Member Spotlight: Rachel Shimokawa

Who or what inspired you to get where you are today?
My mom inspired me to get to where I am today because she worked very hard and overcame many challenges in order to provide me with opportunities that she did not have. She taught me that perseverance and dedication will enable me to achieve my goals, no matter how lofty they may seem. Her endless support fueled my drive to achieve anything I put my mind to.

How will you define success as a CPA?
As a CPA, I will define success as the ability to overcome adversity. While hardships will challenge my motivation and spirit, success is my ambition that does not allow me to give up. While a CPA license will allow me to pursue a successful accounting career, I strive to use my privileges to support others in their own goals.

Tell us how you achieved one of your most recent professional goals.
One of my professional goals is to develop skills that will support my personal career, but also allow me to support others in their individual journeys. Through leadership roles in student organizations and jobs on campus, I have been able to improve my sense of initiative and stewardship, while bringing out the best in others. As others achieve their fullest potential, I hope to foster this mutual growth throughout the rest of my career.

What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about contributing to the common good in society. With my accounting career, I strive to ensure that companies are growing ethically and sustainably, while still achieving their own goals. As there are still some barriers to entry regarding this profession, I am also passionate about fostering diversity in accounting. I believe everyone should have an opportunity to pursue their desired career, regardless of their background.

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