Jose Velarde will be receiving his Master’s of Taxation from Georgia State University. He also holds a Bachelor’s of Administration specializing in Accounting from J. Mack Robinson College of Business, also at Georgia State University. Jose is CPA eligible.

Originally from Lima, Peru, Jose began working at an early age, rather than pursuing higher education. He realized that he could do more for himself and others if he went back to school. While at Georgia State University, he was part of the founding chapter of their Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA).

Of diversity within the tax profession, Jose says “Working in an environment like a Big 4 firm, you definitely notice the lack of diversity. Because of this shortage, I think being a Hispanic student has given me more reason to strive for higher goals.”

Scholarship Received: $1,000