GHJ’s Melanie Horowitz, Stephanie Yan and Yoyo Yang were named Leaders of Influence: Nonprofit and Philanthropy by the Los Angeles Business Journal for their contributions and impact on the nonprofit sector.

LOS ANGELES, CA – GHJ, a national advisory, tax and accounting firm, is proud to announce that Melanie Horowitz, Stephanie Yan and Yoyo Yang were recognized on the 2026 Leaders of Influence: Nonprofit and Philanthropy list by the Los Angeles Business Journal. The list honors leaders that are building partnerships within the nonprofit community and developing strategies to support these organizations’ missions.

“What distinguishes Melanie, Stephanie and Yoyo is that they understand great service to nonprofits goes beyond technical expertise,” said GHJ Nonprofit Practice Leader Donella Wilson. “They take the time to understand the challenges facing each organization, bring ideas and perspective to the table, and become trusted advisors to the leaders they serve. Their recognition reflects the impact they have on our clients, our practice and the broader nonprofit community.” 

MELANIE HOROWITZ 

Melanie, CPA, specializes in audit and consulting services and takes pride in helping nonprofit organizations operate more effectively and transparently. Working with organizations that offer social services like child development, mental health and educational services, Melanie’s expertise allows these nonprofits to maintain financial stability and compliance so they can remain focused on their critical missions.

“The organizations we work with make a real difference in the lives of so many people and within our communities,” Melanie said. “Being able to play even a small part in supporting their success and helping them continue their important work is incredibly meaningful to me. Seeing the impact of their missions firsthand and the passion they bring to what they do is one of the things I have enjoyed most throughout my career.”

Further, Melanie serves on the board of directors and is the treasurer of Inner City Arts, a nonprofit empowering youth through the arts. Through this involvement, she lends her experience with the nuances of nonprofit audit and accounting requirements to support the organization’s financial stability and success.

This is the third year Melanie has received this award.

STEPHANIE YAN

As GHJ’s Private Foundation Practice Leader, Stephanie, CPA, is known for her technical expertise and personalized approach to serving private foundations. She draws on her experience working with both corporate and nonprofit clients across a range of industries to deliver deep knowledge and a broad business perspective to foundation leaders. Stephanie is also focused on strengthening connections within the private foundation community, creating opportunities for foundation leaders to exchange ideas, discuss emerging issues and learn from one another.  

“It is a privilege to lead a practice dedicated to supporting private foundations and the important work they do,” Stephanie said. “Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve corporate and nonprofit clients across a variety of industries, and that experience has given me a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for what makes foundations so special. I am honored to support clients as they face financial and operational challenges and to see the impact they have on their communities.” 

Stephanie also brings her commitment to service outside of her role at GHJ. For years, she has volunteered in treasury positions with National Charity League and Girl Scouts and serves as a Girl Scouts troop leader, mentoring and supporting young girls through hands-on leadership and community service activities.

This is Stephanie’s second consecutive year receiving this distinction.

YOYO YANG 

Throughout her career, Yoyo, CPA, has dedicated expertise to supporting nonprofit organizations as they look to achieve financial transparency, accountability and compliance. Her work helps organizations strengthen donor confidence, improve governance practices and demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources. In her role, Yoyo serves a diverse range of clients, including charter schools, charter management organizations, public charities, private foundations and social service organizations.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to make meaningful contributions in the work that I do at GHJ,” Yoyo said. “The nonprofits we serve are paving the way to brighter futures and more enriched, sustainable communities. Through financial guidance and support, it is my hope that the services we offer these organizations help advance their missions.”

Yoyo is also an active member of Ascend Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to empowering Pan-Asian professionals in the workplace. Through this, she advocates for greater representation and career advancement for Pan-Asian professionals within the business community.

GHJ serves nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including foundations, social service agencies, advocacy groups, museums 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 independent advisory, tax and accounting firm that partners with businesses and nonprofit organizations to deliver clarity and confidence. Since 1953, GHJ has combined deep industry expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit to help leaders achieve their strategic goals.

GHJ is headquartered in Los Angeles and serves clients nationwide, backed by its own dispersed workforce. With nearly 300 professionals and 25 partners, the Firm provides senior-level expertise with deep industry capabilities in food and beverage, media and advertising, entertainment and nonprofit. 

GHJ is a top-ranking firm in the U.S. and member of HLB International. Through this global network, GHJ offers seamless access to resources in over 150 countries while remaining fiercely focused on client success.

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