Greetings from the AICPA Women’s Leadership Summit!
This year’s Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, brought together a vibrant community of women leaders, allies, and advocates from across the accounting profession, including a strong showing from Schneider Downs, which hosted an internal knowledge share to amplify the Summit’s impact. Attendees represented a wide range of generations, backgrounds, and roles, reflecting the diversity and strength of our field.
The Summit was packed with interactive sessions and opportunities to connect. We explored the “invisible mental load” that women often carry and discussed practical strategies for thriving through change, such as embracing a growth mindset and actively seeking feedback rather than avoiding it. We were reminded that while we can’t always control what happens, we always have the power to choose our response.
Key statistics and insights stood out: although women make up 60% of accountants and auditors, only 27% are partners. Mentorship emerged as a game-changer; women with mentors are promoted five times more often than those without. The importance of executive presence, emotional intelligence, and assertive communication was reinforced throughout, with sessions encouraging us to model authenticity, confidence, and composure to inspire trust and credibility.
Career sustainability was a recurring theme: set clear goals, manage your energy, and clarify expectations for yourself and others. We were encouraged to be lifelong learners, seek feedback, and build networks that support both personal and professional growth.
We also tackled self-doubt, business development myths, and the value of building real relationships. Through practical strategies to quiet the inner critic, we learned how to regulate emotions, confront fear, and reshape our narratives so we can step up and speak out in high-stakes moments. Sisterhood in accounting came alive through intentional networking, mentorship, and community-building. We were reminded that every interaction is an opportunity to support another woman, and that true connection happens when we show up authentically.
Schneider Downs’ internal knowledge share extended these lessons, fostering a culture of learning and support within our organization.
Leaving the Summit, I feel energized and empowered to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion. Here’s to building powerhouse cultures and supporting each other—because together, we go farther.
About Schneider Downs Audit and Assurance Services
Schneider Downs’ engagement teams are hand-selected by our shareholders based on skill sets and experience and are available around the clock for consultation. Each attestation engagement is subject to our comprehensive quality control and risk management system, providing an independent review of audit opinions, related financial statements and significant underlying working papers, to ensure that the highest levels of professional standards are met.
To learn more, visit our Audit and Assurance page
