultant, an Associate Dance Director for Kayamanan Ng Lahi, and holds a blue cord in Capoeira under Capoeira Brasil. Tinette holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics with an emphasis in East Asia from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Justin is an experienced social entrepreneur, management consultant, and retail executive passionate about collaborating with others to address some of the world’s greatest challenges through social enterprise, digital technology, and sustainable agriculture. He’s the founder of Social Products heirloom rice from Philippine cooperative smallholder farmers, which supports sustainable agriculture and empowers Filipino farmers

out of poverty by providing them access to markets here in the U.S. He works with farmers primarily in North Cotabato, Mindanao, while also supporting farmer initiatives in the Rice Terraces of Luzon. He previously founded a crowdfunding for social good platform in the Philippines -SocialProjectPH, while building cross-sector partnerships along the way withvarious aligned stakeholders.

Tinette SumillerOwner, Genever LA Bar

Justin GarridoCo-Founder & CEO, Social Products Natural Foods

Dr. Murphy serves as an Illinois delegate on the AICPA and has served as a member of the Illinois CPA Society’s Board of Directors. She has received numerous awards, most recently, the Constantine “Gus” Economic Distinguished Teaching Award, DePaul Women in Action Award, and the Illinois CPA Society Special Achievement in Volunteerism Award. In addition, she serves as the faculty advisor to DePaul’s Midwest Association of Hispanic Accountants (MAHA). Beth has been offering the CPA Exam Workshops for MAHA for years and was invited to offer these workshops to all accounting students by the DePaul Career Center and has been invited to give CPA Exam workshops at other Illinois universities. Prior to teaching at DePaul, she was an

instructor at the University of St. Frances. Her previous work experience also includes positions at KPMG, Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History, Internal Revenue Service and Marshall Field’s.Throughout her career, she has published articles on accounting education and ethics in journals that include the Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting and Finance, Journal of Accounting and Finance Research, The Journal of Accounting Case Research, Business & Society Review, Journal of Accounting Education, Strategic Finance, Ohio CPA Journal, Critical Perspectives on Accounting, Kent/Bentley Journal of Accounting and Computers, College Teaching and Learning Journal, and the American Journal of Business Education.

Dr. Elizabeth MurphyAssociate Professor, School of Accountancy and MIS, De Paul University

Taking the CPA Exam

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

15

Paul Torres is a Director in KPMG’s Advisory Services Practice with over 15 years of professional experience. He has a strong background in cybersecurity maturity assessment, penetration testing, social engineering, business impact analysis, business continuity planning, disaster recovery gap analysis, enterprise risk management, IT general controls, project management, IT risk assessment, compliance review, and

security assessment. Paul has substantial experience leading and coordinating advisory engagements for national/global clients ranging from large public to small private companies across several industries as diverse as media and entertainment, banking, manufacturing, retail, technology and communications, computer manufacturing, higher education, and state and local government.

Paul TorresDirector, KPMG

MaddieRose Holler, Miss Arizona 2017, is currently pursuing a Masters in journalism and mass communication with a double minor in Digital Audiences and Special Events Management at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School and The Barrett Honors College. Inspired by her father’s 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy and her brother’s active duty service, completing two tours in Iraq and one Western Pacific Deployment, she embraced her service platform Supporting Our Military and Their Families. Working

with a number of charitable organizations in the valley, she currently serves as President of Military Family Support Group, an Arizona 501c3 that is dedicated to assisting our nation’s troops by providing them with individually packed care packages as a symbol of the community’s gratitude, love, pride and patriotism. A trained vocalist, MaddieRose can speak a little bit of Tagalog, her Philippine mother’s native language, as she is half German and half Filipino.

