A staff accountant at Deloitte—one of Canada's leading providers of audit, tax consulting and financial advisory services—23-year-old Teresita Aristizabal has earned a reputation as a hard-working, driven and dedicated professional with a unique take on investment.
Currently working with mining, energy and gas clients in Canada, Guatemala and the US, the 2010 Southridge graduate earned a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from UBC’s Sauder School of Business in 2014. As an up and coming corporate leader, she is drawn to the world of micro finance. However, there’s nothing small about the impact she hopes to make in business and in life.
“Connecting socially conscious investors with small business owners and individuals is something that really interests me,” said Teresita, who is an active board member for Semiahmoo House Society—a non-profit organization providing services and support to people with disabilities.
“I'd like to see a platform through which investment could be a more hands-on approach. Investors would provide both finances and mentorship to individuals for educational or entrepreneurial purposes with the hopes of earning a return in the future. You would be investing in someone financially, while leveraging your existing network to help them succeed. I would love to see this type of investing being used to achieve social integration of immigrants, refugees, individuals with disabilities, etcetera."
Helping others achieve their dreams and realize success is a subject close to her heart. Teresita, who one day hopes to rise to the ranks of CFO, received a five-year financial award to attend Southridge from Grade 8 through 12.
“It has definitely had a positive impact on my life. My education at Southridge gave me confidence and prepared me very well for university. Most importantly, it has taught me important values and encouraged me to go out into the world and make a difference.”
She said she and her family are grateful for the support, which she believes helped inspire her passion for investing in others. A serendipitous meeting at her mother’s seamstress business made the experience even more meaningful.
“A new client came in one day with the same name that was on my bursary. My mom realized she was the donor and that is how they met for the first time. It was a pretty powerful moment to share with someone. Since then, we’ve crossed paths a lot. It’s really neat to see her. There’s an altruistic quality that permeates the Southridge community. It’s pretty contagious.”
CHRISTIE JUDSON
CONTRIBUTOR