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La Nueva Era ALPFA Seattle’s News and Events Gateway

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I N T H I S I S S U E :

Greetings From Our President!

The 2007 National Convention,

Unveiling the Leader Within Us

National Update: The 2007

Leadership Summit

The Role of IT in the World of

Finance

Member Spotlight: Yaneth

Gonzalez

Member Spotlight: Luis Silva-

Behrens

Sponsor’s Spotlight: The Boeing

Company

Sponsor’s Spotlight: The

Weyerhaeuser Company

From Our Sponsor’s Desk:

Becoming a Money-Wise Woman

by Prudential Financial

Announcing Changes to Our

Website!

Hi ALPFA Seattle! As I write my first president's message, I would like to start by highlighting our successes since our inception. As many of you remember, the ALPFA Seattle Chapter was founded in March 2005 with 25 members and aspiring to offer a

quality networking experience to our members. Since then, our membership has grown to 120 members. Through the generous support of our sponsors and the dedication of our directing members; we have been able to offer 28 events with an average attendance of 50 guests. Due to this continuous success in the past two years, we received the ALPFA West Region Chapter of the year award in 2007. The success of our chapter does not happen without those talented individuals who volunteer their time to this organization. I want to thank our board of directors listed below and welcome our new vice president, Luis Pedro Martinez and our new Director of Communications, Margarita Pinzon. I also want to welcome our new West Region Director, Nerelys Cordero. Nerelys served as our first ALPFA Seattle president for the past two years. In September, she was elected the West Region Director, an ALPFA national position, effective October first. We thank her for her commitment and dedication to the chapter as she continues to serve ALPFA in the national board. WEST REGION DIRECTORS Rafael Hurtado Nerelys Cordero EXECUTIVE BOARD Maria O. Villa President

Luis Pedro Martinez Vice President Margarita Pinzon Director of Communications Past President Nerelys Cordero FUNDRAISING AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Mario Villa Co-chair EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE Robert Miller Co-Chair Alicia Adams Co-Chair PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE Jenny Guevara Co-chair STUDENT OUTREACH COMMITTEE Jacob Brownfield Co-Chair Yaneth Gonzalez Co-Chair MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Nancy Vargas Co-chair Pedro Meza Co-chair

I look forward to serving as the ALPFA Seattle President and to start a new stage in our chapter's journey. Sincerely, Maria O. Villa | President| ALPFA Seattle



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The 2007 ALPFA National Convention was hosted in the beautiful Disneyworld in Orlando Florida, from August 4th to August 8th. The convention was truly magical , not only because it was hosted at Disneyworld’s Convention Center, but also because it was a record setter in terms of attendees! There were over 3,000 total! This marked the highest number of ALPFA members attending this annual conference in history! The Seattle Chapter was the proud winner of the West Region Chapter of the Year, confirming the fact that we are setting a precedent in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the recognition, the Seattle Chapter was proud to bring representatives from Companies that are our current sponsors. Such companies included Weyerhaeuser and Microsoft, which actively participated in the career fair, as networking receptions. Attendees had the chance to network during the various receptions hosted by companies such as Deloitte and KPMG, as well as to key workshops and training sessions, for CPE credits.

The Convention was also an opportunity to showcase our talent in events such as the salsa competition, hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers on August 7th. Although our chapter members didn’t win the competition, we were able to make it to the finals! Thank you Nerelys Cordero and Justin Ricuarte representing the Seattle Chapter. For pictures of the event, please click here. We look forward to seeing in you in Phoenix in 2008!

The 2007 National Convention, Unveiling

The Leaders Within Us


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http://www.alpfa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewPage&pageID=108

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The 2007 National Leadership Conference was hosted in Las Vegas, at the beautiful Bellagio, from September 23rd to September 25th. During these two days, board members had the opportunity to obtain an update from Many Espinoza, ALPFA National CEO, regarding ALPFA Fiscal Year 2008 goals and strategies. Regional Directors also shared Regional Fiscal Year 2008 Goals, as well as best practices among the chapters. On the last day, the attendees received valuable Quality Service training from the Disney Institute, as well as how to turn these concepts into ALPFA mission and goals. ALPFA is the largest and most respected professional association in U.S. dedicated to

enhancing opportunities for Latinos in the accounting, finance and related professions, and the key message from the conference is to ensure each Chapter is providing excellent professional development to all its members. The Seattle chapter’s Board of Directors is comprised of the President, Vice-president, Treasurer, Director of Communications, and 2 Co-chairs for each committee such us Events and Community affairs, Student Outreach, Fundraising, Membership and Public Relations. Additionally, several volunteers support the different committees, according to their available time and preferences. If you want to become an active member of ALPFA Seattle, we invite you to take the lead and make a change in your local community. Send us an e-mail us an e-mail at [email protected].

