Mission
The University of Waterloo Accounting Conference aims to promote the accounting profession by fostering an understanding and appreciation for its importance in the business world. Beyond this, it also strives to create an enriching environment for students to grow and develop by collaborating with fellow delegates and forging meaningful connections. By combining learning and networking, the conference seeks to provide delegates with a unique and insightful experience that will act as a stepping stone in their journeys to becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
Vision
The University of Waterloo Accounting Conference strives to stimulate the continued pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the accounting profession by providing students with:
- A conference built around current industry issues
- Real-life case challenges and workshops
- Engaging and relevant speakers
- Opportunities to build connections with professionals and other students
Values
- Professionalism: We exceed expectations while maintaining the high standards of social conduct
- Teamwork: We collaborate, respecting each member’s opinion
- Communication: We communicate and listen to every individual’s perspective with honesty and integrity
- Dedication: We are committed to bringing the conference to new heights each year
- Learning and development: We foster a positive learning environment of innovation and creativity
UWAC 2012 Executive Team
Vithushan Jeyakumaran
Co-Chair
Vithushan first discovered UWAC as a delegate in 2010, and having enjoyed himself thoroughly, he decided to become a part of the UWAC 2011 team. This year, Vithushan plans on bring in some new insights into the planning of the conference, to make the delegate experience even more enriching. Outside of the accounting world, Vithushan is also highly involved in competitive debating at the University of Waterloo, and he has been recognized at provincial and national tournaments for the past five years. In his spare time, Vithushan enjoys playing basketball, socializing with friends, and watching How I Met Your Mother.
Justin Ongaro
Co-Chair
Through his experience attending UWAC 2010 as a delegate as well as his experience as an Executive Coordinator for UWAC 2011, Justin had a chance to learn a lot about himself, build strong friendships, and help develop a conference that was rewarding for delegates, and coordinators alike. This is why when it arose, he jumped to take the opportunity to join the subsequent UWAC 2012 team. He has been interested in the field of accounting and finance since Grade 11 and hopes to pursue the CA designation after graduation. Justin hopes to use his previous experience with UWAC as well as his experience with sports leadership, to help lead the conference’s continued expansion, and work with the whole team to create an unparalleled conference experience. In his spare time, Justin enjoys playing sports (hockey is his favourite), playing guitar, travelling, and relaxing with friends.
Olivia Lee
Managing Director
Having been part of the team for the past two years, Olivia is excited to be a part of the team again for UWAC 2012! Her passion for the conference and the resulting lifelong friendships drew her to return to the team as a Managing Director. Her diverse experience from both years has allowed her to develop skills and knowledge about the conference, and has also inspired new ideas and visions for this year. She hopes to continue the tradition of making UWAC a valuable and unforgettable experience for delegates. An enthusiastic and bubbly character, Olivia enjoys good company with good food.
Jeffrey Mo
Managing Director
Through his involvement as a First-Year Coordinator for UWAC 2010 and as an Executive Coordinator for UWAC 2011, Jeffrey had the opportunity to learn more about himself, develop life-long friendships, and help organize Canada’s premiere undergraduate accounting conference. Having been thoroughly impressed with the team dynamics and the success of the past two conferences, Jeffrey is thrilled to return as a Managing Director for UWAC 2012. He hopes to bring his knowledge, experience, and passion to create an unforgettable conference that will allow the delegates to make new connections and learn more about the accounting profession. In his spare time, Jeffrey enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee and spending time with family and friends. With a new vision in mind, Jeffrey is confident that UWAC 2012 will be an excellent learning experience for both the delegates and coordinators.
Danyal Ahmed
Executive Coordinator
As a First Year Coordinator for UWAC 2011, Danyal had the opportunity to build strong friendships, experience UWAC’s culture of collaboration and help develop a rewarding conference for both, delegates and coordinators alike. Danyal is a passionate individual who is thrilled to return to the team this year. He is eager to bring his knowledge and experiences from UWAC 2011 to create yet another enriching conference for the delegates. In his spare time, Danyal enjoys playing table tennis, photography, graphic and web design, and nonfiction reading.
