Meet Our Members
This feature spotlights members of ISCPA, their career path and some fun and favorite things about them.
Natalie Harwood
Job: Member Engagement Coordinator, Iowa Society of CPAs
Hometown: Cedar Rapids
Alma mater: Upper Iowa University
Community activities: My husband, daughter and I have driven a weekly food rescue route for the Sweet Tooth Community Fridge for the last two years. We were connected to this opportunity through The Supply Hive. We love the opportunity to do something meaningful together each week and get such satisfaction from keeping food out of the landfill and getting it to people in need. It is very rewarding! We also volunteer every year at the Give Joy Holiday Store, also run by The Supply Hive. This store gives at-risk families an opportunity to get new, high-quality toys for their kids for over 90% off retail, and my daughter loves to work the cash register!
First job: Growing up, my family owned a daycare center, so my first job was at age 13 working as a cook for the center. I have always enjoyed cooking and am part of a big family, so this came easy to me.
I am passionate about: I am passionate about building bridges to underrepresented communities and helping students of all backgrounds realize the incredible opportunities that come with being a CPA. I hope my work will help the profession grow and become as diverse as the accounting possibilities are varied.
What attracted you to ISCPA? I think accounting is an incredible profession that can pay dividends for a lifetime for those who choose it. I want to be a part of building a new, vibrant pipeline for accounting students and inspiring a new generation to choose this profession. I hope I can be a part of diversifying and expanding the pool of new accountants and inspiring students to choose this dynamic and vital profession
Tell us about your career history: I have worked in the non-profit field for over ten years and have previous experience both in association management experience and working with high school and college students. I have previously worked as a volunteer manager and as a health educator, which gave me the skills to engage our incredible members and future members. I love working with and helping students reach their academic and personal goals.
My favorite thing about my job so far: Hands down, my favorite part of this position is the incredible team environment. I love the people here and am so excited to continue to work with this team. I have absolutely wonderful, supportive coworkers and manager, and I feel incredibly lucky to have joined such a strong and tight knit group.
Best advice I ever received: “There is an ebb and flow to everything.” My mom always used to say that, and it helps keep me on an even keel. Sometimes you may be up and sometimes you may be down, but you get comfortable with keeping a good attitude and treasuring the good times while riding out the difficult moments.
When I have free time: I have a frequent yoga practice and enjoy attending the Central Iowa Yoga Retreat every year as well as weekly classes. I like to do almost all forms of arts and crafts (some are way better than others!) like painting, embroidery, cross stitch, sewing, resin, and calligraphy. I also love spending time with my dogs and my family. I love to read and always want to keep learning.
Family: My husband, Cooper and I have an 8-year-old daughter, Scout, and two small dogs named Oreo and Mayonnaise.
I never leave home without: My Tide pen! I am notorious for spilling on myself and always carry a Tide pen to save my clothes.
Last book I read: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It was fantastic!