Withum is proud to share that Karol Y. Haugan, Tax Manager, was nominated for the Florida Institute of Public Accountants (FICPA) 2024 Woman to Watch Awards in the Emerging Leader category.
The FICPA’s Women to Watch Awards is an annual program that recognizes outstanding women in the accounting profession, celebrating two categories of emerging and experienced leaders. Karol was recognized as an honoree in celebration of her leadership contributions at Withum, her dedicated support to the accounting profession, and her outstanding community involvement.
Karol has been collaborating with leaders in private client services for over eight years. She is also an active, dependable coach and mentor, with a particular eye for career development and continued education. She reaches across regions to connect with junior staff and collaborate with her team members, contributing to talent retention and further developing the skills required to support long-lasting, successful careers. Beyond her professional role, Karol is also the Co-chair of Withum’s HOLA Team Member Resource Group. Karol’s leadership within HOLA played a pivotal role in fostering partnerships between Withum and various organizations, including the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund (HHSF) and the Orlando Chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). Through these collaborations, Withum aims to support Hispanic college students’ success and to promote its members’ leadership and professional development, creating a positive impact within the community.
Outside of her activities with the Firm, Karol has been promoting the accounting profession and supporting Hispanic students’ education in Central Florida and in her home country. She is heavily involved with recruiting at UCF and in 2020, started providing scholarships to the Dixon School of Accounting students. Karol has also served on the HHSF Scholarship Selection Committee since 2016. During the pandemic, she volunteered with PeruTeQuiero, tutoring elementary and high school students in an effort to help them not lose their school year. Additionally, Karol was also involved with Hope CommUnity Center, helping members achieve personal and societal transformation, as well as gain citizenship.
Karol’s passion for uplifting and supporting emerging Hispanic and Latino students and professionals was inspired by her own experience.
UCF provided me with great opportunities, including becoming a first-generation graduate and allowing me to connect with professionals in Public Accounting, who ultimately inspired me to become a CPA. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund not only provided me with financial support but also allowed me to build long-standing relationships with outstanding Hispanic professionals in Central Florida. Thanks to these organizations, outstanding professionals, and generous donors, I was able to accomplish so much for me and my family. This is why I am committed to giving back to my alma mater and my community. I firmly believe that education creates a ripple effect empowering individuals, families, neighborhoods, and societies. Getting my accounting degree changed my life and becoming a CPA has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I am so proud of what our profession represents and grateful that by serving my clients, I can contribute to the economy and the progress of various communities across the nation.
Karol Y. Haugan, CPA
Last year, Withum’s Jennifer Keshwar, Audit Principal, was named FICPA Woman to Watch Nominee in the Experienced Leader category.
