Erica Berrios
Chief Financial Officer
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Santa Ana, CA USA
“Nothing is impossible as long you put your mind to it.”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Graduated high school.
Attended community college.
Got pregnant at the age of 20 with my first child while attending school.
Worked as a part time book keeper at the Habitat Humanity.
Graduated with a degree in Business Administration. It took four years due to going part-time at night while managing a full time job and being a single mom.
Got several promotions throughout the years at my work.
Became a single mother of three kids and had financial struggles.
Got promoted to a top executive at my work.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Santa Ana High School
Santa Ana High School
Bachelor
Minor in Accounting
Community College
Minor in Accounting
Community College
Graduate
Business Administration, Finance
California State University, Fullerton
Business Administration, Finance
California State University, Fullerton
Career
Chief Financial Officer
Focused on the Habitat Mission and the long term financial sustainability of the affiliate.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Day to Day
I oversee and manage business matters, the track of "closing the books," in which at the end of the month, I reconcile bank accounts, and make sure that expenses and revenue are reviewed and are in track with budget.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
I recommend that students attend community college first because it is less of a financial burden, but enter a four year institution, if possible, because it is less of a distraction. I also recommend to wait on starting a family so you can focus on your education.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Minor in Accounting
Minor in Accounting
Graduate
Business Administration, Finance
Business Administration, Finance
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"I faced discouragement from others who didn't believe that I could balance both being a mother and going to school part time."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
First-Generation Immigrant
Q&A
Were there any extra curricular you were apart of?
Asked by Anonymous StudentNo because she had more important priorities such as her education and her family at home.
What do you do on your free time?
Asked by Anonymous StudentShe watched tv shows with her family.
If someone wanted to follow a similar career path, what advice would you give them?
Asked by Anonymous StudentI would definitely advise those interested in Business Administration to take finance because finance is one of the top careers that businesses are always looking for to manage their business or help oversee the books or run a company's finances.
Interviewed By
Anonymous Student
Student at CSUF
