The Inland Empire chapter is renowned throughout the state, earning the moniker “small but mighty” due to our unwavering dedication to the accounting profession, which permeates every facet of our work. This commitment was vividly illustrated through the events held in May.
Commencing with the Elevate Women’s Conference, I had the honor of moderating a panel on Day 1 titled “Career Development: Elevate and Accelerate Your Life/Career in 2024”. Esteemed panelists Jennifer Harrity, Jannies Burlingame, and Joy Peacock joined me. Notably, at the conference, 14 students and emerging professionals, primarily hailing from the Inland Empire, were awarded scholarships by local firms and organizations. The pinnacle of the event was witnessing our esteemed colleague, Kathy Johnson, receive the prestigious Trailblazer Award. While Kathy is a familiar face locally, her contributions extend far beyond our region, as she generously donates her time and expertise to organizations such as the AICPA, California Board of Accountancy, NAFERs, and local universities. Kathy’s trailblazing spirit inspires us all, and we are honored to count her among our Chapter’s members.
As we persist in nurturing interest in accounting and fostering the pipeline, the Community College to CPA event held at San Bernardino Valley College was a resounding success, drawing over 80 eager students. The panelists included upcoming graduates from Cal State San Bernardino and professionals who had transitioned from community colleges. A particularly noteworthy presentation allowed students to map out the required classes from community colleges to universities, vital information often overlooked by many. Moreover, there was palpable interest in internships, underscoring the community colleges’ significance as a valuable resource for prospective interns.
Another encouraging report from the pipeline is the significant number of students awarded scholarships at our Par-Tee at Topgolf installation event. On May 16, as we transitioned leadership, we proudly awarded scholarships totaling over $30,000 to 19 deserving students. This event marked the auspicious beginning of our 2024-2025 fiscal year. Additionally, we crowned a new champion for the Topgolf Event, with UCR clinching the trophy. Their presence at the event was greatly appreciated, along with their sponsorship.
Looking ahead, my goals for the year encompass maintaining student and new professional engagement and raising awareness about the profession. I aim to sustain the connection between seasoned professionals and newcomers. Reflecting on personal growth, I’ve chosen the word “ACT” as my mantra for the year:
A: Ask questions and foster curiosity. Seek guidance and direction from peers, professors, counselors, or professionals you encounter. Stay curious about the evolving landscape of the profession.
C: Connect with others. Cultivate your network, forge new relationships, and explore diverse networking opportunities. Exposure to new perspectives can be transformative.
T: Take action. Embrace change and take calculated risks. In the spirit of Shonda Rhimes’ “Year of Yes,” challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and seize new opportunities, even when uncertainty looms.
Congratulations to all the graduates! May your future be illuminated with success, and may you continue to thrive and evolve in the dynamic realm of accounting.
