Claudia Revermann
Sharing knowledge and giving back
March 28, 2024
In fall 2023, the MNCPA launched its inaugural La Mesa Del Emprendedor — or The Entrepreneur’s Table — event in partnership with the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) with the aim of connecting Spanish-speaking CPAs with small-business owners.
Claudia Revermann met one-on-one with these business owners for 30 minutes, answering questions regarding tax reporting, logistical concerns and any other business-related topics that were on their minds.
Revermann was struck by her volunteer experience.
“As a Latina business owner myself, I am always interested in opportunities to be involved with the community, helping and educating clients using both hats I wear as a CPA and a lawyer,” Revermann said. “But I was also apprehensive as my Spanish is not great, and I wanted to be certain that wouldn't get in the way of meeting participant expectations.”
After getting her CPA license in 1999 and working for a few years in public accounting, Revermann’s manager asked her to pursue additional tax-focused education to further develop her career. Because law school was already on her radar, Revermann was eager to expand her skill set and get her law degree.
Drawing on her knowledge, Revermann was able to provide guidance and education to the business owners she spoke to for La Mesa Del Emprendedor.
“From the variety of businesses to the impressive business acumen, it was such a delight to dig in and give guidance and ideas that they can take to get themselves to their next level,” she said.
Revermann pointed to one client, a woman who wanted to get general bookkeeping advice to properly assess the cash flow from her food truck business. The business owner already had impressive profits, which she wanted to put towards a second food truck. Another couple Revermann worked with had several businesses they spoke to her about, and she stayed in touch with them to provide basic start-up help.
For those who made appointments through the event, the day was described as life changing.
Rico Duran, director of business development for the LEDC, celebrated the success of the event.
“The work and support of the MNCPA for these LEDC clients provided a tremendous resource that enhances the good practices of administration for small businesses,” he said. “Our clients took these resources very seriously to strengthen their capacity to operate in areas of accounting, bookkeeping and tax filings.”
But the impact went both ways.
“This experience overwhelmingly filled my cup in such an unexpected way,” Claudia said, “I was so nervous going into it because of my Spanish speaking skills, or lack thereof. But the LEDC staff was so welcoming and the participants were really grateful. They were patient with me and eager to learn and ask questions. More importantly, I don't often get the opportunity to work with people that look like me. It's just so crucial for people to be seen, particularly for this group who are so ambitious and excited about growing their own business.”
Interested in volunteering for this event or similar events in the future? Reach out to Julia Shiota at
jshiota@mncpa.org.
Topics: Member Profiles
Julia Shiota
Julia Shiota is the MNCPA’s communications coordinator, bringing her passion for storytelling to members through content development, media relations, and covering member accomplishments and events. Outside of her work with the MNCPA, Julia enjoys knitting, reading, and keeping track of all the birds she encounters on nature walks. You can reach Julia at 952-855-5533 or at jshiota@mncpa.org.
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