As we celebrate Black History Month this February, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the trailblazing work and achievements of Alliance of Black Women Accountants. Our organization has come a long way since 2016. Today we have over 100 members across the country, with women of color making tremendous strides in the accounting profession.
This month gives us an opportunity to reflect on those who paved the way. Women like Mary T. Washington, the first Black woman CPA, who earned her certification in 1942. And our founding members, such as Rosemarie Brown, who started this alliance eight years ago to support Black women in the field. Founding member and current Vice President Kathy Johnson who was the first Black Woman woman Chair of CalCPA. Their perseverance in the face of adversity opened doors for the generations that followed.
We also honor modern-day trailblazers among our ranks. Black women accountants are rising to leadership positions in top firms and bringing their talents to important roles in corporate America and beyond. Each of you is building on the legacy of those before you, while also blazing new trails.
As we take pride in how far we’ve come, let us also renew our commitment to the work ahead. While tremendous progress has been made, there are still too few women of color CPAs and accountants in the upper ranks. This month, I encourage you to mentor those coming up behind you. Reach out to aspiring young accountants in your community. Be visible so they can envision what is possible for themselves. And continue to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within your companies and organizations.
Together, we will build on the extraordinary foundation laid by the women whose shoulders we stand on. Thank you for your membership and engagement as we carry our alliance forward into the future.
Wishing you a reflective and inspiring Black History Month.
-ABWA President, Nef Long
