The distinction recognizes both emerging and experienced leaders in the profession.
NEW YORK, NY (Nov. 12, 2025) — The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, together as AICPA and CIMA, has introduced the 2025 AICPA and CIMA Global Women to Watch program, recognizing exceptional women professionals who are shaping the future of accounting and finance through leadership, innovation and service.
Recipients in the Global Women to Watch program are honored in two categories: Emerging leaders and experienced leaders. The program recognizes women making an impact on the profession both within their organizations and across the broader accounting and finance profession. It also elevates women at all stages of their career, setting the stage for those who have and will come after them.
“These honorees represent the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of women shaping the future of accounting across the globe,” said Crystal Cooke, director of diversity & inclusion at AICPA and CIMA. “Their achievements inspire a more inclusive profession — one where diverse voices drive innovation, integrity and impact.”
This new program was established with the help of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee (WIEC), whose mission is to celebrate and elevate the achievements of women in the accounting and finance profession and to champion their continued growth.
“This program shines a light on the incredible women who are redefining what leadership looks like in our field,” said Jessica Foster, CPA, MSA, chair of the AICPA Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee and senior manager at Cohen & Co. “By recognizing women at every career stage, we’re not just celebrating success — we’re building momentum for lasting equality and opportunity within the profession.”
“The Global Women to Watch program was born out of a vision to recognize the full spectrum of women’s leadership in accounting — from those just beginning to shape the profession to those whose influence has spanned decades,” said Mandy Gallagher, lead manager of women’s initiatives at AICPA and CIMA. “It’s been an honor to help bring this program to life and to celebrate the women whose commitment to the profession continue to open doors for others around the world.”
2025 AICPA and CIMA Global Women to Watch Honorees
Emerging Leaders
Recognizing rising professionals who are making meaningful contributions to the accounting profession and demonstrating leadership potential.
Nicola Ellam, CIA, BFP — Managing Principal of NY/NJ Offices, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) – U.S.
Hope Brown, MSA, AFSP — Founder & CEO, The Tax Minded Bookkeeper (a Brown Business Solutions, LLC company) – New York, N.Y.
Rachel Annelise Chaney, CPA — Tax Manager, Bernard Robinson & Company, LLP - Greensboro, N.C.
My (Rosey) Flaherty, CPA, MSA — Tax Manager, BPM, LLP – Natick, Mass.
Sarah Flishcel, CPA — Director of Audit Transformation and Training, AAFCPAs – Denver. Colo.
Syeda Sana Kaukab, ACMA, CGMA — Manager, Expense Monitoring and Analytics, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) – Sindh, Pakistan
Wassia Kamon, CPA, CMA, MBA — Chief Financial Officer, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs – Norcross, Ga.
Kendra LaFleur, CPA — Director, Forvis Mazars – Atlanta, Ga.
Stacey Mahajan, CPA, CGMA, CITP — Assistant Controller, Ambiq – Plano, Texas
Carey Miller, CPA, CFF — Managing Director, J. S. Held – Reston, Va.
Tania Miranda, CPA — Director, PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP – New York, N.Y.
Alexandria Romero, CPA — Governmental and Leadership Training Facilitator, Galasso Learning Solutions – Pueblo, Colo.
Shayla Scott, CPA — Senior Manager (Audit/Assurance), Mengel Metzger Barr & Co – Rochester, N.Y.
Jaclyn Veno, CPA — Learning & Development Specialist, Galasso Learning Solutions – Charlotte, N.C.
Zoe Yang, CPA — Assistant Controller, International Association for Dental Research – Washington, D.C.
Experienced Leaders
Honoring seasoned professionals whose leadership and contributions have had a lasting impact on the accounting profession.
Michelle Avery, CPA, CFF — Senior Managing Director, Financial Investigations, J.S. Held – Alpharetta., Ga.
Jonyce Bullock — CEO, Squire – Orem, Utah
Melisa Galasso, CPA, CGMA — CEO/Founder, Galasso Learning Solutions – Charlotte, N.C.
Amy C. Horner, CPA, MBA, DBA — Founder and Principal Consultant, TRUE NINE – Houston, Texas
Tricia Katebini, CPA, MBA — Partner, GRF CPAs & Advisors – Bethesda, Md.
Anita Krishnan — Professor of Accounting Education, University of Southampton – Southampton, U.K.
Jan Lewis, CPA — Tax Partner, BMSS Advisors & CPAs; Vice-Chair of the Board, Association of International CPAs – Ridgeland, Miss.
Nancy McClelland, CPA — Owner, The Dancing Accountant – Charlotte, N.C.
Jackie Meyer, CPA, DSL — Founder, President, TaxPlanIQ – Southlake, Texas
Lisa Myers, CPA, CGMA — Managing Partner, Boyer & Ritter LLC – Philadelphia, Pa.
Trisha Nomura, CPA — Owner, Ascend Consulting, LLC – Honolulu, Hawaii
Janice Stucke, CPA — CFO & Foundation Treasurer, CREW Network & CREW Network Foundation – Atlanta, Ga.
Wendy Stevens, CPA — Partner, Forvis Mazars; National Director of Profession Relations – Washington, D.C.
Twyla Verhelst, CPA — Vice President, Industry Relations and Community, Karbon – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Lauren Weddell, CPA — Shareholder, Schneider Downs & Co., Inc. – Pittsburgh, Pa.
The honorees were recognized at the 2025 Women’s Global Leadership Summit, this year held from Nov. 10-12 in Nashville, Tenn. Over the next year, the AICPA and CIMA will be celebrating these 2025 honorees through features, events, and opportunities to share their story and impact, including being showcased on the webpage and featured on social media channels.
About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, AICPA, and CIMA
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) advances the reputation, employability, and quality of CPAs, CGMA designation holders, and accounting and financial professionals globally. Founded in 2017 by the AICPA and CIMA, it represents 580,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates, and registrants in more than 150 countries and territories, advocating for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues.
Media Contact:
Ranica Arrowsmith
Ranica.Arrowsmith@aicpa-cima.com
(212) 596-6117