Sofia Jelanizada DeBlanc, CPA, CFE

Age: 30

Employer: Deloitte- USA

Title: Advisory Manager

City/State: Falls Church, VA

Twitter: N/A

My story began in 2006 when I received a four-year scholarship to attend the University of Richmond as an International Student from Afghanistan. Coming to the United States, getting my bachelor’s degree in accounting, then my CPA license laid the foundation for my success. From there I started as a bookkeeper at a boutique construction company in Washington, DC. After transitioning to public accounting, I quickly worked my way up to a manager at the number one professional services firm in the world, Deloitte. From the war torn streets of Kabul to the managing a team of top professionals, my journey has been a blessing to say the least.

My contributions to the community thus far has been helping my younger siblings receive private education in Afghanistan. My hope for them is to grow up and become responsible and productive individuals in the society.

Ms. Paula Nirschel is the leader to whom I owe my second chance in life. I and a 100 plus other women from Afghanistan were able to pursue higher education in the United States as result of Paula’s vision. Another great leader is my first boss, Shams Zaman. He encouraged and supported me in obtaining my CPA license. He also taught me to see myself a strong leader. Finally yet importantly, my mentor Sofyan Yusufi has been my strongest critic and ally at the same time at Deloitte. Sofyan is my prime example of someone who ties his success to success of others.

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