Commencement Speaker

Lisa Carbullido Henderson, CPA

Lisa Carbullido Henderson, a distinguished tax expert, entrepreneur, and mentor, embodies the values of resilience, leadership, and lifelong learning. Born and raised on the beautiful island of Guam, Lisa’s journey from her childhood in Guam attending Mount Carmel Catholic School and Notre Dame High School to becoming a highly accomplished professional in Silicon Valley is nothing short of remarkable.

With over 35 years of experience in tax compliance and planning, Lisa rose to prominence as a Tax Partner at Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP. She was the first woman to open and lead the firm’s largest office in San Jose and pioneered the creation of Frank Rimerman University, an internal training infrastructure that continues to shape future leaders in the field. Her expertise spans advising flow-through entities, high-net-worth individuals, and venture funds on complex transactions, charitable gifting structures, and wealth transfer strategies. Lisa’s ability to simplify intricate financial processes has transformed the lives of her clients and the businesses they lead.

Lisa’s accomplishments extend far beyond the boardroom. She has served as president of the Junior League, mentored numerous young professionals—many of whom are now leaders in their own right—and even played a pivotal role in taking WhatsApp public. Among her many fascinating career highlights, she worked on projects related to the stealth bomber and even had the honor of meeting President Ronald Reagan.

After retiring from her role at Frank, Rimerman, Lisa has continued to make an impact by founding and investing in transformative businesses. She co-leads Clock’d Staffing, a company addressing gender and pay disparities in the hospitality sector, and Seen Hiring, which equips small businesses with cutting-edge hiring tools to support their growth. Under Lisa’s guidance, these companies have placed thousands of job seekers, directly addressing the challenges of today’s workforce.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa takes pride in her personal journey. A mother raising her daughter in Silicon Valley against significant odds, she has inspired countless women to believe in their potential. She is an example of someone who has seamlessly navigated diverse roles—tax partner, entrepreneur, mentor, and mother—proving that it is possible to excel in all areas of life.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science from San Jose State University and is a proud member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). Despite her impressive accomplishments, Lisa remains deeply connected to her roots. Her childhood in Guam instilled in her a sense of community and resilience, values she carries to this day.

As the Fanuchånan 2024 Commencement Speaker, Lisa brings not only her wealth of professional experience but also her personal story of perseverance and success. She stands as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others thrive.