OSCPA Women’s Conference designed to set attendees up for success

By Jessica Salerno, OSCPA senior content manager

Growing your network, pay equity and work-life integration are all crucial to the success of female leaders. But in a busy, deadline focused culture, these issues aren’t always at the forefront of discussion. 

“Until certain topics are talked about in public or presented in a certain way, such as unconscious bias or the value of networking, the importance might be in the background,” said Marie Brilmyer, CPA, partner at Cohen & Company and member of the OSCPA Women’s Initiatives committee.

OSCPA plans to be part of the solution in ensuring those discussions happen, and to that end is holding the Women, Wealth and Wellness Conference on June 27. The focus is on tackling issues identified by female members as obstacles on the path to success.

The agenda is full of well-known leaders in the Ohio business community and within the accounting profession. Speakers include CPAs such as Danetha Doe, Amy Vetter, Lori Kaiser and Darci Congrove. The topics will cover building your brand, becoming a next-level leader and much more. 

“The fact that this conference is even available in and of itself is in recognition of the changing profession overall,” Brilmyer said.

And to support female leadership in accounting, change is needed. According to the AICPA, as of 2017 only 22% of firm partners were women, a number that is strikingly low considering women make up half of the accounting profession.

Brilmyer said attending similar conferences designed to provide resources for women has helped her immensely, and has given her the chance to meet like-minded professionals.

“The value of women in the profession is critical,” she said. “Discussions held in conferences such as this one are designed with that in focus. It is important to recognize that the profession is changing and evolving, and diversity and inclusion is a huge part.”

Seats are limited, register for the conference here!