National Update

The 2007 Leadership Summit


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mailto:[email protected]

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The Role of IT in The World of Finance – ALPFA and

Microsoft Bringing You The Industry Insight

On Thursday, September 20th, 2007, ALPFA, in conjunction with Microsoft Corporation, hosted an industry discussion about the role that information technology plays in the finance and accounting industry. The discussion was in a panel format, in which key decision makers from Microsoft shared with seasoned professionals and university students different aspects on how technology supports the needs of a dynamic, highly competitive, and technology-driven finance industry. Topics covered during the night included the key role that information technology plays in facilitating global expansion and market penetration goals of financial services companies through tools such as communication and server platforms, as well a data security and compliance. Furthermore, the panelists also discussed the business advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing, from a technology stand-point, as well as the business case for having the best productivity tools vs. open source ones in order companies to remain at a competitive advantage over other firms. Finally, the panel discussed the current

industry trend where information workers are continuously adopting technologies that allow the to be truly mobile and to access critical company and customer information anywhere, through the internet, in order to provide the highest customer service experience, as well as the highest levels of efficiency and productivity. The panel was composed of the following individuals: - Frank Brod Corporate VP, Finance and Administration; - Eileen Johnston, CFO, WW Services; - David Wright; Corporate Services Controller; - Wasif Rasheed; Director Business Services; and - Bob Anderson - Managing Director, Information Worker, Business Strategy Consulting (IW BSC) Group.

The night was moderated by CT Tomlin, Business Excellence Platform Services Division

ALPFA Seattle is proud to partner with its sponsors

and professional organization partners to bring

quality events that enhance its members’ careers.

Stay tuned for more industry discussion in the

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My involvement with

ALPFA began as a student

in Chicago during the

2004 National

Convention. I was truly

moved by the passion

that the leadership of

ALPFA showed for its

mission, goals, and future. That passion

was clearly conveyed through the

acceptance speeches of the award

recipients. Attending the convention

provided me with endless opportunities

through networking events, workshops,

and the career fair. I also had the great

opportunity to compete twice in the

KPMG Case Competition. As I

transitioned from being a student at the

University of Washington to a

professional, I became part of the board

as Student Outreach Co-Chair. This role

allowed me to work with students and

encourage them to develop while striving

to be the best they could be.

Through events such as the ALPFA Seattle

Student Summit, along with the support

from the great Seattle Board team, as

well as my firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers

(who supported my involvement as well

as being a sponsor of the event), we are

able to provide our students with tools to

continue their success. This has also led

to what is now our most successful

annual student event.

As a board member you are challenged

by many different things such as;

multitasking your career with your

volunteer work, developing innovative

ideas, and continual team-work. All of

which has contributed to the

development of my skills a young

professional. Being part of a chapter

board allows you to work through your

limitations in order to create

accomplishments, and then celebrate

those accomplishments with the entire

organization.

The biggest benefit of being a part of

ALPFA is the relationships. I came into

ALPFA not knowing anybody, and have

been blessed to meet individuals who

have become mentors, friends, and most

importantly mi familia. I look forward to

continuing my involvement with the

organization, and hope that I can provide

others the same opportunities and

support that I have received through

ALPFA.

Member Spotlight: Yaneth Gonzalez

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My first experience with ALPFA took place during the ALPFA Seattle Student Summit in 2006. I was a junior at the University of Washington, where the Student Summit was held.

At this event, ALPFA hosted a variety of workshops with topics ranging from “Selling Yourself” to “Top Ten Tips during the Recruiting Process.” To this day, I refer to that day of the Student Summit as the day that transformed my entire collegiate experience, and the beginning of what would become a great junior year. I had heard about the importance of networking, and being proactive since the first day of college, but it wasn’t until the Student Summit that I became confident that I possessed the tools and abilities to make both those things happen. One of the speakers ALPFA Seattle invited to speak at the Student Summit was, Alejandro Cabrera, Global Advertising Product Manager at Microsoft. His presentation on “Selling Yourself” left a lasting impression on me. I decided to contact him a couple days after the event to see if he would be willing to meet me for coffee to advise me on my resume. One cup of coffee to discuss my resume turned into job application advice, lessons on networking, and mock

