“You have flirted with your destiny for too long. It’s time to settle down and commit to a greater purpose. Don’t let your fears rob you of the best years of your life.”
Charlene is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Project Management Professional, Distinguished Toastmaster, QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and Certified Fitness Instructor.
Charlene landed her first corporate internship at the age of 16 while a student at Whitney Young Magnet High School. By the age of 19, she was one of the youngest students in the country selected as an ExCeed Scholar and Intern at Big Four accounting firm PwC.
Ranking in the top 10% of the College of Commerce, Charlene graduated with a double major in Accounting & Finance with a minor in Community Service Studies. While at DePaul, Charlene served as President of the Golden Key International Honor Society, Vice President of the National Association of Black Accountants, Student Leadership Institute Fellow, Vincentian Mission Fellow, M3C Fellow, and AmeriCorps member. She was recognized as a DePaul University Student Lincoln Laureate which is awarded to one graduating senior from each 4-year University in Illinois.
Charlene spent her professional career at one of the largest financial institutions in the world. She worked as a financial analyst before receiving multiple promotions and high-profile assignments in the Commercial Banks Controller’s Group and Community Development Banking. Under Charlene’s leadership and accounting guidance, JPMorgan Chase executed the first $100MM loan to the city of Detroit, representing the largest investment made by a bank to a bankrupt city.
Charlene is the recipient of the 2015 Illinois CPA Society Young Professionals Leadership Award and the 2014 National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Chicago President's Award for outstanding leadership and commitment to NABA's mission of "Lifting as We Climb."
Charlene was also recognized as "One of the Most Powerful Women on the South Side of Chicago" and was featured in Essence magazine for strategically applying for over 200 scholarships in college and receiving over $100,000 in scholarships, internships, and traveling opportunities.
When Charlene’s not being an overachiever, she’s spending time with family, listening to her favorite pop jams, traveling around the world, and helping others to share their story.
If you are seeking energy, education and inspiration, book Charlene to speak at your next event! Contact form below.
Email: Charlene@charlenerhinehart.com
When I walked into my first Toastmasters club meeting in June 2010, I knew I was in for an amazing treat.