Philippine American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Utah
PACCI Utah
Originally from Cavite, Philippines, she pursued her education at Lyceum of the Philippines University in Manila, Philippines, specializing in International Tourism and entrepreneurship.
Early in her career, Mary achieved remarkable success at American Express, where she rose to become the youngest regional manager on the West Coast. She later transitioned to a role as an analyst at Pacific Gas & Electric in San Francisco, showcasing her versatility and analytical skills. Subsequently, she managed operations at H&R Block, further solidifying her managerial expertise.
Passionate about events and marketing, Mary played a pivotal role in assisting Home Depot and Lowe’s with their strategic marketing initiatives. Leveraging her extensive experience, she founded a software company with a global presence, catering to both government and private entities in the Philippines and the USA.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary is an angel investor actively contributing to the Philippines startup ecosystem and supporting young Asian entrepreneurs in the USA. Committed to diversity and inclusion, she is a proud supporter of the LGBTQ community, particularly endorsing the Queens of the Castro.
Grace was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. She moved to Utah to marry Clint, now her husband of 20+ years. Clint and Grace love to go camping off the grid with their 4 kids in their travel trailer among the many outdoor activities the family enjoys.
Prior to moving to the US, she worked for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) where she helped organize the Philippines’ annual international furniture show as well as its participation to showcase Philippine-made furniture at trade shows and missions around the world. She received her formal training in the organization of international trade shows in the Netherlands and Germany. Here in the US, Grace has found success in the software tech industry as a C-level executive assistant for 15+ years and counting.Â
In addition to serving the FilAm business community through PACCI Utah, Grace leads and serves the broader Filipino American community of Utah through her work with consular outreach, the Philippine Independence Day festival, and many other community projects for the Filipino Americans in Utah.
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Julian Oscar Guzmán is an entrepreneurial coach. For the last 20 years, he has been a CEO, comptroller, business consultant, tax advisor, and SCORE mentor. Julian obtained his Master’s in Business Administration after migrating to Utah. Since then, Julian has been dedicating his profession towards providing managerial financing services to various clients, planning and implementing accounting and tax strategies that have helped, and in many cases, saved thousands of dollars carelessly reported as taxes.
Julian has the experience, knowledge, motivation, and innate altruism to share this intellectual baggage with all types of entrepreneurs and business owners that are stuck in their business and their life.As commendable as his entrepreneurial coaching and business consulting work, is his years of experience teaching in a couple of colleges in Utah.
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Vishal is a dynamic entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of successful ventures. As a co-founder of a software company, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of technology and its application to drive business growth. Additionally, Vishal’s entrepreneurial pursuits span across multiple industries, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a business leader.
With a passion for creating exceptional experiences, Vishal has co-founded a catering company catering to the exclusive Indian wedding industry, contributing to its 71-billion dollar market. His culinary expertise and meticulous attention to detail have established him as a respected chef, delivering unforgettable dining experiences.
Vishal’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age when he took on the responsibility of managing his family’s textile business in India. This early experience instilled in him a strong work ethic and a drive for success, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
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Veronica is an experienced legal secretary with a diverse background in various legal fields. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional transcription skills, she has been instrumental in transcribing depositions, particularly in cases involving child abuse and divorce. Her commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom, as she has also served as a confidant and officer for Bayanihan, a community-based organization dedicated to social welfare. She has been a trusted translator for incarcerated Filipinos, ensuring effective communication between inmates and legal professionals.
In addition to her legal expertise, Veronica has worked as a house inspector for GSIS, where she coordinated property inspections and verified measurements. Her customer service skills shine in her previous role with Jet Blue Airways, where she excelled in customer success for high-end clientele.
Outside of work, she cherishes her family life, having been happily married for 30+ years and being a proud mother of two daughters and a grandmother to a grandson. Veronica’s compassionate and nurturing nature is evident in all aspects of her life, making her a valuable asset both personally and professionally.