interviews. I began my search for summer internships by having lunch meetings, writing letters, sending emails, and applying to all my top job choices online. JPMorgan gave me the chance to go to New York for a final round interview for their Investment Banking Summer Analyst Program. Thanks to the Student Summit, and to the connections that I made at that event, I had a great interview and was offered the job. After spending last summer as a summer analyst and having the time of my life, JPMorgan offered me a spot as part of the Full-Time Analyst Class of 2008. After that summer, there was no doubt in my mind that JPMorgan was the company for me, and I took the offer. The connections I made, and the lessons I learned at the Student Summit continue to influence my student, professional, and personal life. Alejandro Cabrera is now a great mentor and friend of mine. The successes that I’ve been able to experience because of ALPFA have made me a huge believer in the great opportunities ALPFA offers. My experience as an ALPFA Seattle student member has inspired me to help others achieve their own success, and create their own story. I look forward to my first year as a professional member next year, and I’m excited for the years to come. Luis Silva-Behrens, Seattle Chapter

Member Spotlight: Luis Silva-Behrens

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ALPFA is excited to introduce to our members a recent sponsor, The Boeing Company. The relationship began in the spring of 2007 with Boeing’s sponsorship of a reception for ALPFA’s National & Corporate Advisory Boards and the Seattle chapter’s 2nd Annual Gala event. Boeing also participated in National Convention at the Bronze level sponsorship. Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined and is organized into two primary business units: Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) and Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). BCA is the world's leader in commercial aviation because of its complete focus on airplane operators and the passengers they serve. IDS provides end-to-end services for large-scale systems that combine sophisticated communication networks with air-, land-, sea- and space-based platforms for global military, government and commercial customers. Supporting these units is Boeing Capital Corporation (BCC), a global provider of financing solutions and the Shared Services Group (SSG), which provides a broad range of services to Boeing worldwide. Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 150,000 people across the United States and in 70

Sponsor’s Spotlight:

countries. This represents one of the most diverse, talented and innovative workforces anywhere. Affinity groups within the company such as Boeing Hispanics Employees Network (BHEN) and Boeing Woman in Leadership (BWIL) are part of the Boeing commitment to diversity — raising awareness and understanding. Affinity groups also serve as a cultural resource to help the company do business in a global, multicultural environment. Careers opportunities at Boeing in Finance include: Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Financial Planning, Cost Financial Planning, Taxes, Pricing and Estimating. Additional information about the company and employment opportunities can be found at our website at www.boeing.com/employment. The author of the above-referenced Work is an employee of The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) preparing the Work within the scope of his or her employment. The Boeing employee in question is not authorized to assign or license Boeing’s rights therein, or otherwise bind Boeing. However, subject to the limitations set forth below, Boeing is willing to assign its copyright in the Work to Publisher (the “Assignee”). Notwithstanding any assignment or transfer to the Assignee, or any other terms of this agreement, the rights granted by Boeing to Assignee are limited as follows: (i) any rights granted by Boeing to the Assignee are limited to the work-made-for-hire rights Boeing enjoys in the Work; and (ii) Boeing makes no representation or warranty of any kind to the Assignee or any other person or business entity regarding the Work, the information contained therein, or any related copyright; and (iii) Boeing retains a non-exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free right, without restriction or limitation, to use, reproduce, publicly distribute, display, and perform and make derivative works from the Work, and to license or permit others to do so.

http://www.boeing.com/employment

http://www.boeing.com/employment

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Incorporated in 1900, Weyerhaeuser is an international forest products company with nearly 41,000 employees in 17 countries. We are number 105 in FORTUNE magazine’s ranking of America’s largest corporations in 2007. Our five major business segments make products fundamental to human needs in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Such five major businesses include timberland, wood products, cellulose fiber, containerboard packaging & recycling, and real estate & real estate facilities. Weyerhaeuser is releasing the potential in tress and the Finance & Accounting Division of Weyerhaeuser is looking for talented individuals who are focused on advancing their career in a dynamic and collaborative environment. You will be empowered to share leadership and leverage your skills and experience to

Sponsor’s Spotlight:

deliver superior results. You will also be part of a company that is using its timber holdings to solve important problems for people and the planet. Our businesses are expanding the SAP system to become an integrated supply chain in which Finance plays a key role. We are also striving to be Class A (world class) and moving to a demand driven organization. This is a great opportunity for new hires to learn SAP and world class supply chain processes. For information on how Weyerhaeuser is helping the world click here. For information on career opportunities, please contact Roberta Valentine, or click here.

http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/citizenship/

mailto:mailto:[email protected]

http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/careers/opportunity/employment/

http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/careers/opportunity/employment/

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Five Simple Steps to Boost Your Financial

Confidence

Are you confident about your financial

future, or simply being cautiously

optimistic in the hopes that things will all

somehow “work out?” If you find yourself

in that latter category, you’re in good

company. According to a recently

released study by Prudential Financial,

Inc., entitled Financial Experience and

Behaviors Among Women, a whopping 67-

point gap exists between women’s

confidence levels and the importance they

place on maintaining their lifestyle during

retirement. The study went on to identify

that overall, whether the subject was

reducing personal debt, being financially

secure upon outliving a spouse, or

securing long-term health or nursing home

care, women tend to have clear financial

priorities, but low confidence in their

ability to achieve them.

