Written by Diane Williams-Tyrrell CPA, CGA
December 27, 2018
On October 27, 2018 the Black Female Accountants Network held it’s very first Women in Leadership Summit. The day was the result of many months of planning and organizing by a group of ladies who volunteered to be part of the Summit Planning Committee. It is no small feat to pull off such a large event, so the network is very grateful to this dedicated group of women who stepped up to help with the task of pulling off a successful Summit.
Women In Leadership Summit 2018 group photo
We had the opportunity to hear members share why they are grateful that the Black Female Accountants Network exists as resource for them. One by one ladies stepped up and took hold of the microphone to express what the network has meant for them. Some of the most heartfelt tributes were about network founder Jenny Okonkwo as well as members Sandra Smith, Shavon Hyatt, Mora Olubobokun and Peace Abraham-Ajayi. The number of ladies who wanted express gratitude is a testament to the work that the network has been able to do and the service it provides to the community.
For those who may still be asking “why should I join the network?”, here are a few of the reasons why current members say they are grateful to be part of the Black Female Accountants Network.
Grateful for life changing connections made at events
Peace Abraham-Ajayi first met BFAN founder Jenny Okonkwo at an event that for various reasons she almost didn’t attend. It was at a point where she was applying but not having success in getting a job in her desired field. She would learn of the Black Female Accountants Network (BFAN) from Jenny. Not long after she would end up at the TD Bank Finance Career Event hosted by the network where a talk by the TD Bank Chief Auditor would have a tremendous impact on her. Peace had also made an impression on the guest speaker from TD with her impassioned question during the Q&A portion of the event, enough so that he would champion her for a position at the bank.
Peace Abraham- Ajayi sharing her testimonial
Grateful to the role model and leadership of our founder
Mora Olubobokun recently interviewed for new job and was successful in getting the position. She attributes her confidence during the interview in part due to her involvement with the Black Female Accountants Network. Mora acknowledges the fact that, “I’m standing on the shoulders of a giant.”, when speaking of network founder Jenny Okonkwo. As she steps into her newly appointed role as the network President, Mora is grateful to have Jenny as a role model.
“I am standing on the shoulders of a giant!” – Mora Olubobokun
Grateful for the friendships made through the network
Hannah Bheylla-Koppoe is grateful to the network because of the relationships that she established. She met Mora through the Black Female Accountants Network and they quickly became friends. The friendship she established with Mora enabled her to attend network meetings knowing her kids would be safely watched over by Mora’s husband. “Mora is someone I can call on any day and any time.”
Grateful for friendships made – Hannah Bheylla Koppoe
Grateful for the access to advice from leaders in the profession
Chidimma Eghagha needed career advice and as a member of the network she was able to gain access to a female leader in the accounting profession. It was the chat with that female accounting leader that inspired Chidimma at her next job performance review to get full recognition for all she had accomplished and have her request for future growth and professional development plan supported and approved.
“That conversation helped me confidently negotiate” – Chidimma Eghagha
Grateful for the role models and exposure the network has provided
Seeing members in different stages of career has been a great boost to Whitney Okeke’s confidence. She appreciates the many public speaking opportunities the network has provided her. Her new employer made her aware that they were impressed by the social media posts about Whitney’s involvement in the Black Female Accountants Network.
Whitney Okeke sharing how much she has grown by being a part of the network.
Grateful for the connections the network provided
Helen Berhane is one of the early members of the network and like our founder – Jenny Okonkwo- she also belongs to CIMA UK. She supported the idea of the Black Female Accountants Network when it was in its initial planning stages. She connected with people at network events that have given her leads to new opportunities for which she is grateful.
Helen Berhane sharing how the Network has given her leads to opportunities
Grateful for the new skills acquired and mentorship received
Being a member of the Network has given Ese Ijevu the opportunity to learn new skills and she is now known to produce the most professional PowerPoint presentations. She is also grateful for the mentorship she has gained from one of the BFAN members.
Ese Ijevu sharing her story with the network
Grateful for the inspiring stories of other members
Ivy Anigbogu wanted to take the opportunity to thank the network and appreciate all the beautiful women because after just 3 months in Canada it has been a blessing. She is especially inspired by Peace’s story about TD Bank. That story gave her the hope and belief that getting a good job in a new country was possible. She did just that getting herself a job in August of this year.
“Hearing how the network helped Peace gave me confidence to step out” – Ivy Anigbogu
Grateful for advice and support of network members
Adaolisa Eze-Onurah was introduced to the network by her boss, who is a member. Studying abroad away from her family she does get homesick, so being introduced to the network was a godsend. She now has a group of ladies she can turn to for advice and support. She is very grateful for this.
“Thanks to the network, I now have a family here in Canada” – Adaolisa Eze-Onuorah
Grateful for support and career opportunities
“I would not be happy if I left here today without recognizing Sandra and Peace and how much I appreciate their support.” Amara Itua-Ojefua is grateful as they were a big part of the successful career opportunity that she got after arriving in Canada.
Amara Itua Ojefua sharing how 2 members of the network made a big impact in her life
Grateful for life altering connections made
“You impacted my life” speaking of network founder Jenny Okonkwo. This simple but powerful statement expresses Elaine Morrison’s heartfelt gratitude.
Elaine Morrison sharing her BFAN story
These are just of few of the women who chose to speak that day. Our members gain inspiration, role models, friendships, professional contacts, new skills, advice, support and the chance to impact the lives of others just to name a few. So what are you waiting for? Take those next steps to become a member and open yourself up to new opportunities.
To learn more about the Black Female Accountants Network or to join our network, review our membership criteria and instruction for joining on www.bfannetwork.wordpress.com. If you are already a member use #MyBFAN2018 and #bfannetwork on social media if you have a story to share about your experience with the network or at one of the network’s events.