Meet Jeff Ballif, a seasoned Medicare insurance broker with a decade-long career in the insurance industry and a heart for service. Since 2012, Jeff has dedicated his professional life to demystifying the complexities of Medicare for his clients, guiding them toward educated decisions about their coverage. His commitment to personal service culminated in the establishment of his own brokerage, Graybird Insurance Services, in 2015.
Today, he continues to provide expert advice and tailored solutions from his home office in North Salt Lake, where he lives with his wife Natasha, their two poodles, and a lively pet parrot.Jeff’s connection to the Philippines runs deep, beginning with a two-year ecclesiastical mission he served from 2006 to 2008. During this time, he studied Tagalog and until today he is still proficient in the language. This experience sparked an enduring love for the Filipino culture and people, leading him to spend additional time living and working in the country.
Jeff’s passion for the Philippines extends beyond its vibrant culture – he is deeply invested in improving the lives of its people. To this end, while still in college, he co-founded a 401(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting school children in rural areas of the Philippines. The organization provided desks and chairs for students without proper seating, and delivered health and hygiene presentations to promote well-being among the youth.
When not working, Jeff indulges his love for scuba diving and the care and well-being of animals. These pastimes reflect his adventurous spirit and compassionate nature, traits that have been instrumental in his professional success and philanthropic endeavors. Whether he’s navigating the intricacies of Medicare policies, exploring the depths of the ocean, or championing for the welfare of Filipinos, Jeff brings unwavering passion to everything he does.Â
Marianne is a highly accomplished Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 20 years of expertise in accounting, auditing, and finance. With Master’s degrees in both Accountancy and Business Administration, Marianne remains at the forefront of industry trends as an active member of prestigious professional organizations such as the AICPA and UACPA. Her strategic insights and financial acumen have made a lasting impact in influential roles as a Financial, Corporate, and International Controller, Vice President in Accounting and Finance, and Chief Financial Officer for domestic and global companies.
As an entrepreneur, Marianne is the founder of Savvy Financials and co-founder of strategic partnerships with Ahzzma CPA Tribal auditing firm and Stoic Properties. Her commitment to giving back is evident through her active engagement with non-profit organizations and support for humanitarian activities, earning her recognition as an Elite CPA and recipient of prestigious give-back awards.
Marianne’s extensive experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering dedication have established her as a highly respected figure in the financial industry, driving growth, providing expert insights, and making a positive impact on organizations and communities.On a personal note, Marianne finds joy in her roles as a wife and mother to her two beautiful children.
She embraces both indoor and outdoor activities, including cooking, playing board games with her kids, singing karaoke with her dad, and indulging on Netflix series. Marianne also finds solace in gardening, hiking, fishing, and above all, hunting. For her, the perfect day involves being alone in a peaceful setting or on a picturesque beach, gazing at the horizon and the crashing waves, allowing her mind to wander without a care in the world.
Auric is a graduate from the University of California, Irvine (Zot zot zot!) with degrees in Mathematics and Quantitative Economics. He’s worked and optimized large scale digital ad campaigns at Pension Trust Fund. His latest role is with a Tech company (GOOGLE) as a Global Business Lead helping build products for the next billion users that are going to come online.In his free time, he stays active and loves to hike. He recently started Free Diving, Surfing and is always finding time to improve his skills with skis on the slopes.
Sunnie is a dedicated entrepreneur with a passion for business and a strong sense of family. With a deep-rooted commitment to her family’s legacy, Sunnie has taken on the responsibility of managing and nurturing their businesses in the Philippines. Her ability to balance multiple ventures and make strategic decisions has contributed to the growth and success of these enterprises.
With a background in event planning and theatrical operations, Sunnie brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her expertise in organizing and executing events has allowed her to create memorable experiences for attendees. Through meticulous planning and attention to detail, she has consistently delivered exceptional results in this field. Currently, Sunnie holds the role of co-founder in a manufacturing company in the Philippines.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Sunnie has a passion for food and enjoys exploring a variety of culinary experiences. She finds joy in discovering new flavors and appreciating the art of gastronomy. Above all, Sunnie cherishes her family and holds a special place in her heart for her loved ones, especially her nephew. Her dedication to her family fuels her drive for success and inspires her to create a better future for herself and those she cares about.