Ms. Maddie Rose HollerMiss Arizona 2017. Philanthropist. & Aspiring Journalist

He created these models for more efficient processes in broken developing markets, which allowed nonprofits to connect directly with engaged donors, and small scale farmers to connect with conscious consumers. Prior to that Justin had various strategy consulting projects across industries from medical imaging to FMCG, as well as from non-profits to multinational corporations in Australia and the U.S. While in retail management with Aldi Foods, he worked as a district manager across the east coast leading districts

of stores to record sales through people leadership and operational excellence. Later as a director of purchasing, he managed one of the largest divisions in the country with responsibility for the supply chain management. He holds his BA in business management from the University of Maryland and he completed his MBA in Australia and the Philippines, the latter is where he found his calling for the intersection of business + social good in communities and farms across the Philippines.

The Hybrid Professional: A Modern Approach To Thinking

About Your Career

The Hybrid Professional: A Modern Approach To Thinking

About Your Career

Lenard Robles is currently an Advisory Senior Associate at KPMG in the IT Audit and Assurance practice. Before migrating to Los Angeles, Lenard worked at Ernst & Young Philippines (SGV &Co.) as a Tax Associate. He holds a CPA license in the Philippines. Lenard is a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration &Accountancy (BS BAA) at the University of the

Philippines - Diliman. He also competed in various local and international tournaments as a member of the university’s debate team, and was the Philippines’ official representative to the London International Public Speaking Competition in 2013. He has been a member of ISFFA since September 2015.

Lenard RoblesSenior Associate, KPMG Risk Consulting, KPMG Los Angeles

Millennials Panel: Dispelling the Millennial Myths and Facilitating

a Strong Working Relationship with

Millennials 16

Kathlyn Talapian is a Senior Tax Consultant at Deloitte Tax LLP’s Business Tax Services group. She has over three years of experience of providing tax compliance and consulting services across Federal engagements in the Investment Management, Real Estate, and Corporate practices. Kathlyn has an extensive background of working with tax issues prevalent in the Hedge Fund, Private Equity and Inbound Company spaces. She is also a part of Deloitte’s Private Aviation tax practice, where she assists with tax implications of private aircraft ownership and usage. Her responsibilities in all her engagements include project management, and coordinating with clients and other tax groups to ensure a smooth and efficient process. She has actively managed Deloitte’s India Tax Practice, working onsite with teams in Delhi and Hyderabad during peak tax season. She also works

on a rotational basis for one of the leading global investment banking firms based in New York City as part of a co-sourcing assignment. While Kathlyn proudly grew up in the Philippines, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Information Systems from Loyola University in Chicago. Aside from serving as a Vice-President of the Chicago Chapter of the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting, she is also a leader of the United Methodist Church, where she serves as an officer of her local church and the National Assoc. of Filipino-American United Methodists. She enjoys seeing musical shows and exploring new restaurants and places in her spare time. She is passionate about education and tries to give back to the community by raising funds annually to buy school supplies for schools in marginalized towns in the Philippines.

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 President of Engagement while leading the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network. She is currently finishing to her Forensic Internship with Luttrell Wegis, LLP. If she’s not studying or running an event, you can find her drinking boba or doing anything outdoors.

Kathlyn TalapianSenior Tax Consultant, Deloitte Tax Services, Chicago

Celine FelixAccounting Student, California State University, Fullerton



Millennials



Millennials

Hank is an assurance associate within Ernst & Young’s asset management practice in the Los Angeles office. Prior to his role at EY, Hank served in a number of leadership positions in relation to Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), the Bookstein Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) within California State University, Northridge (CSUN)’s College of Business and Economics (COBAE) platform. He also collaborates heavily

with the International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA) Los Angeles chapter to bridge students and professionals alike by coordinating with established organizations and firms to create opportunities. Hank is heavily involved in on-campus recruiting efforts at Ernst & Young and is also tracking his CPA. Within the asset management space, Hank holds a concentrated focus toward private equity, venture capital, hedge funds and fund of funds.

