This organization of professional women is near and dear to my heart. As an alumna of Florida A&M University, the success of African American women in business is a plight that's near and dear to my heart. After 17 years in the profession, I have come across many challenges in both private and public accounting. I have worked in corporate accounting in positions of Senior Regional accountant, controller and CFO. I left my last corporate position in 2009 to start my own public accounting firm CFO Benefits Inc., which has been a great success. While writing my dissertation to complete my Doctorate in Business Administration with the focus being accounting, I was astonished at the difficulties experienced by African Americans in the accounting profession, as well as women in the accounting profession. Even today African Americans make up less than 1% of CPAs.  Women may represent more than 50% of accounting graduates entering the profession for the last 20 years, but make up only 19% of the partners in accounting firms nationwide. Further while studying for the CPA exam I encountered so many women that need the support of other women who are exactly where they are or who have already gone through the same frustrations and hours upon hours of studying while either working full time, raising kids, being a wife etc. Without the support of other women, this journey can be impossible. So ladies I present to you your #1 resource, we are here to support you in all of your professional endeavors The Lady CPA Network. Let’s take this Journey together. 

About Us: The Lady CPA Network is a non-profit organization aiding in the advancement of African American women in the accounting and finance profession. Our goal is to provide a network and platform for African American women in accounting and finance as a support system and collaborative body of professionals. To offer scholarships, mentorship, internships, entrepreneurial assistance, guidance and opportunities for women who aspire to be in the profession, as well as educational support and continuing education.  To increase the visibility of African American women at the executive and partner level within the accounting  and finance profession.

According to the AICPA women may represent more than 50% of accounting graduates entering the profession for the last 20 years, but makeup only 19% of the partners in accounting firms nationwide.

An analysis conducted of disclosures made by 50 American financial services companies revealed that women occupy only 20% of executive committee roles and 22% of board positions. Only 12% of the chief executive officers of large U.S. financial firms are women.

“Women have limited access to female or diverse role models” We are those role models!”