Posted on December 5, 2025 by Rebekah Alegria
When Lauren Valadez, ’24 walks the stage this December earning her graduate degree in accounting, she’ll be celebrating resilience, a newfound confidence in her profession and years of perseverance that have led her a full-time accounting role with Forvis Mazars.
Lauren Valadez, '24, MACY '25
Lauren Valadez’s life has been defined by stability and family. The oldest of three siblings, she grew up in the same house her entire life and was surrounded by family. “I’m such a family-oriented person,” she stated. “It’s why I couldn’t imagine leaving San Antonio.”
In high school, Valadez took what she thought would be just another elective--an introductory accounting class. Instead, the class sparked something entirely new. She understood the material easily, enjoyed the logic behind it and suddenly saw a possible career path she hadn’t considered.
“I’m surrounded by teachers,” she said. “My mom’s a special ed teacher, and several of my family members are also in education. Accounting was unexpected, but it felt right.”
lauren Valadez,'24, alvarez fall graduate, MACY '25
Choosing UT San Antonio allowed her to stay close to home, save money and pursue a business degree at a university she trusted. She began as an undergraduate accounting major and found her footing, despite beginning college during COVID when classes, clubs and student life were all still remote. 
When campus life reopened, she made the decision that would shape her entire academic and professional journey—she joined Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society.
“If it wasn’t for Beta Alpha Psi, I don’t know where I’d be,” said Valadez. The organization introduced her to accounting firms, took her on office tours and allowed her to meet accounting professionals and mentors. It also led her to two internships, first at KPMG, then at Forvis Mazars, where she discovered her love for individual tax returns and earned her full-time offer.
She was also active in the Accounting Professionals of Tomorrow and Business Student Council. The organizations gave her community, mentors and opportunities she would never have encountered on her own.
Valadez’s journey has not been without challenges. During her undergraduate years, her parents divorced and forced her to adapt to new environments and routines. “Transitioning between homes and adjusting to new routines made it hard to stay centered on school,” she said. “Being able to complete my undergraduate degree and then move into my master’s was a huge accomplishment I take great pride in.”
Now her biggest challenge has been preparing for the CPA Exam while completing the final semester of her graduate program. Valadez studies daily and often sacrifices weekends and social time so she can accomplish that goal.
“I’m stressed, but I’m almost done,” she said with a sigh. “I can see the finish line.” She took her first CPA section this month — right in the middle of finals.
Through it all, Valadez found strong mentorship from Patrick Lee, associate professor of practice in accounting. She credits Lee with guiding her academically and helping her navigate the world of internships, CPA timelines and the accounting profession.
“He’s very knowledgeable,” said Valadez. “He always makes sure we know we can go to him for anything.”
She also benefited from the college’s resume workshops, professional development sessions and job fairs, which she says helped her polish the skills she needed to enter the field with confidence.
As she graduates and prepares to begin her role as a tax associate at Forvis Mazars, Valadez says she feels a mix of relief, pride and excitement. “I’m excited to be financially free,” she stated. “I want to pay off my student loans within my first year.”
Because of her many experiences, Valadez has grown into a confident young professional. Her advice to future accounting students is simple but sincere: get involved.
“Join clubs. Start networking now,” exclaimed Valadez. “The people you meet could be your future coworkers, or the reason you get a job.”
As a shy person by nature, she knows how intimidating networking can be, but she swears by its impact.
“You have to put yourself out there. It’ll be worth it when you have a job waiting for you,” she shared.
— Rebekah Alegria
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