Hank HsiaoFSO Assurance, Associate, EY Los Angeles



Millennials17

Andrew Guerrero is currently the Chicago Chapter President and has been an avid officer of Chicago ISFFA since its launch in 2013. His passion and dedication as an officer has contributed to ISFFA’s growth.He is also the Public Relations Officer of the Philippine CPAs of Greater Chicago (PCPA), a Filipino American professional accounting organization in Chicago. He obtained his Bachelor of

Science in Accounting on August 2011 at the University of Central Florida, in Orlando, Florida. In March 2014, he graduated with distinction from DeVry University with his Masters of Science in Accounting. Andrew is currently an Audit Supervisor for Adelfia LLC with 6 years of public accounting experience and his concentration is in external audit of state and local governments.

has been nationally recognized as an expert in creating and implementing community justice initiatives, with an emphasis on community prosecution, community courts, community policing and creating community partnerships, both secular and faith-based. Other areas of expertise nationally recognized include strategic planning, grant management, program management, information technology systems, and change management.

Maria Fides Balita is a Partner of Adelfia LLC, a Chicago based Filipino and women-owned Certified Public Accounting firm. Maria has over 25 years of experience, with 15 years public accounting experience in audit. Prior to joining Adelfia LLC, Maria served as Audit Manager for Mitchell & Titus, a member firm of Ernst & Young Global, Deloitte’s Employee Benefit Plan Practice, KPMG’s Internal Audit Advisory Services, and E.C. Ortiz & Co. LLP. Maria also worked at Far East Bank & Trust Company, Philippines as Branch Operations Officer and as Staff Auditor for SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. (Manila, Philippines) (member firm of

Ernst & Young Global). Maria is Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the States of Illinois and Indiana, and the Philippines. She recently served as board member of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois CPA Society. Her affiliations include membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Illinois CPA Society, and The Institute of Internal Auditors. Maria received her Bachelor of Science, Major in Accounting from De La Salle University in Manila. She was recognized in the 2014 Chicago Asian American Hall of Fame in Finance and Accounting given by the Via Times Journal & CPR TV Chicago.

Andrew GuerreroAudit Supervisor, Adelfia LLC

Melinda S. HaagDirector, Crowe LLPMelinda S. Haag is a Director with Crowe LLP in its Oak Brook, IL office, where she leads the Global Services business unit developing strategies and managing firmwide change, integration, process improvement, and risk mitigation associated with real estate, travel, safety and security of people and facilities, as well as people and client support and office operations. She also leads Crowe’s LGBTQ people resource network called GALA. For more than 2 decades, Melinda

Maria Fides BalitaPartner, Adelfia LLC

ModeratorMillennials Panel:

Dispelling the Millennial Myths and Facilitating


Millennials

ModeratorMillennials Panel:

Dispelling the Millennial Myths and Facilitating


Millennials

Closing Remarks

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 ProgramAwarded to 2 BS Accountancy Students for 2 years at

the University of the East, Philippines

L-R: Joselito Florendo, VP Planning &Finance, University of the Philippines (ISFFARepresentative); Ms. Dianne Ricamara, Scholar;and Ms. Roselle Servanda, Scholar

L-R: Joselito Florendo, VP Planning &Finance, University of the Philippines (ISFFARepresentative); Mr. Zosimo Battad, Chancellor,University of the East Caloocan City; and Mr.Louie Divinagracia, Dean, University of the East

19

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 ofbecoming 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 theevaluation 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 / AICPA Scholars 2018

Celine Felix $4,000 California State University, Fullterton

Samantha Lopez$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

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.

Message from ISFFA National Executive Board Outgoing Chair

Dr. Edith Winterhalter

22

2016 - 2018 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Dr. Edith WinterhalterChair

