The Los Angeles Business Journal awarded Melanie Horowitz, Lizbeth Nevarez and Stephanie Yan this prestigious recognition for their impact serving the nonprofit sector.

LOS ANGELES, CA – GHJ, a national advisory, tax and accounting firm, is proud to announce that three of its Nonprofit Practice leaders — Melanie Horowitz, Lizbeth Nevarez and Stephanie Yan — have been recognized on the 2025 Leaders of Influence: Nonprofit and Philanthropy list by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This list honors professionals that are making meaningful contributions to nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.

All three honorees play key roles in shaping GHJ’s service to nonprofit clients, bringing unmatched expertise, empathy and dedication to their work. Their recognition reflects GHJ’s reputation as a trusted advisor to mission-driven organizations across the country.

MELANIE HOROWITZ

Melanie Horowitz has dedicated her career at GHJ to helping nonprofit organizations succeed by improving operations and strengthening transparency, which builds trust and confidence among donors and stakeholders. She works closely with organizations that provide social services, like child development, mental health and educational services, as well as charter and private schools, to deliver auditing and consulting guidance that helps them maintain financial stability and compliance.

Each year, Melanie rallies colleagues, friends and community members to join her in participating in the Homeboy 5K. She organizes teams, encourages sign-ups and brings people together around a shared goal — to raise awareness and support for Homeboy Industries’ mission. Through this, Melanie builds community and shows solidarity with an organization that transforms lives. She also actively supports clients through event sponsorships and fundraising efforts. 

At GHJ, Melanie leads the learning and performance program in GHJ’s Audit and Assurance Practice, committing additional hours to mentoring and supporting her colleagues in audit and nonprofit services.

“Working with social service organizations, community organizations and educational institutions allows me to do what I love while making a lasting difference,” Melanie said. “It is not every day that you find a career where you can so greatly impact the world around you. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to dedicate myself to serving nonprofits.”

This is the second year Melanie has received this award.

LIZBETH NEVAREZ

Lizbeth Nevarez is deeply immersed in the nonprofit community, from her thoughtful tax guidance in her client-facing role to regularly consulting board members and nonprofit leaders through tax strategy opportunities. Beyond leading GHJ’s Nonprofit Tax Practice, Lizbeth also spends countless hours supporting charities and private foundations through volunteerism and leadership. 

She is a board member and secretary of GHJ Foundation and actively trains her colleagues on how to give back to their communities through philanthropy. She is also a board member of the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, in which she leverages her deep understanding of nonprofit operations and strategy to drive these meaningful organizations’ missions.

Lizbeth’s passion for women and minority empowerment led her to cofound GHJ’s Women’s Empowerment Cohort, which she is currently an active sponsor for. She has been recognized several times for her contributions to driving inclusion, notably as a Minority CPA Leaders of Influence (Los Angeles Business Journal) and a DEIA Visionary (LA Times).

“The nonprofit sector stands out as an industry that is fueling real change in our communities, backed by leaders who genuinely want to make a difference in the lives of others,” Lizbeth shared. “The greatest honor for me is not an accolade or recognition; it is the privilege to be part of these organizations’ missions through my work. That is the ultimate prize.” 

This marks the second time Lizbeth has earned the Leaders of Influence: Nonprofit and Philanthropy honor. 

STEPHANIE YAN

As leader of GHJ’s Private Foundation Practice, Stephanie Yan combines technical excellence with tailored guidance to help private foundations strengthen their operations and maximize community impact. Her work spans audit, accounting and consulting for private foundations, art and cultural institutions, and other nonprofits, where she applies strong business acumen to support effective operations and long-term sustainability.

As a working mother and Firm leader, Stephanie is a visible role model for women and parents, and she lends her personal experiences to mentoring emerging leaders at the Firm. Her example inspires the next generation of accountants, particularly women and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. Stephanie’s influence also reaches international audiences, as she has spoken at global conferences to share insights and represent GHJ’s leadership. 

She serves as a dedicated Girl Scouts troop leader and volunteers significant time to supporting young girls through hands-on leadership and community activities. Further, Stephanie is a patroness of the National Charity League, where she volunteers alongside her daughters at various charities, such as thrift stores, homeless shelters and hospitals. She maintains treasury roles for both Girl Scouts and the National Charity League, delivering professional expertise to grow their missions, as well.     

“I have found throughout my career that there is nothing more fulfilling than helping others,” Stephanie said. “Watching our clients and community leaders succeed and make a difference is truly rewarding. It is humbling to be a mere part of their efforts, as they work tirelessly to achieve their missions.”

NONPROFIT SUPPORT

GHJ’s commitment to supporting nonprofits is deeply rooted in its values and its independence as a firm. Without outside investment or private equity funding, GHJ maintains the flexibility to prioritize people and purpose, allowing its teams to deliver high-touch service and strategic guidance to nonprofit clients with complex missions.

“Melanie, Lizbeth and Stephanie exemplify what it means to lead with purpose,” said Donella Wilson, GHJ partner and Nonprofit Practice leader. “They are not only technical experts but advocates for their clients and communities. Their recognition reflects the impact our Firm continues to make in the nonprofit sector.”

GHJ serves a range of nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including foundations, social service agencies, advocacy groups and arts organizations. With a deep bench of professionals and a collaborative service model, GHJ helps clients manage regulatory requirements, maximize impact and build sustainable futures.

About GHJ

GHJ is a national advisory and accounting firm with a mission to help its clients and team members #BeMore by pursuing their passions, building thriving businesses and creating a better future. Headquartered in Los Angeles with additional offices in San Jose, Buffalo and Denver and over 250 professionals and 23 partners throughout the U.S., GHJ serves thousands of clients worldwide. The Firm meets clients where they are and specializes in a diverse range of industries, including entertainment, food and beverage and media and advertising companies and nonprofit organizations.

Ranked as a Top-100 Firm, 7th Fastest-Growing Firm, Top Regional Leader in the West and Best Firm to Work For by Accounting Today, GHJ is recognized for its innovative approach and dedication to client success. This is driven by the belief that its collective diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences are exactly what makes GHJ a place where employees can each #BeMore – together. Employees are invited to pursue their passions, deliver exceptional service and support the causes they care about. The Firm embraces hybrid work and prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). Additionally, GHJ Foundation supports the community through financial contributions and volunteerism.

GHJ is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofit). As a member of HLB International, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, GHJ provides clients with seamless access to expertise in over 150 countries to deliver solutions that meet both local and global needs. 

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