The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has announced the 2014 graduates of its Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) program, available to view on
Entering its 20th year, the Leadership Workshop is an annual invitational, all-expense paid event open to ethnically diverse accounting and finance majors who plan to pursue the CPA license. This year’s workshop was held at four different locations in partnership with the state CPA societies in Florida, Kansas, Oregon and Pennsylvania.
Attendees were invited to participate in interactive sessions on topics ranging from CPA examp prep, behavioral assessments/unconscious bias, navigating corporate culture, financial literacy, and the value of networking and community involvement. The program additionally provided attendees opportunity to network with current CPAs and each other.
“Over the course of two intensive days, the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop provided these impressive students with professional skills development and a greater understanding of what a career as a CPA is all about,” said Kim Drumgo, AICPA director of diversity and inclusion, as well as the vice chair of the
This year’s program featured speakers such as Frank K. Ross, co-founder of the National Association of Black Accountants; Jason Orme, chair of the Oregon Society of CPAs; and Ken Strauss, immediate past chair of the Florida Institute of CPAs.
“My advice for anyone considering the program is simply to apply,” said Roberto A. Rosas, a San Diego State University accounting student and 2014 ASLW graduate. “The Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop benefitted me in so many ways. I'm very glad I got to participate and I highly recommend it to all motivated, excited accounting students,”
The ASLW program is open to ethnic minorities who are sophomore, junior, senior, 5th year, or graduate students and have declared a major in accounting, finance or tax, with a goal to obtain the CPA credential. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be actively involved in campus and community activities, and be a Student Affiliate Member of the AICPA, as well as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
ASLW applications and information can be found at