Kathy LaiLos Angeles Chapter Liaison

Beth HaciaMember

Joy MayorMember

Marialyn SalvadorTreasurer

Rasel MenendezMember

Liezl MalabananMember

Mark BojocanSan Francisco Chapter Liaison

Jennifer BangitMember

Mailo LagmanMember

Eileen FislerVice Chair

Maria Fides BalitaSecretary & Chicago

Chapter Liaison

23

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 President

Casper CalisinExecutive Vice President

E. “Bong” BatinganaVice President of Sponsorships

Hope Cue Vice President of Membership

Susan LegaspiFounding Advisor

Gilbert Vasquez Founding Honorary Advisory

Katherine Lai Vice President of Student Relations

Albert OcampoVice President ofCommunity Service

Aireen M. Suguitan Vice President of Newsletter

Marinella F. Zipagang Vice President ofConventions and Events

Mary Antonette Santillan Secretary Elmer Pascual Treasurer

Jennifer “Jen” Bangit Associate Treasurer

Marialyn “Lyn” Salvador Auditor

Grace Reyes Public Relations

Carmelita O’Neil Founding AdvisorSecretary and Chairperson of Scholarships

12 YEARS OF ISFFA

24

Los Angeles 2009-2010

Jonathan Agot President

Tonette SantillanExecutive Vice President

Alan Vuycankiat Vice President of Student Relations

Grace De AsisVice President ofCommunity Outreach

Lorenzo Moran Vice President of Membership

Jennifer Bangit Vice President of Sponsorship

Michelle Santos Vice President of CPE/ Events

Maria Montero Vice President of Public Relations

Lealei Magat Secretary

Elmer Pascual Treasurer

Ricel Lapig Auditor

ISFFA Advisors

Gilbert R. VasquezManaging Partner Vasquez & Co. LLP Founder of ALPFA

*Washington SyCipFounder SGV Group

Benjamin Punongbayan ChairmanPunongbayan & Araullo

Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo Consultant Office of the ChairmanSocial Security Commission

Rene S. Enriquez Executive DirectorMitchell & Titus, LLP

*Reynaldo L. PadillaManaging PartnerPadilla & Company, LLP

Rowena Cipriano-Reyes Partner PwC

Erlinda Olalia-Carin PartnerKPMG

Aurora M. Rubin RetiredSenior PartnerDeloitte & Touche

Albert Yeo Senior Financial Advisor Merrill Lynch

* Rest in peace 25

Rey Puentengra President (2011-2012)

Beth Hacia President (2013)

Lalaine Nocum Vice-President

Pamela Irineo Secretary

Beth Hacia Treasurer

Pina FloresPublic Relation Officer


Pamela Irineo President (2013)

Mark BojocanPresident (2014-2015)

