Extensive educational training, an encouraging demeanor and an unflappable work ethic have enabled Women Helping Women honoree Coral Lopez to rise to a leadership position at Western Nevada College.

WNCs chief financial officer was recognized May 19 during Soroptimist International of Carson Citys annual Celebrating Women Helping Women 2022 Recognition Event at Casino Fandango in Carson City.

Coral serves as a role model for young and adult women at WNC, having earned a Bachelors degree in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno and advancing to an executive position at the college.

Throughout my tenure at WNC, Ive had the opportunity to mentor students in various capacities, Coral said. With each opportunity, I find that Im a huge supporter of our youth and often discuss their career aspirations and even provide guidance on a career path and how to get there.

Before coming to WNC, Coral became a Certified Public Accountant and worked for one of the worlds top accounting firms, Ernst & Young.

Coral started as the colleges controller in 2010 and has since been promoted to chief financial officer. She serves a critical role in helping the college maintain its budget, overseeing finances and managing federal stimulus dollars received by WNC. Coral also manages a team of professionals in WNCs Business Office, helping them prosper in their careers.

My supportive and encouraging demeanor comes from my parents as they have always been supportive of my goals, but I also think it comes from within, Coral said. I genuinely care about the females that I surround myself with and am always there to help, encourage and cheer them on.

Most rewarding to Coral is that students dont forget her when they leave WNC.

Ive had former work study students that still contact me to this day to let me know how they are doing and that my advice and support really helped them out, she said. Some even come back to interview me for their projects at UNR!

For more information on this honor and the other women who were recognized, go to www.sicarsoncity.org.