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Last Call for “Women to Watch” Nominations
Considering a nomination for the Women to Watch program? You may have a few questions. Here are the answers to the top three questions we’ve been fielding. Hurry, though! Time is running out.
By Maureen Renzi, vice president - communications
As PICPA members have been considering nominations for the Women to Watch program – an AICPA-initiated program to highlight female role models – there have been a few recurring questions. Here are answers to the top three questions we’ve been fielding as people ask about this first-time award.
What is the award? The PICPA is pleased to join the AICPA in its effort to honor female role models. Award recipients will be honored at the PICPA Women’s Conference May 10, 2017, in Malvern. They will join other CPAs across the country who have been identified as Women to Watch. Our hope is that these recipients will encourage greater leadership and more mentoring opportunities within the profession.
The basic requirements include being both a PICPA and AICPA member and having at least 10 years in the profession. More details and the nomination form are on PICPA’s website.
What are we looking for? The judging panel, composed of PICPA’s women past presidents Susan E. S. Howe, Denise L. Devine, and Cheri Freeh, will judge candidates on the following:
- Mentoring
- Public/community service
- Leadership
- Authorship
- Professional education development and education
- Improvements to the workplace.
Why are we doing this? Our current president, Lisa A. Myers (our fourth woman president in 120 years) wanted to initiate programs that encourage women to assume leadership positions. In Myers’ recent podcast, Overcoming Career Obstacles for Women in Accounting, she addresses the need for more female leaders and mentors. She says, “Women drive their careers differently than men. They want mentors.” It’s no secret that women are under-represented in leadership positions in many areas of business, and this award is a great opportunity to highlight successful role models for emerging CPAs. Mentoring will be the most heavily weighted evaluation category.
This is not the time to be humble. If you think you are a worthy candidate, go for it! Research shows that many women don’t aggressively promote themselves or their abilities, and that can sometimes hurt their career growth. Take that first step and submit your nomination. If you want more ideas on how to advance your career, check out the PICPA Conversations podcasts for more advice on career development and other technical information.
If you have been considering submitting a nomination, act now. The nomination deadline is Jan. 31.
