Nicolas Alparaz joined the Board of Directors for San Gabriel Valley (SGV) Habitat for Humanity in January 2011. On the Board, Nicolas primarily focuses on fundraising, corporate volunteer outreach and expanding the youth base. He is currently spearheading a project to organize the first annual SGV Habitat for Humanity Home Run, a 5K aimed towards raising funds for the chapter. Nicolas has a personal connection to SGV Habitat for Humanity and has experienced firsthand the transformational power home ownership has on families and the surrounding community.  In November 2005 his family moved into a SGV Habitat for Humanity home on Pacific Avenue in Glendale, CA. He has seen his family, especially his younger siblings, benefit from the stability home ownership provides and intends to continue the mission of providing families access to affordable homes. Outside of his responsibilities with SGV Habitat for Humanity, Nicolas works within the Assurance practice for Ernst & Young LLP, focusing on Retail and Consumer Products and Technology clients. He is currently going through the application process for his Certified Public Accountant license. He has completed all four sections of the California CPA Exam. Nicolas graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California in 2009 with a B.S. in Financial Valuation and a B.S. in Accounting. At USC, he held various leadership positions with the Undergraduate Student Government, Troy Camp and the Undergraduate Student Investment Fund. He was named to the Order of Troy, a distinction given to students who have demonstrated leadership throughout their tenure at USC.