Cañada Student Esmeralda Gutierrez Accepted Into Prestigious Accounting Development Program

The workshop is designed to strengthen students’ understanding of earning the CPA credential

Esmeralda Gutierrez (R) with Professor Leonor Cabrera

Cañada College student Esmeralda Gutierrez will travel to Denver, Colorado, July 7-11 to participate in the Accounting Scholars Development Program. At the event, she will join other aspiring accountants honing her skills and learning about career opportunities.

The workshop is sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Foundation. Through speakers, panel discussions and interactive programs, participants gain confidence and an enhanced understanding of the various career paths in the accounting profession. An all-expenses paid event, the AICPA Foundation covers the cost of student attendees’ transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals.

Gutierrez enrolled at Cañada in the fall of 2012 intent on earning a certificate in medical billing but was soon motivated by Leonor Cabrera, professor of accounting, to apply for scholarships and pursue a career in accounting. Cabrera also encouraged Gutierrez to apply for the Accounting Scholars Development Program.

“I felt good that I applied, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up because I didn’t feel my personal statement was good enough,” Gutierrez said. Soon after, she received an email notifying her that she had received the Cañada College Accounting Scholarship and later found out she was accepted into the Accounting Scholars Development Program.

Gutierrez participated in the May 25 Commencement Ceremony at Cañada to receive her Entry-Level Bookkeeper Certificate but now she is considering transferring to a university. “I still need to get advice on where to transfer but I know I want to become a CPA,” she said.

The 2003 Sequoia High School graduate said she is looking forward to applying the skills gained in the development program towards her education. In Denver, Gutierrez will participate in numerous sessions and panel discussions covering a wide array of topics such as developing leadership skills and passing the CPA exam. Gutierrez will also have the opportunity to interact with CPA professionals who will impart knowledge regarding career opportunities in accounting and the value of networking.

“I am really excited for this opportunity and want to thank Professor Cabrera for helping me realize this was something I could do,” she said.