From July 30 – August 1, 2025, CalCPA members gathered at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles for the Members Club Summit, themed “Dream Big. Lead Boldly.”
A Look Inside the Summit
The event kicked off with the CalCPA Council meeting, followed by two full days of inspiring sessions and networking. The Summit was packed with timely topics shaping the accounting profession. Attendees from across California came together to learn, collaborate, and grow as leaders.
ABWA’s Presence and Leadership
The opening session highlighted California’s advocacy work on OBBBA, licensing, and other emerging issues, followed by the Annual Members Business Meeting, Council Meeting, and Education Foundation Annual Members Business Meeting. The Alliance of Black Women Accountants (ABWA) was proudly represented in each of these spaces. Currently, Kathy Johnson, Marjorie McPike, Tamarra Brown, Rosa Kuybus, and Tarryn Hoffman-Torres serve in leadership roles on the CalCPA Board, Education Foundation Board, or Commission on Belonging.
Supporting the Next Generation of Accountants
This year’s Summit placed a special emphasis on students. Through the generosity of sponsors who contributed $500 per student, 65 students were able to attend. We are especially proud that two of those students represented ABWA with professionalism and enthusiasm: Ashley Gibson, California State University-San Bernadino; and Adebimpe Osibamiro, a recent graduate from University of Southern California Leventhal School of Accounting. Walking into a room of 400 seasoned professionals can be intimidating, but they embraced the opportunity—and experiences like these can be life-changing.
Making a Collective Impact
We encourage all our members to stay engaged with CalCPA, AICPA, and other local organizations. The accounting profession needs to see our presence, our leadership, and the difference we are making—together, we are having an impact.
Written by Marjorie McPike
