tr ailblazer
“Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” –Gloria Steinem
somer torres, CPA
Few people would take a leap of faith and go to another country for two years for a job. Even fewer would do it with four
children in tow. “Te nerves and uncertainty of
moving with my spouse and four young kids to another country were a challenge, but I kept telling myself to swing for the fences and was offered a two-year contract in Perth (Australia),” said Somer Torres, CPA, an audit manager with Grant Tornton in Tulsa. “Te differences in office culture, as well as client make up, were challenging, as I also struggled to learn Australian accounting and auditing standards, including legislative requirements.” In addition to accepting and facing those challenges, Torres also served on the board of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma for four years. “When Somer found out that she was moving to Australia, she was passionate about remaining as chair of the Finance Committee,” said Roberta Paterson, president and CEO for Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma. “For two years, Somer effectively chaired our teleconferences from half a world away. Most of the calls were held during the late evening or early morning hours in Australia. What commitment!” Tat dedication comes as no surprise to those who work with Torres. Brad Stoots, CPA, a managing partner with Grant Tornton in Tulsa, said, “Her can-do spirit has been a trait that she has displayed from the first day she joined the firm.” He continued, “Somer has a collaborative spirit and is willing to take on whatever role is required in completing a project and clearly takes ownership of whatever she is assigned … She has an amazing work ethic and
is a positive role model for not only working mothers, but all professionals in our firm.” When she returned to Oklahoma,
Torres eagerly put her life lessons to work.
“Tings were never going to be the way they were before since coming back to the Tulsa office, but that is important as staying static hinders success,” Torres said. “Making yourself uncomfortable can reap so many benefits.” Tough few would fault Torres for seeking a piece of comfort—she gave birth to her fifth child just after the family returned from Australia and she was promoted to senior manager. Somehow, Torres still finds words of wisdom amid the chaos. “Tere is a lot of talk on work/ life balance and ‘having it all,” Torres said, “but these aren’t concepts that necessarily drive my day-to-day … Some days feel like triumphant victories for each aspect, such as being present with my spouse and kids and doing something domestic I enjoy like baking or laundry, while putting in a strong day’s work with an awesome client conversation and impressing my boss.” Torres continued, “On the other end of the spectrum, there are days where I can’t make a school field trip, make a mistake at the office and come home to a loud and messy house. It’s important not to let either cloud judgment. Te in-between is most days; some things make me feel like a rock star, some make me feel ten inches tall, but I like to continue learning and keep trying. I can reflect on both my family and career priorities and smile. I am raising five awesome, unique individuals to help foster our community and the world as they grow.”
Getting to know
somer
What would we never catch you doing? Karaoke
What scares you? How many LEGOs are in my living room carpet
Who was your teen crush? Taylor Hanson
What is your personal theme song? Eminem’s “Till I Collapse”
What’s your favorite sports team? K-State Wildcats
What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? When I was 10, my house burned down. Everyone at my elementary school raised money to buy me clothes.
What’s your favorite game to play? Super Mario World
On a Saturday night, where will we most likely find you? On the couch reading books with the kids or struggling to stay awake for SNL.
March/April 2019
CPAFOCUS 27
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