Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA is a speaker, storyteller, and consultant who helps individuals and organizations unlock the power of authenticity, trust, and connection. With more than 30 years of experience in the accounting profession and business leadership, she brings a unique, deeply human approach to leadership development and culture-building.

Her work focuses on the intersection of leadership, belonging, and emotional intelligence, equipping people with the awareness and tools to lead with clarity, empathy, and intention. Known for blending professional insight with personal storytelling, Jina makes complex ideas accessible and relatable. She helps professionals at all levels show up more fully as themselves—both in their work and in their lives.
 

   

Elizabeth Almer is a Professor and Retzlaff Director of Accounting at Portland State University where she teaches Intermediate Financial Accounting and Auditing. She received her B.S. from Santa Clara University, PhD from Arizona State University and previously was an auditor for PriceWaterhouse in San Jose. Professor Almer conducts research on the changing relationship between public accounting firms and their professional employees, with a focus on gender issues. More recently her research examined equity issues among accounting academics. Professor Almer’s research has been published in many academic and practitioner journals, and she has been quoted in leading business and accounting news sites. 

Professor Almer has served on multiple editorial boards and is currently the senior editor for Issues in Accounting Education.  She values her continued involvement in the accounting profession as a means to stay abreast of current issues and strengthen ties to organizations hiring her students.  Professor Almer has served as a member of the Oregon Society of CPAs (OSCPA) Board of Directors, Women’s Initiative Committee and Educational Foundation, and AICPA’s Work Life and Women’s Initiative Executive Committee. She grew up in San Jose, the sixth child of immigrant parents.  She has two college-age daughters and her husband is a tax partner at one the most diverse accounting firms in Portland.