Joseph Chiu
Executive Coordinator
Having been on the executive team last year as a first year coordinator, Joseph is thrilled to return once again to plan UWAC 2012. As a student entering his second year in the Accounting and Financial Management program at the University of Waterloo, he is also currently pursuing a Chartered Accountancy designation in addition to a mastery in the culinary arts. In his spare time, he enjoys making food for his friends and consuming delicacies of epic proportions. With this in mind, he hopes to bring his passion of food to UWAC 2012; where he will do his best in ensuring that every delegate and sponsor representative is fully nourished.
Gina Han
Executive Coordinator
As a first year coordinator for UWAC 2011, Gina was challenged to take ownership, to improve herself, and to learn from her experience. Gina has matured and developed drastically because of UWAC 2011 and has built long lasting friendships with an amazing group of people. Having had an enriching and unforgettable experience as a first year coordinator, Gina is thrilled to be back as an executive coordinator of UWAC 2012. This year, she hopes that her previous experience will help her in her goal of making UWAC 2012 an eye-opening, engaging, and unique learning experience for all delegates. A bubbly and outgoing person, Gina is in pursuit of her CA designation. She is a television fanatic; her favourite show is Friends. She also loves to update her Tumblr regularly.
Lucy Li
Executive Coordinator
Lucy is thrilled and eager to become a part of the UWAC 2012 team, and is determined to make a positive contribution to a fantastic conference. Passionate and driven, not only is she looking forward to being a part of the planning process, but excited to meet the incoming generation of Waterloo students and the numerous delegates from across the country. Having already worked with the Accounting and Finance Student Association to plan events and roundtables, taking part in the school’s finance initiative, Lucy is positive that this will be an unforgettable and enriching experience. Outside of SAF, Lucy has a thirst for literature, and devours books – with a particular weakness for Austen. She loves to bake whenever she has access to an oven, but also has a penchant for fleeting hobbies – currently dabbling in crochet, cross-stitching, and regular visits to the gym. After graduation she’d love to travel Europe and perhaps the rest of the world. Lucy owes a lot to coffee.
Haotian Qin
Executive Coordinator
A memorable UWAC 2011 made Hao’s decision to join the UWAC team an easy one. Having witnessed the conference first hand, he was inspired by the tremendous dedication and exuberance displayed by the coordinators. He is excited at the opportunity to be a part of this year’s team as an executive coordinator, and hopes to embrace the challenge and contribute with fresh ideas and endless enthusiasm. Outside of school, Hao is a sports fanatic who loves to play and watch any sport ranging from tennis to basketball (Die hard Mavs fan). Aside from sports, he is an avid eater and is always eager to try out the different cultural foods. In UWAC 2012, Hao hopes to make a conference that is truly unique and unforgettable for the delegates!
Wendy Yang
Executive Coordinator
Attending UWAC 2011 has left Wendy with such a wonderful experience that she craved for a deeper level of involvement. She is thrilled to join the UWAC 2012 family as an Executive Coordinator to re-build her positive experience for this year’s delegates and be a part of the team to orchestrate one of Canada’s most prestigious undergraduate accounting conferences. Wendy is also actively involved in the accounting association and student ambassador program at her school. In her spare time, she is a competitive swimmer and loves to travel just about anywhere. As an eager and cheerful individual, you will almost never catch Wendy without a smile! Wendy hopes to bring her passion and energy to UWAC 2012 so that each delegate will take home valuable new skills, lasting friendships and unforgettable memories!
Joyce Yim
Executive Coordinator
Being experienced with coordinating and organizing events, Joyce is delighted to be able to be a part of the UWAC 2012 team as an Executive Coordinator. As a 2nd year student currently studying Accounting and Financial Management, she is eager to bring her enthusiasm and experience to create an innovative and unforgettable experience for this year’s UWAC delegates. Joyce intends to pursue her CA designation upon graduation and hopes that this year’s conference will encourage students to explore the opportunities that the accounting profession has to offer. Joyce is always interested in meeting new people and keeping updated with current news and events. In her spare time Joyce enjoys practicing Taekwondo, travelling, and relaxing with friends and family.