Esperanza Arato Executive Vice President

Angel Francisco Secretary

Malve Ildefonso Vice President ofBranding and Marketing

Lorenzo Moran Vice President of Student Affairs

Regina Tanedo Vice President of Membership

Jericho Naval Vice President of Internal Affairs

Mailo Lagman-GarciaDirector of Website Mgmt

Jay-Ar Ballesteros Director of Community Services

Lorenzo Moran President

Marlon Pasamba Executive Vice President

Lenard RoblesVice President of Finance

Ejay Delos Reyes Controller

Allen Au Vice President of Professional Affairs

Yzabel BalagtasDirector of Scholarships



26

Chicago 2013-2015

Chicago 2015-2017

Maria Fides BalitaPresident

Arvin FlorescaExecutive Vice President

Andrew GuerreroVice President of Student Affairs

Jennifer RoamTreasurer

Stella Marie SantosSponsorship

Mavie ValeraVice President of Membership

Maribel DoreSecretary

Abi UnadaVice President of Newsletter

Ann AbuegAssistant Vice President

Theresa Icalina Vice President ofCommunity Service

Melvin Icalina Auditor

Gayle Floresca Vice President of CPE and Events

Arvin Floresca President

Andrew GuerreroExecutive Vice President

Ricky PeraltaVice President of Student Affairs

Ana AusanTreasurer

Janpaul FerrerVice President of Sponsorship

Jennifer AlbaVice President of Membership

Tien Dang Director of Public Relations

Angelica Tolentino Vice President of Professional Affairs

Christine Llamoso Vice President of Social Affairs

Kyla Tamondong Vice President of Education

Matt ThienphrapaVice President of Student Affairs

Pansy LamSecretary

27

Charlene BaccaySecretary

Carla mae CajalneVice President of Newsletter

Melvin IcalinaVice President of Events

Katrina ChavezVice President of Community Service

Patrick AlforqueAuditor

Emmanuel MijaresVice President of CPE

Marchesa Nieto Vice President of Website

Andrew GuerreroPresident

Charlene BeccayExecutive Vice President

Ruth HajdukSecretary

Emmanuel MijaresTreasurer

Lorenzo Moran Vice President of Leadership

Jasmine PinedaVice President of Membership

Mark Tan Vice President of Mentorship

Katrina ElvambuenaVice President of Community Service

Kathlyn TalapianVice President of External Affairs

Joan Santos Vice President of Social Media

Marchesa NietoVice President of Advertising and Promotion

Chicago 2017-2019

28

Emily Enriquez-PattonPresident

Shirley BayaniVice President of Coporate Affairs and Communications

Ryan BumbriqueVice President of Events and Information Technology

Melissa GarciaVice President of Membership and Student Relations

Lynmour NairaVice President of Media and Public Affairs

Evelyn TorresVice President of Finance

Rizza Velarde Vice President of Operations Control and Oversight

Riza Barron Volunteer Staff

Maria Luisa JarciaVolunteer Staff

Shirely Bayani President

Ryan DumbriqueVice President

Arlene PobleteCommunity Service Committee Chair

Lynmour NairaMedia Committee Chair

Arnel Medina Membership Committee Chair

Michael GonzalezPresident

Marge QuimosingVice President

Joan NicholasTreasurer

Al KatigbakSecretary

Maricel LoVice President of Membership

Michael Alberto Vice President of Marketing

San Francisco 2012-2014

San Francisco 2014-2016

New York 2009

29

Marylou GarciaChair

Colleen AbangVice Chair

Benel Se-LibanTreasurer

Rey Padilla Membership Committee Co-Chair

Susan AfanMembership Committee Co-Chair

Edith WinterhalterStudent Relations Committee Chair

Socorro PaduaWebsite Committee Chair

Mary Anne Sabido WernerMary Jane Aquino Albert Yeo Eileen Fisler Clariza MullinsJL GarciaMembers

Mary Anne Sabido WernerChair

JL GarciaVice Chair

Benel Se-LibanTreasurer

Eileen Fisler Secretary

Susan AfanMembership Committee Co-Chair

Socorro PaduaWebsite Committee Chair

Mary Jane Aquino Clariza MullinsCarmelita O’Neil Philomena Pena Maria Fides BalitaMembers

Edith WinterhalterChair

Eileen FislerVice Chair


Maria Fides BalitaSecretary

Chapter Liaisons:Chicago- Maria Fides Balita Los Angeles- Kathy Lai San Francisco- Mark Bojocan

Jenny Bangit Beth Hacia Mailo LagmanLiezl MalabananJoy Mayor Rasel MenedezMembers

National Executive Board 2011-2014



30

Thank you so much for our generous sponsors!

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

EVENT SPONSORS:

31

The next two years begins another exciting period for the International Society of Filipinos in Finance & Accounting (ISFFA).

Empowering tomorrow’s leaders today. ISFFA’s four pillars of leadership, mentoring, scholarship, and community service continues to serve as our solid foundation to achieve our primary goal to assist, educate, train and mentor emerging professionals, both domestically and globally. The global economic stage has brought a challenge as finance and accounting professionals to be the “modern breed” and to adapt. Soft skills has become as relevant as technical skills.

We have several initiatives in place at ISFFA that we will focus as well as enhance in the months ahead.

Scholarship – Our Scholarship Program has opportunities to be more effective and we will continue to strengthen this program. ISFFA National Scholarship Fund will be launched. ISFFA National website is in the process of being set-up and will launch soon. Today, we launched at the National Level the ISFFA Chicago - Floresca Philippine CPA Review (CPAR) Course Scholarship – Philippines CPAR Review Center – we will coordinate with CPAR Center in the Philippines. ISFFA Founders Fund also funds college education of students who take accounting in the Philippines. I would like to encourage all our members and supporters to help us enhance our Scholarship program by your contributions and also by disseminating to those needing the assistance the scholarships we offer.

