Withum proudly celebrates Karol Y. Haugan, CPA and Tax Manager, for her outstanding leadership, community service and recent recognition as an honoree in the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) 2024 Women to Watch Awards – Emerging Leader category. This prestigious program celebrates women who are shaping the future of the accounting profession through excellence, innovation and community impact.
Karol’s journey at Withum exemplifies our core values of leadership, mentorship and community engagement. She was Withum’s Community Award nominee and was inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund (HHSF) Alumni Hall of Fame 2025.
Karol has spent over nine years collaborating with Firm leaders in Private Client Services, focusing on delivering exceptional client experiences, while serving as a trusted coach and mentor. She is passionate about career development and connecting with team members across regions to foster growth, strengthen retention and build the skills needed for long-term success.
Beyond her professional role, Karol co-chairs Withum’s HOLA Team Member Resource Group, where her guidance has driven impactful programs for leadership development and community engagement. In 2025, Withum celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with initiatives, including funding for nonprofit organizations like MCCLA and Hispanic Federation. Karol’s dedication to giving back has helped forge partnerships between Withum and various organizations like HHSF, ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America), ALPFA Student chapter at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the Hispanic Chamber Metro Orlando. It’s through these collaborations that Withum supports Hispanic students and professionals while strengthening community ties.
Outside of Withum, Karol enjoys biking, cooking and traveling. She actively supports Hispanic students’ education in Central Florida. She serves on ALPFA Orlando’s Student Affairs Committee, recruits at UCF, and, in 2020, began funding scholarships for Hispanic students at the UCF Dixon School of Accounting. Karol’s passion for uplifting emerging Hispanic and Latino professionals stems from her own journey. As a first-generation college graduate originally from Peru, she credits UCF and organizations like HHSF and ALPFA for providing opportunities that shaped her career and inspired her to become a CPA.
“Education creates a ripple effect — empowering individuals, families, neighborhoods and societies. Getting my accounting degree changed my life, and becoming a CPA has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I am proud of what our profession represents and grateful that by serving my clients, I can contribute to the economy and the progress of my community.” Karol Y. Haugan
