At LaPorte, our employees are more than just part of the team—they’re the heart of everything we do. Each individual brings unique skills, experiences, and passions that drive our success and enrich our workplace culture. In our “Faces of LaPorte” series, we’re shining a spotlight on the talented individuals who make LaPorte an exceptional place to work and grow. Through their stories, we aim to celebrate the diverse backgrounds, achievements, and contributions of our team members, giving you a closer look at the people who power our company every day.
Rachel Vela, CPA, didn’t follow the typical path to public accounting. At 36, after over a decade in the restaurant industry, she made the leap into tax and hasn’t looked back. Today, she’s a Tax Senior in LaPorte’s Covington office, a licensed CPA, and a CrossFit coach whose passion for fitness has deeply influenced her professional mindset and personal resilience.
From Hospitality to Higher Education
Rachel’s journey began in 2020, when she enrolled at the University of New Orleans to pursue an accounting degree. She was introduced to LaPorte through UNO’s Beta Alpha Psi honors society and joined the firm as a tax intern in 2022. “I was nervous about not being a 20-something fresh out of college, but everyone at LaPorte made me feel welcome. My real-life skills from working in restaurants, like multitasking and customer service, translated well into my work in tax.”
Finding Her Fit in Fitness and Career
“I felt lost at the gym. I didn’t know what to do,” Rachel recalls. “Then a friend dragged me to a CrossFit class, and I never left.”
More than 12 years later, CrossFit remains the one fitness routine that stuck. “It was the first thing that clicked for me. The workouts are programmed for you, there’s a coach guiding you, correcting your form, motivating you. But it’s the atmosphere that hooked me—loud music, tough workouts, and people cheering for the last person to finish.”
Rachel is now a Level 1 coach and has been leading CrossFit classes for nearly a decade. “I love watching people push past what they thought they were capable of. It’s the same thing I try to do at work: encourage, adapt, and support.”
Earning the CPA, Step by Step
Rachel credits LaPorte’s supportive environment with helping her succeed and stay motivated throughout her CPA journey. When she finally passed her last exam, it was a family victory. “My son was three at the time, and when I told him I passed, he said, ‘Does this mean no more studying?’ That moment made all the hard work worth it.”
Training Through Life’s Big Moments
Rachel’s relationship with fitness didn’t pause when life got busy, it deepened. “I did CrossFit throughout my entire pregnancy. Of course, things were modified for my ever-growing belly, but I stayed active right up until my son was born.”
After welcoming her son, Rhys, CrossFit became a family affair. “He grew up in the gym with me. Sometimes he’d ‘coach’ classes by my side or get passed around by other athletes so I could finish my workout. Now he’s six and starting to show his own interest. He has a little weight bench and foam dumbbells. It’s the cutest thing.”
With a husband who works offshore and a demanding career, flexibility is key. “We converted our garage into a home gym. Getting to the actual gym isn’t always possible during busy season or when my husband’s away. So a lot of my workouts now happen solo in between client calls or after Rhys goes to bed.”
Resilience in Reps and in Work
Whether it’s coaching an athlete or collaborating with a coworker, Rachel sees strong connections between CrossFit and her role as a CPA. “As an athlete, you want to quit before your body needs to but you don’t. You finish. You realize, I can do hard things. That mindset helped me get through the CPA exams and helps me now during tax season.”
“As a coach, I’ve learned how people absorb information differently. One cue might work great for one person but not another. That’s helped me be a better communicator at work with clients, coworkers, everyone.”
Built to Adapt, Built to Lead
Rachel’s story is one of adaptability and determination. From barbell complexes to tax codes, she approaches each challenge with confidence and heart. “Our bodies are meant to move and our minds are too. Whether in the gym or at my desk, I keep growing, keep learning, and keep moving forward.”