Susan Legaspi: trailblazer.

• Position: Finalentry

Susan R. Legaspi, CPA took home the coveted Trailblazer Award from the 2011 Womem's Leadership Fornm June 10. After graduating from college and raising a family in die Philippines. Legaspi immigrated to this country in the mid-1980s and worked her way up from secretary to manager at two Big Four accounting firms, then became president and CEO of ZuehIs, Legaspi & Company. She has more than 16 years experience in accounting; auditing, tax, consulting; advisory and forensic services. California CPA caught up with Legaspi soon after the award ceremony to ask how she manages all that she lakes on.

What challenges and triumphs did you experience as you adjusted to life in the United States?

Coming to the United Slates involves numerous adjustments to name but a few: cultural, social, lingual and financial.

Regarding social and cultural challenges, even though I was raised in Manila, where we spoke English, went to private Catholic schools and our habits were more "westernized" when compared with those raised in the rural areas, the culture shock was still overwhelming. Fortunately; I was able to travel domestically and internationally at a very young age, which exposed me lo different cultures.

One challenge I experienced was discrimination at work. I was an administrative manager with a computer-aided design firm and many of the younger staff refused to recognize me as their supervisor because I was non-white, a recent immigrant and a woman.

Early triumphs included obtaining various professional licenses (e.g., life and casualty insurance, tax preparation and real estate) and owning and running a couple of small businesses.

To what do you credit your successful career?

Inner drive, people and opportunity. I had a strong ambition to succeed. I was fortunate to surround myself with people of integrity intelligence and inspiration. I also had unlimited opportunity something I could never have in the Philippines.

How important is mentorship to you?

Having a strong mentor is essential. I urge every successful professional to be mentors in their social, cultural, religious groups and communities. I am involved in several nonprofits wherein I stress the importance of serving members of our communities through mentorship.

Who have been your notable mentors?

On the personal side, my mother. She was a beautiful, intelligent and poised lawyer, mother, housewife and friend. She instilled in me that integrity in every act is the formula for success. On the...