Future accountants look to Victoria Loyola for advice on how to succeed professionally and balance family and career. In 2016, she worked with Florida Gulf Coast University to create a mentoring program for the university’s accounting students.

Loyola, a certified public accountant, earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Florida Gulf Coast University and has stayed connected to her alma mater since graduation.

“Ultimately, you are in control of where you career goes, so dive in, seek challenges, pursue new opportunities and do not be afraid to take chances,” Loyola says.

Loyola sits on the board of directors for Valerie’s House, which provides children and families a place to grieve, share, and grow following the loss of a parent or caregiver. She serves annually on the Allocations Committee for the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties, and she was recently appointed to the board of directors for the United Way.