A few months ago, none of us could have anticipated the storm that was going to hit our world and our economy. This once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has left so many companies and individuals in places of uncertainty and fear for what the future holds. As a company with a unique set of values (Love, Give, Serve, and Enjoy), our primary focus is to be a pillar in our community and our industry. During this season of uncertainty, we have had the honor and ability to reinforce our strong foundation. We are excited and humbled to announce that since the onset of this global pandemic, First Rate has actually been able to grow and expand. Since the beginning of July, we have hired seven new employees, and we would like to introduce the newest members of the First Rate family.

My name is Ayushi Gupta and I come from Bhopal, the City of Lakes (so-called because we have seven lakes!), located in the heart of India.

I grew up as a middle child with an elder sister and a younger brother. Now I am a proud aunt of a niece, who I love and treasure more than anything in the world. When I am not crunching numbers, I enjoy reading, painting, cycling, trekking, and spending time with my family. I came to the United States in 2018 for my master’s degree in finance, and I am proud to become a part of the First Rate family.

My name is Nishimwe Maria-Goreth. I graduated from the University of Saint Mary in Kansas with a double major in Applied Mathematics and Accounting. My favorite hobbies are reading, dancing, and sometimes running. I also spend my spare time volunteering and help run foundations that focus on education in Burundi, Africa. I love socializing and hanging out with friends and family, and I would love to travel more in the near future. I was born and raised in Tanzania up until 2007, and I have lived in Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; and Leavenworth, KS. I recently visited Australia and Fiji. I am glad to be here.

My name is Stefan Maxwell. I attended UNT, but if they’re playing UT Austin, I bleed burnt orange. Also, I am an NCAA basketball official, so please don’t yell at me because I hear enough from fans on the weekends! (Ha!)

I’m very excited to be working with everyone in this intuitive, unique office and cannot wait to get started.

Lastly, I’ve probably accrued enough masks during this pandemic to match with every tie I own.

Hi my name is Emily Nash and I am a recent graduate of Texas A&M University (whoop!!!). I graduated this spring with a B.S. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences with a concentration in Tourism Management and Event Management. In my free time, I compete in water ski tournaments or try to spend as much time on/near the water as possible! I am super excited to learn from this company and all of the amazing people that make First Rate what it is!!

Hi! My name is Janise Soto. I am originally from Puerto Rico but I grew up in a military family and have lived in several places in the United States (I’m pretty used to being the “new kid” by now!). My main passion is music; I graduated from Aliento Music School and I lead worship at my local church. I love all things related to travel, film, sports, and food.

I am beyond excited to be a part of the First Rate family!

Hi! My name is Abigail Thomas. I am a student currently attending the University of North Texas Business College. I have lived in Texas my whole life with my three sisters. My family is loud and loves to talk and play games together. I love reading, art, and hanging out with friends.

My name is Malik Williams. I grew up in a small town outside of Austin, TX, and have a love for fishing, hunting, barbecuing, and water activities. I also have a strong passion for producing, mixing, and mastering music. Music production has been my primary go-to activity during the quarantine. My life goal is to become a Cybersecurity Specialist, and I am currently in school to pursue that goal.