Leadership, High Performance, Engaging Content, Inclusive Communications
Elation Communications continues the celebration of Hispanic heritage by recognizing the contributions of Hispanic professionals in various fields, including accounting. This feature spotlights Hilario Rios, a successful bookkeeper and accountant, and a Hispanic businessman who exemplifies the values and strengths derived from his heritage.
At Elation Communications, celebrating diversity isn’t just a monthlong initiative—it’s an ongoing commitment that enriches our workplace culture and strengthens our community. As we recognize the invaluable contributions of Hispanic professionals, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment that honors their achievements year round.
Hilario Rios, founder of Rivers Bookkeeping, manages accounting and bookkeeping for Elation Communications. As a trusted partner and Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, Hilario has over 15 years of experience working with small businesses. He shared his career path to becoming a successful entrepreneur in a short interview with Elation Communications.
What inspired you to pursue a career in bookkeeping/accounting? “I’ve always had a passion for numbers and have been good at math since I was a kid. Two of my older brothers, who are 12 and 14 years older than me, are accountants, and I’ve always looked up to them. Their influence and guidance inspired me to pursue a career in bookkeeping and accounting. It felt like a natural path, combining my personal strengths with a field that plays a crucial role in helping businesses succeed.”
What has been your proudest professional achievement? “My proudest professional achievement has been starting my own business in 2010 and having the opportunity to help hundreds of businesses since then. Many business owners don’t fully realize how crucial it is to understand the financial health of their companies. By providing them with detailed financial reports, I help them make informed decisions that can drive their business success. Being a part of that process is incredibly rewarding.”
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your professional path or approach to work? “My Hispanic heritage has deeply influenced my professional path, especially in my desire to help other Hispanic businesses and businesses in general. We Hispanics take pride in having a strong work ethic, and I strive to embody that in everything I do. I see my work as an opportunity to represent the Hispanic community positively and am committed to delivering quality service and building trust with my clients.”
How important do you think representation is for Hispanic professionals in bookkeeping/accounting and finance? “I think representation is incredibly important for Hispanic professionals in bookkeeping, accounting, and finance. Many Hispanic business owners may not speak English fluently, and having an accountant who can communicate with them in Spanish makes a huge difference in their ability to understand and manage their finances effectively. Additionally, there are often stereotypes about the types of jobs Hispanics typically hold, but the reality is that many Hispanics are thriving in professional careers like accounting. It’s important for us to break those stereotypes and show that we belong in these spaces.”
How do you celebrate your Hispanic heritage in your workplace or professional life? “In my workplace, I celebrate my Hispanic heritage by focusing on the clients I serve, many of whom are Hispanic. For example, one of my customers is a Hispanic nonprofit whose mission is to increase Hispanic representation in television and the film industry. Supporting their work allows me to contribute to a larger effort to elevate the visibility and contributions of the Hispanic community. I also make it a point to support Hispanic businesses, whether through referrals or collaborations. Beyond that, I take pride in the hard work, resilience, and community-focused values that are central to Hispanic culture, and I strive to reflect those values in my professional life every day.”
How do you hope to inspire or mentor the next generation of Hispanic bookkeepers/accountants? “I believe in the power of education and always emphasize the importance of attending college to obtain a college or advanced degree. My oldest son is currently studying accounting in college with the goal of becoming a CPA. In the future, he hopes to work in my business, adding new services like tax preparation and ultimately keeping the business in the family when I retire. By encouraging the next generation to pursue their education and careers in accounting, I hope to inspire them to carry on the legacy of hard work and dedication within our community.”
Elation Communications remains committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute their unique perspectives. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Hispanic professionals year round, we not only enrich our organization but also enhance the communities we serve. tion but also enhance the communities we serve.
As the President & CEO of Elation Communications, Jerrica drives organizational growth and innovation through strategic partnerships, impactful storytelling, and a deep commitment to empowering teams. Her work, characterized by a blend of strategic vision and operational excellence, has left an indelible mark across various sectors, particularly in supporting individuals with disabilities and advancing educational reforms. She continues to inspire and influence the next generation of leaders, advocating for meaningful change.
