The Alliance of Black Women Accountants (ABWA) celebrated its 5th Annual Scholarship Luncheon November 1, a milestone for the organization, which incorporated in May 2016.
A record 250 guests including finance and accounting professionals, students and sponsors gathered at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport for a vibrant, inspirational day of connection, and networking. Attendees enjoyed the flawless vocals of Singer Lisa Marais, who opened the program with the Black National Anthem. Prophetess/Pastor La Quetta Simmons provided the prayer.
Bridget Kaigler, CPA, CGMA, and Immediate Past Chairwoman of the Society of Louisiana CPAs, gave a powerful keynote speech, “From Potential to Impact.” Bridget shared her journey from non-traditional student to CPA and entrepreneur. She provided key takeaways for establishing a personal brand of excellence applicable for students and professionals alike.
This year ABWA awarded scholarships to seven accounting and finance future leaders: five general scholars ($2,500 each) and two Rosemarie Pamela Brown Scholars ($5,000 each) for a total of $22,500. In addition to financial support, each scholarship recipient receives membership, a mentor and access to various professional development programs and opportunities.
Congratulations to ABWA General scholars: Aurelia Aubrey, a Senior at the University of California, Irvine; Iyana Frazier, a Sophomore at Santa Monica College; Nia Jenkins, a Pre-Junior at Drexel University; Rachel Roundtree, a Junior at Santa Monica College; and Shelby Scott, a Senior at High Point University. Congratulations to ABWA Rosemarie Pamela Brown Scholars: Naomi Henderson, a rising junior at California State University, Northridge; and Kiylah Muhammad-Drinks, a Junior at Central State University.
Continuing ABWA’s ongoing partnership with CalCPA, Denise LeDuc Froemming, CalCPA CEO, promoted the upcoming Elevate Women’s Leadership Forum (May 7-8). In conjunction with Cal CPA, ABWA will again support attendance for students and emerging professionals.
Since its first scholarship in 2018, ABWA has awarded $81,000 to 38 recipients. ABWA sponsors helped to make the day possible, taking time to give and attend: Diamond Sponsor California Baptist University – Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business; Platinum Sponsors Miller Kaplan and PNC Bank; Gold Sponsors CalCPA/CalCPA Inland Empire Chapter, Soren McAdam LLP, Alta Loma Enterprises LLC, Farmers & Merchants Bank, and Fifth Third Bank; Silver Sponsors Black Voice News, HCVT, AmPac Capital, Miller Giangrande LLP, California State University-San Bernardino (CSUSB), CSUSB Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration, and Justworks; Bronze and Promotional Event Sponsors Becker, Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation, Bank of America, Plan-It Life, Inc., and Social Lites; and special donors the Brown Family, the Long Family and the Webb Family.
Written by Tamarra Brown
