From the Peruvian Amazon to Cost Accountant at Crane A&E, Paola has been guided by a value system instilled at an early age

Paola Yepez shared a heartfelt message with her LinkedIn network during last year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring her mother and the efforts she made to provide Paola and her sisters a better life.

Opportunity wasn’t plentiful in the Peruvian Amazon, where Paola grew up, but the value system her parents promoted has propelled Paola throughout her life and professional career.

“My parents always instilled in me that my intellectual and moral resources are more valuable than any monetary capital,” Paola said. “Those values have allowed me to build strong relationships with the people who I have met along my journey.”

After moving to Peru’s capital city of Lima, Paola attended the university and studied Engineering Statistics. She participated in a collegiate work and travel program where students from around the world traveled to the United States to study and work.

Each experience opened a new opportunity.

“In our journey, we remember our failures and the challenges we’ve overcome. We also help others to overcome their challenges,” Paola said. “I asked and offered help to become the person I am today without denying where I come from. In those trips (to the U.S.) there were many things to discover while contributing to the economic growth, enriching my intellectual forces and the most beautiful thing was to share my culture and learn about other cultures from all over the world.”

Paola moved to the United States where she lived and worked in Florida and New York before moving to Washington state. She completed her studies in Florida, earning a degree in Business Intelligence and Data Mining. In Washington, Paola obtained an Accounting degree while interning with the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

Paola learned of Crane Aerospace & Electronics from her mom, who works across the street from Crane A&E’s Lynnwood, Wash., headquarters. Two years ago, Paola applied for a job at Crane A&E and now works as a Cost Accountant.

"Crane everyday has reminded me that the most important things aren't the things that I've already achieved, it's what I'm capable of achieving. By trusting in me, my managers give me the freedom to perform my job, and I feel empowered."

— Paola Yepez, Crane A&E Cost Accountant

Paola is responsible for inventory cost accounting. She observes Crane A&E’s financial numbers and tells a story with them. She plays a key role in guiding critical business decisions that contribute to aviation and aerospace products.

“Crane everyday has reminded me that the most important things aren’t the things that I’ve already achieved, it’s what I’m capable of achieving,” Paola said. “By trusting in me, my managers give me the freedom to perform my job, and I feel empowered.”

Paola is also passionate about supporting the Latino community.

She serves as a board member for the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) - Seattle Chapter. Paola mentors Latino youth, attends ALPFA conventions across the U.S and supports the organization’s mission, which is to empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation in every sector of the global economy. Students come to ALPFA conventions from all over the U.S., and Paola said the student talent is visible.

“Seeing how students are now using their intellectual resources, that shows that together we can break the barriers and have fewer firsts,” Paola said.

Paola also stays connected with her professors in Lima. She mentors students and helps them find their own purpose and pride in their efforts.

“It’s an opportunity to repay my community in Peru and share with the students that we are the magnet on the things we aspire to do,” Paola said.   

“It’s imperative that companies not only just fill the seats with a multicultural staff. They need to recognize, comprehend, and value different points of view and opinions. More than a presence, our voices need to be validated. Despite society having stigmatized certain roles and scenarios for minorities, I found a way to be able to express my opinions and point of view by breaking barriers, embracing my Latino culture and bringing richness to companies I’ve worked for,” Paola said.