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Mehran Ali
Director of Videography
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Dr. Jacob Easley II
Data Equity Expert
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Dr. Alicia M. Straughter
Human Resources & DEI Expert
A trailblazer in HR, DEI policy, and risk mitigation, Dr. Alicia Michelle Straughter equips organizations with frameworks for accountability and sustainable strategy. With more than 25 years of experience transforming organizations across the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors, Dr. Straughter brings unmatched depth and clarity to this critical topic. She is the founder and CEO of a human resources and leadership development firm, a podcast host, and a published author who specializes in embedding DEI into institutional strategy—not just policies. Known for her ability to turn crisis into opportunity, Dr. Straughter has helped organizations save millions in potential liabilities while reshaping their reputational standing and leadership culture. Her work empowers leaders to stop viewing DEI as an obligation and start treating it as a competitive, values-driven imperative.
Devan Thurman
Communications Coordinator
Devan Thurman is the Communications Coordinator at Elation Communications. With a love for writing, Devan is a natural for creating engaging content that rivets key audiences and enhances business brands and reputations. Her exceptional gift at storytelling earned her the title of Co-Editor and Chief of her school newspaper, The Aquila. Her published articles have been featured in literary magazines, school websites, and her local library. At Elation Communications, Devan contributes to our blog, grows community engagement, and assists with media outreach and publicity for clients.
Debbie Cavins
Director of Web Development
With 26 years of experience in web development, Debbie oversees web services for Elation Communications and its clients. She specializes in design, development, optimization, consultation, integration, and maintenance. Her expertise spans diverse industries and client needs, from startups to established enterprises. Her success stems from a genuine passion for design and technology, coupled with an ability to quickly master emerging tools and frameworks. She excels at building lasting client relationships through a strong work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical solutions in clear, understandable terms. Whether clients need a complete website overhaul, performance optimization, or ongoing technical support, Debbie delivers tailored solutions that drive results and exceed expectations.
Mikaela Jackson
Graphic Design Specialist
Mikaela Jackson is the Graphic Design Specialist at Elation Communications. She specializes in logo designs and brand development for businesses. Her approach is to create designs that serve a purpose and reflect the individuality of the client. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art with a concentration in Graphic Design and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Passionate about her craft, Mikaela serves as an arts educator to shape the future generation of designers.
Hilario Rios
Accounting Advisor
Hilario Rios manages accounting and bookkeeping for Elation Communications. As a trusted partner and Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, Hilario has over 15 years of experience working with small businesses. Hilario founded Rivers Bookkeeping in 2010 and provides QuickBooks bookkeeping services for small businesses in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Jessica McElroy
Director of Social Media
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GiGi Sheppard
Director of Events
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Cecilia Sepp
Fractional Chief Operating Officer
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Jerrica Thurman
President & CEO
Jerrica Thurman is a visionary leader in the realm of strategy, communications, and nonprofit management with over two decades of transformative impact. As the President & CEO of Elation Communications, she drives organizational growth and innovation through strategic partnerships, impactful storytelling, and a deep commitment to empowering teams. With a rich background in securing federal grants, leading national advocacy campaigns, and fostering educational initiatives, Jerrica is a champion for change. Her work, characterized by a blend of strategic vision and operational excellence, has left an indelible mark across various sectors, particularly in supporting individuals with disabilities and advancing educational reforms. Holding an MBA from Frostburg State University and a Master’s in Communications Management and Post Baccalaureate Certificate of Strategic Public Relations and Integrated Communications from Towson University, Jerrica’s leadership is underpinned by a solid academic foundation and a passion for making a meaningful difference in the world. As a guest speaker and client advisor, Jerrica brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of success. Through her work, Jerrica Thurman continues to inspire and influence the next generation of leaders, advocating for meaningful change and demonstrating the profound impact of visionary leadership in the modern world.