Good Intentions, Lack of Action

Prudential’s survey pinpoints an important

fact: a notable disconnect exists between

what women know they should do and

what they actually do in relation to their

personal finances. For many, feelings of

being overwhelmed by short-term

priorities such as caring for children or

aging parents, working outside the home,

and community commitments can cause

important long-term financial planning

to be put on the back burner.

Financial Ignorance is Not Bliss

One of the best moves you can make

right now is to become familiar with

basic financial planning. Confused about

mutual funds? Unsure about life

insurance options? Whether you are

married, widowed, single, just out of

college or nearing retirement, today is

the day to begin prioritizing your goals

and upping your financial planning IQ:

1.Know Where You Stand and Where

You Want to Go. Invest in some user-

friendly financial planning software and

start reviewing your records. Know

where your money is invested, how

much debt you have and where

important insurance policies are stored

(and what they actually cover). Next,

make a list of areas of interest that

you’d like to learn more about, such as

annuities, stocks and bonds, long-term

care insurance and IRAs. Have this

information handy when you meet with

a financial planner.

2. Meet With a Financial Planner.

Since what you don’t know can hurt

your future, admit you are ignorant on

certain financial matters and seek help.



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Ask friends and colleagues for referrals

and look for someone who specializes in

financial planning for women. When

you interview candidates, make sure the

planner listens to your concerns and

answers questions thoroughly.

3. Insure Your Future Security. Carefully

review your life and disability insurance

needs, especially if you are the primary

breadwinner in the household. Term life

insurance can, at the very least, help

protect a family from the devastating

loss of a wage earner during the period

that the policy is in force. Also, be sure

your estate plan is set up to provide for

you in the event your spouse dies first,

and ask your financial advisor if long-

term care insurance is right for you.

4. Max Out Your 401(k). You’ve heard

this advice before. If you have yet to

heed it, start now. It really is one of the

easiest, smartest things you can do to

help prepare for retirement.

5. Make a Will or Estate Plan. Many

women make the mistake of not

creating a will, leaving loved ones to

deal with the hassle and expense of

probate court. A will leaves no doubt

about what should be done in the event

of death and helps protect your assets

for future generations. The annual

From Our Sponsor’s Desk: A Disciplined

Approach to Financial Success Prudential study indicated that only one

in five women feel very well prepared to

make wise financial decisions. Taking

action now can place you in the

financially confident minority, and help

put you on the road to retirement

security.

This article was presented by Benjamin Bear CFP, CLU, ChFC , Manager, Financial Services is a Pruco Securities

Registered Representative with The Prudential Insurance

Company of America's Pacific Northwest agency located in Bellevue, W A.. He can be reached at

[email protected] and (425)641-6148

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We are very excited to announce upcoming changes to our Seattle Website! We will be enhancing the user interface as well as adding new areas that will allow you to be more connected to ALPFA Seattle! Here is a brief snapshot some of the changes: Calendar of Events Check our calendar of events out! The new, interactive calendar allows you to have a one stop source with the most up-to-date information in upcoming professional and student events, as well as training. In addition, you can add the events to your Microsoft Outlook calendar, as well as subscribe to RSS Feeds to get automatic updates in your inbox/ internet browser. More Robust Board Information We will be providing you with more details about our board, as well as contact information, and changes in leadership (if applicable). Member Login Through a secure connection, you will be able to log into our job depository/ sponsor contact site. Partner Login Through a secure connection, partners and sponsors will be able to update job postings and send special announcements. Stay tuned for these exciting changes! http://www.seattlealpfa.org

A New Website Coming Soon!

http://seattlealpfa.org/default_files/Page528.htm

http://www.seattlealpfa.org/

fall2007

Documents

alpfa seattle president

n t h i s i s s u e

alpfa seattle chapter

alpfa national position

alpfa west region chapter

new vice president

nueva era alpfa seattles

sponsors desk