Campus Ambassadors
BRigham Young University
Emily Russell
I’m Emily, and very excited to serve with the UACPA as a campus ambassador at Brigham Young University. Currently, I am entering the tax stem of BYU’s MAcc program, to graduate spring 2026. I fell in love with accounting after studying my first accounting textbook before class even began! The attention to detail, organization as well as room for personal judgment became aspects that have driven my desire to become a CPA. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my husband, reading, and eating Oreo bars.
Ali Branaham
WEBER State University
Aubry Savage
I am currently a senior at Weber State University. I am passionate about accounting, driven by my love for numbers, analytical thinking, and having a knack for solving real-word puzzles.
In the next five years, I aim to advance my career, become a CPA, explore Europe, and share all my adventures with a dachshund dog. Beyond academics, I enjoy hiking, concerts, fitness and quality time with friends and family.
I am looking forward to serving as the UACPA Campus Ambassador for Weber State University and the knowledge and skills I will gain from this rewarding experience.
Abigail Wagstaff
I have known accounting was right for me after my first accounting class. I am planning on getting my MAcc and CPA license.
I want everyone to find the excitement that I have found in accounting. The excitement comes from the community and especially the professors. Weber State University has done an amazing job at finding professors who are passionate about what they are teaching.
I can be found going to the gym or on a nice run. I also like trying new restaurants with friends or a fun recipe at home. I can be caught relaxing with my cat who loves to binge watch TV shows and movie series with me.
University of utah
Mariana Gusmão Tokuda
My interest in accounting began in high school when almost all of the career personality tests I took matched me with the profession. At the time, I had no idea what an accountant did, but the more I researched, the more I fell in love with the field. Currently, I am a senior at the University of Utah, on track to earn my MAcc and CPA license. Outside of accounting, I enjoy watching TV with my cats and doing pilates.
Jonathan Chan
Hi everyone! I’m Jonathan and the reason why I chose accounting is because I always found it fascinating how companies are able to track their finances and operate their companies successfully. I love the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah because this top-tier business school provides so many opportunities for business students to explore their interests and allows them to actively participate in clubs and organizations that teach skills that are not normally found in the classroom. In my free time, I can be found at the pickleball courts, playing table tennis, and improvising on the piano.
Utah Valley University
Braden Morrison
Ever since I started school I always loved to work with numbers. As I advanced in schooling I fell in love with SPREADSHEETS! It has become a delightful subject of teasing within the family and an awesome source of structure and planning.
I am loving my study and work as an accountant, helping individuals and organizations structure and plan out their financial present and future.
Some other hobbies and interests of mine are videography, photography, graphic design, and baking!
Katelyn Esplin
I discovered my passion for accounting when I found myself excited to study for my first accounting exam. Since then, I have enjoyed learning more about accounting in an educational and professional environment. I am currently a senior at Utah Valley University and plan to pursue a MAcc degree next fall with the intention of becoming a CPA.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy being outdoors and staying active with my family and friends. My main interests include tennis, pickleball, boating, and skiing. I also love traveling and learning about different cultures.
Utah State University
Sheri Talakai
As a junior at Utah State University majoring in accounting, I’m excited to be a campus ambassador for the UACPA. I chose accounting because I’ve seen how it’s positively impacted my family. After completing two internships with PwC, I’m passionate about public accounting and plan to earn both my MAcc and CPA, with a possible doctorate down the road. In my free time, I love doing creative activities like art and music.
Southern Utah University
Zach Reimann
I knew I wanted to study accounting as soon as I began networking with other CPAs. I admire the vital role that CPAs and accountants play in our economy, allowing it to function and grow.
I graduated from SUU with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and have started the MAcc. I have been involved with the accounting club and serve on the council where our goal is to expose students to the industry, network with professionals, and receive internship and/or full-time offers. I am excited to serve as campus ambassador for the UACPA this school year!
I enjoy being active and hanging out with friends and family. Some of my favorite hobbies include soccer, pickleball, volleyball, and longboarding. I also enjoy audio books as they provide a way to relax and get away from the worries and stresses of life.
Utah Tech University
Jaden Robinson
My passion for accounting began during my time as a volunteer in Puebla, Mexico, where I spent over 6 months working as a bookkeeper. This experience ignited my passion for accounting. I am now in my senior year at Utah Tech University, pursuing my degree in accounting and preparing to transition into the MAcc program next fall.
If I'm not found obsessing over Excel spreadsheets, I can likely be found rock climbing, swimming, or backpacking around Utah.
Westminster University
Jennifer Patel
I’m very excited to work with the UACPA as a campus ambassador. My undergraduate degree is in English, but I ended up working in wealth management after college and became interested in accounting after working closely with CPAs and other tax professionals. I’m currently taking prerequisite classes and working on my MAcc. I find accounting to be incredibly rewarding and I’m so grateful to be able to learn from the wonderful professors at Westminster. My free time is spent with my family, taking care of my very old house, and reading lots of books.
