ASWA is ..
- An important support structure for women as their careers grow and change.
- A great avenue to develop networks, professional relationships and leadership skills
with other business people.
- A forum to mentor others and to be mentored.
- Where professional networks are developed with business people in both public and
private practice.
“As a long-time member, the most valuable aspect of ASWA
to me is the friendships I've developed with other members. These friendships extend
beyond the business arena. We discuss everything from politics to children. This
is an invaluable network to draw upon when looking for a career change or discussing
procedures to implement a system or law change. This cohesive group is really there
for each other. It is also gratifying to watch a recent college graduate blossom
in her career or a self-employed CPA's practice grow. ASWA has enriched both my
professional and personal life.”
-- Marcia Braungardt, CPA Chapter President 1999-2000. Member since 1985
“ASWA has played a major role in my professional development
over the years. I have gained lifetime friendships with women who share the same
career goals and challenges that I have faced. ASWA has helped greatly in developing
my confidence and self assurance by providing opportunities to speak in front of
groups and facilitate meetings in a very forgiving environment conducive to learning
and improving these skills. In addition, I now have a wonderful network of women
accounting professionals that are just a phone call away.
My experience with ASWA has been one that could not be
duplicated in any other local organization.”
-- Shalena Hatfield, CPA Chapter President 1997-98. Member since 1994
“I joined ASWA as a student member after receiving a local
scholarship in 1979. Over the years, my involvement in ASWA has changed as I have
moved through different phases of my career. At different times, I have been focused
on one particular aspect of ASWA: networking, CPE, friendships, mentoring, public
speaking, communication.
Committee involvement and serving as an officer at the
local level gave me experience in project management, people management, communication
and public speaking in a non-threatening environment. These skills were vital in
my public accounting career. My involvement at the regional and national level was
rewarding. I made new friends all over the country when I served as Area Director,
National Secretary and National Treasurer. Serving on the national board gave me
experience in organizational and project management that translated directly to
the workplace.”
-- Jill Bryant, CPA Chapter President 1986-87. Member since 1981
“When I first joined ASWA, it was for the networking,
education, and the chance to develop skills. What has kept me a member for over
20 years and what keeps me attending the chapter meetings, regional conferences
and national conferences is the people. In looking back, I realize that the people
have been a big part of my membership benefits all along. In the beginning it was
the chance to know and learn from the women who were not only the founders of our
chapter, but the ones who paved the way so that my entry into the accounting profession
was easier. Later, it was to develop teamwork and communication skills. Then it
was an opportunity to further develop leadership skills.
The women…they are what truly makes ASWA great.”
-- Laura Farney, CPA Chapter President 1995-96. Member since 1984