CPABC in Focus January 2014 | Page 23

Ryan Castaneda, CPA, CGA Birthplace & current city of residence: Manila, the Philippines; Surrey, BC. Employer & position: Currently pursuing a law degree at the University of British Columbia’s faculty of law; first-year law student. What’s your favourite memory/moment of the program? I really enjoyed the public speaking seminar. The sessions were full of fun, laughter, and support for one another, and they helped me greatly with my valedictorian speech. Who would you like to thank for providing support during your studies? I am very grateful for the incredible support and encouragement from my mother and my sister. I am also thankful to my employers for mentoring me and covering the costs of my CGA courses. Above all, I want to thank God. What do you like to do when you’re not studying? I like to read classical literature, go running, and go cross-country skiing. wendy Howell, CPA, CGA Birthplace & current city of residence: Dundas, ON; Kelowna, BC. Employer & position: StarDyne Technologies Inc.; accountant. What’s your favourite memory/moment of the program? I was in the Calgary airport at 3 a.m. waiting for a connecting flight when I was finally able to check my mark on my very last CGA course. I will never forget the excitement I felt when I saw that “P” for Pass! Who would you like to thank for providing support during your studies? In addition to my family and friends, I am especially grateful to my partner of 10 years, Colin Sutherland. He called himself a “CGA widower” for years! What’s next? Continuous improvement is my plan. I want to expand my skills and experience both in my accounting position and through various courses—ideally ones that don’t have an exam. What do you like to do when you’re not working? I purchased a house near the end of the CGA program, and my weekends will now be spent enjoying home renovation and improvement projects. ()Q