Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Community Alliance EDICA

Jessica is a first-generation immigrant who was born and raised in Shanghai. She has led the firm’s EDI program since its establishment in January 2020. Jessica loves to tell her story about how a diverse and inclusive work environment has had a positive impact on her 10+ years at Welch. She is passionate about making Welch a dream workplace for everyone who is inspired to grow with the firm through the successful delivery of Welch’s EDI program. Jessica also plays an active role in EDI initiatives outside the firm. She is a valued member on CHEO’s EDII Steering Committee and on Hire Immigrants Ottawa’s Workplace Belonging Advisory Committee.

Jessica has had over 10 years of experience providing services to Welch clients in the private and not-for-profit sectors. After gaining solid experience in the accounting and assurance practice, Jessica is now becoming specialized in providing indirect tax and payroll tax advice to clients in various industries.

Caroline has a passion for mentoring women in the workplace. She was recognized as a Top 50 Woman in Accounting for 2020 by Practice Ignition and featured in Accounting Today, an honour dedicated to the many accounting professionals who continue to break the glass ceiling and advance the accounting industry. She is also one of the co-founders of Women of Welch (WOW), an internal group focused on creating discussions and mentorship among women, both in leadership and at the staff level, to increase engagement and opportunities within Welch.

Caroline has over 10 years of public accounting and bookkeeping experience, which she uses to create value for both clients and staff as Onboarding Manager at Elevate by Welch. She specializes in small business accounting solutions, full-cycle accounting, corporate and personal tax, and healthcare and medical practices. As the onboarding manager, she is also responsible for our employee training and development, and she works directly with Elevate clients to ensure they’re getting the best possible service.

Kate is a first-generation immigrant who, at the age of seven, moved with her family from the Philippines to Toronto. Having lived in both Ottawa and Toronto, Kate enjoys immersing herself in the diverse cultures that surround her – a quality she has carried with her in both her university and work life. Kate has enjoyed learning from her peers and sharing her culture in an inclusive environment.

Before joining the Welch Toronto office in 2021, Kate gained experience with public sector accounting working for the City of Toronto. At Welch, Kate is a part of our public sector accounting practice. She has worked on a number of compliance audits for federal government departments and agencies and has assisted our advisory practice on due diligence engagements, as well as conducting ad hoc research on climate change accounting in the public sector.