Leadership – Our Executive Leadership Series continues to inspire and provide impactful leadership lessons and skills. We had plans of launching a structured leadership program before. We will revisit and strategize.

Mentoring – Our mentoring program will continue as is. Each chapter conducts events such as inviting successful professionals for a talk of

their personal journey to help guide our members as they create their own path to success. Each mentoring event includes a breakout session that will help our members talk about a theme, and develop soft skills like speaking in public, making presentations, and learning at the same time.

Community Service – We have done multiple community service events, like packing meals at Feed My Starving Children, CPA Day of Service, caroling at a nursing home,and Los Angeles Food Bank.

While we all work on achieving our mission at ISFFA, we also find time to have fun – participating at Kalayaan Gala and Caroling by the National Board, Fiesta Pinoy, Picnic, and Adobo Fest by Chicago Chapter, and for Los Angeles Chapter - Holiday Gala, Bowling and Archery.

It’s been 12 years since ISFFA was founded. It definitely has evolved – not quite as big as other accounting organizations, but continues to grow – focused on serving the needs of our members – Filipinos and non- Filipinos, one quarter at a time, and one activity at a time. We lift each other as we climb our professional ladder. We do not think of pride and division – we believe in humility so we can be celebrated. We take the good in our respective heritage and combine with the good in American culture.

I would like to thank the founders of ISFFA, the past National Executive Board members, and my predecessor, Edith Winterhalter, for laying the foundation of this dynamic organization. I would also like to thank you all for being here and sharing in our vision for ISFFA. Your presence and support inspires us to fulfill our mission. ISFFA will continue to let our members’ talents shine, develop their abilities to be an impactful leader, and give back meaningfully.

Be a mentor. Be a leader. Make a difference.

Message from the Incoming ChairMaria Fides Balita

32

Maria Fides BalitaChair

Mailo LagmanMember

Joy MayorMember

Beth HaciaMember

Kathy LaiVice Chair

Marla Isidro Member

Malve IldefonsoSecretary

Liezl MalabananMember

Cecile Pineda Member


2018 - 2020 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Roberto ConcepcionMember

Chris SalamancaMember

Theresa IcalinaMember

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-LibanFounder, 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, LLCWWW.WYJBCGROUP.COM

(424) [email protected]

Psalm 136:1

~

35

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, October 24, 2020

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

4th Biennial ISFFA National Conference

People, Passion, Purpose:Pathways to Success

36

Andrew Guerrero, ChicagoRichard Yamomo, ChicagoJohn Tipsay, Chicago

Charlene Baccay, Chicago

Jo-ann Santos, Chicago Emmanuel Mijares, Chicago

Emmanuel Mijares, Chicago Lyn Salvador, NEB

Lendard Robles, Los Angeles

2018 ISFFA National Conference Planning Committee

Maria Fides Balita - Conference Chair Edith Winterhalter - Vice Conference Chair Kathy Lai, NEB Liezl Sangalang, NEB Benel Liban, NEBRasel Manlapaz, NEBLyn Salvador, NEB Jennifer Bangit, NEB Joy Mayor, NEB Eileen Fisler, NEBAndrew Guerrero, Chicago Chapter Presentations

Scholarship

Program and Scholarship

Jennifer Bangit, NEB Arvin Floresca, Chicago

Logistics, Tokens

Venue, Food & Beverage

Registration

Charlene Baccay, ChicagoPrichy Balita, Chicago Amera Gondouin, Chicago Jasmine Pineda - Speaker Registration, ChicagoRichard Yamomo, ChicagoJohn Tipsay, Chicago

CPE Credits

Emmanuel Mijares, Chicago Prichy Balita, Chicago

Social Media and Print Promotions

Finance

Newsletter

37

Organizations must continually innovate to grow. Innovation requires…

Diversity of thought and culturesOur 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.

Visit www.crowe.com/disclosure for more information about Crowe LLP, its subsidiaries, and Crowe Global. © 2018 Crowe LLP. GS-19007-007A

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

38

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