Post by Crystal Cooke

Empower. Connect. Innovate: Shaping the Future of Accounting - That wasn’t just our 2025 theme — it was our lived experience last week at ASLW and APDS. From powerful conversations to purposeful action, I’m still buzzing and feeling optimistic, re-energized and grateful. Time for some well-deserved shout-outs… A huge thank you to the incredible students who stepped away from school to join us for the 30th annual Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) — your energy, curiosity, and commitment to growth are the heartbeat of our profession’s future. I hope you walked away with motivation and inspiration, and we look forward to seeing you leading in this great profession. 🤩 To the professionals who participated in the 10th annual Accounting Pipeline Diversity Symposium (APDS): your insights, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to cultivating environments that are inclusive of people with different experiences and perspectives and where diversity of thought is valued and supported from entry level to executive leadership shines through. 👏🏽👏🏽 And to our phenomenal speakers (all of whom you can check out in the attached speaker appreciation video ❤️) — THANK YOU for sharing your wisdom and for being champions of a sustainable profession. Your voices are powerful, your presence is impactful, and your leadership is deeply appreciated. 🙏🏽 Blaine M. Peterson Anoop N. Mehta, CPA, CGMA William R. Kinney Leann Walsh Craig Leen Katie Patel Jennifer N. Catherine Foca Jeff Chin Damian Rivera Jacqueline Jefferson, CPA, CGMA, M.Ed Dave Kersting, MBA-HCM/HRM Liz Scott Ken Bouyer Laura Wardwell, CPA Rachael Gibson Sherifa Clarke, MBA Alejandro Gonzalez, CPA Jubelo Oyeniran Bridgette D. Scales MBA, SPHR Juliana Faus Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor Chris Simmons, MBA Walter Tre Idlette, CPA Lisa M. Ong, PCC, CPA Kurt Simmons, Jr. Hemant Shah To my AICPA family who all chipped in and helped in some capacity, I could not have done this without you. THANK YOU! As I always say, teamwork makes the dream work! And I’m blessed to work with such an amazing group of people, who are also friends. 💜💜 Amanda H. Gallagher, Ph.D. Brittany Rockelle Brashear, PhD Kimberly Gales - MSOL Susan S. Coffey, CPA, CGMA Lexi Weber, CPA Lindsey Yopp Jessica Woody Dani H. Anna Monroe Lindsay Wood Thank you to RTW Photography for capturing the amazing moments throughout the week. Check out their fantastic work in the video! 📸🎥 As I stated in my opening remarks, one of the most unique aspects of this event is that we are able to bring together two distinct but deeply connected groups: students who are just beginning to explore their place in the profession, and professionals who have walked the path and are shaping its future. Spaces like this are where the future of accounting and finance is not just imagined—but actively built. Together, we’re not just building careers — we’re building community, opportunity, and legacy. #ASLW2025 #APDS2025 #AICPAdiversity

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