Thank you for your interest in the Private Company Practice Section (PCPS) George Willie Internship and Scholarship program. Beginning in 2024, the program is being redesigned to support ethnic minority students and graduates on the path to CPA licensure through the AICPA Foundation. We will no longer be accepting firm applications for this program. Recipients of George Willie scholarship funds awarded by the AICPA Foundation will be able to use the funds for tuition, and now will also be able to use awards for CPA exam fees and CPA preparation course fees. The redesigned program will allow the PCPS funding commitment to reach a larger number of ethnic minority students and graduates in a flexible way that meets the needs of the award recipients more holistically in their journey into the profession.
Thank you again for your interest and commitment to creating cultures of inclusion and belonging within your firm and the profession. If you would also like to support the AICPA Foundation’s mission, we invite you to learn more here.
PCPS moving George Willie Internship & Scholarship to AICPA foundation
Crystal Cooke Director of Diversity and InclusionCrystal Cooke
Crystal joined the AICPA & CIMA in early 2020 and oversees its member facing Diversity and Inclusion team where they encourage workplaces within the accounting and finance profession to cultivate environments where workforces are inclusive of people with different experiences and perspectives and where diversity of thought is valued and supported.
She believes that a workplace that is reflective and inclusive of the global communities in which they operate is positioned to innovatively solve the challenging and complex issues facing clients and the evolving public interest. This is critical to the success and sustainability of our profession.
The resources developed under her team are designed to support a culture where those with diverse lived experiences can grow and thrive. This includes underrepresented individuals such has those who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as gender fairness and equality for women. She also collaborates on initiatives aimed at supporting the profession’s emerging professionals.
She serves as the Vice-Chair of the AICPA & CIMA’s National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion, whose mission is to be champions that guide and support the accounting and finance profession in creating sustainable workplaces through expanded pathways that attract and retain qualified high performing talent with a commitment to inclusive leadership. Her work requires collaboration with senior executives of partner organizations and accounting firms who also seek to increase and advance culture and inclusion in their workforces.
In 2022, 2023 and 2024, Crystal was named as one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting. This listing identifies the thought leaders, change-makers, regulators and other leaders who are shaping the profession.
Prior to the Association, Crystal spent 12 years at the Center for Audit Quality where she managed Governing Board operations, financial reporting and budgeting processes, and talent, which included leading efforts around Diversity and Inclusion. She was also employed at KPMG LLP for 7 years as an auditor in their assurance practice in Washington D.C.
Crystal holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. She and her family reside in Bowie, MD
What did you think of this?
Every bit of feedback you provide will help us improve your experience
What did you think of this?
Every bit of feedback you provide will help us improve your experience