Oliver Chan
First Year Coordinator
Having been heavily involved in high school, Oliver is excited to be able continue his involvement within the School of Accounting and Finance serving as a First-Year Coordinator for UWAC 2012. Entering his first year in the Accounting and Financial Management Program, he wishes to pursue his Chartered Accountancy designation. Outside of school, Oliver has a passion for the fine arts and music, obtaining his Piano Performers Diploma with the Royal Conservatory Music. In addition, he enjoys a wide array of sports ranging from competitive swimming to archery. With his charisma and cheerful attitude, Oliver is determined to make UWAC 2012 one of the greatest conferences since its inception in 2006.
Alice Cheng
First Year Coordinator
Alice is tremendously honoured and excited to be a part of the UWAC 2012 team as a First Year Coordinator! Although Alice and UWAC had not known of each other’s existence prior to the Fall 2011 term, a sort of “love at first sight” has auspiciously united them. Alice is thoroughly impressed with the successfulness of the past conferences, which has been a direct result of the passion and dedication of the organizing team. She is eager to maintain this standard of excellence by making a meaningful contribution to UWAC 2012. Outside of accounting and her interest in the CA designation, Alice has a passion for the arts and enjoys sketching in her free time. When she has an oddly large amount of free time, she gleefully engages in 11.5-hour Lord of the Rings marathons.
Jasmine Ko
First Year Coordinator
As a first year coordinator for UWAC 2012, Jasmine is excited to help make this year’s conference a success. With enthusiasm and commitment, she is ready to positively contribute to the collaboration and organization of UWAC 2012. Along with the team, she will work towards providing delegates of the conference with an engaging, educational and unforgettable experience. During the process, Jasmine knows that she too will develop new friendships, gain an enriching experience and learn more about herself. On a more personal level, Jasmine loves to shop, read, eat, and spending time with family and friends.
Gloria Ng
First Year Coordinator
Gloria is thrilled to join the UWAC 2012 team as a First Year Coordinator. She is excited to develop new friendships, build leadership skills and experience the UWAC culture. Eager to bring her dedication, creativity and unique perspective, Gloria hopes to help make this year’s conference an enriching and amazing experience for all delegates. She wishes to pursue her CA designation and likes to get involved with all things accounting and business-related. Gloria’s interests include playing guitar, singing, baking, photography and smiling.
Shyam Venkatraman
First Year Coordinator
Having recently joined the University of Waterloo, Shyam is excited to be a part of UWAC 2012. Shyam has always wanted the opportunity to build leadership skills, new friendships, and an amazing conference! From Grade 11 onward in high school, Shyam knew he wanted to pursue a CA designation and has involved himself in a medley of business clubs and courses alike. He hopes to bring to the table his knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm for an unforgettable experience with the UWAC 2012 team. In his spare time, Shyam enjoys socializing with friends, indulging in his Xbox and staying caught up with The Vampire Diaries (his favourite).
Kevin Yu
First Year Coordinator
After being immersed in UWAC’s unique culture and atmosphere during the mingling event, Kevin knew that being a First-Year Co-ordinator was something that he could get passionate and excited about. With a motivated and enthusiastic attitude, he hopes to bring his own unique amalgamation of skills and knowledge to the team to help make this year’s conference truly special. Inspired by the discussion of UWAC in previous years, Kevin is prepared to make the commitment to the event and welcomes the challenge. In his free time, Kevin enjoys playing sports, with baseball and basketball standing out, reading, and watching a myriad of movies.
Maggie Zhao
First Year Coordinator
Entering her first year of university, Maggie was ecstatic about getting involved and building new friendships. Upon seeing the passion and professionalism within the existing team members, she could not fend off the desire to join the UWAC community. With her positive attitude, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn, Maggie hopes to contribute to creating an enriching and unforgettable conference. Furthermore, she hopes to grow and develop new skills through this extraordinary opportunity. Whenever she has a chance, Maggie enjoys dancing in all sorts of settings – whether it’s practicing ballet in a dance studio or bouncing around to good music in her room.
Photographs taken by Judith Ma