AFWA Valley of the Sun Chapter
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Chapter History

If you are looking for opportunities to expand your professional network, develop leadership skills, earn CPE, or just starting your accounting and finance career, then join the members of the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance Valley of the Sun Chapter for any of our upcoming events. We are part of a national association and are here to help you connect, advance and lead your way to success!

Phoenix Chapter

Mesa East Valley Chapter

The Phoenix Chapter was formed in 1954.  In October 1954 Dick Evans, IAS regional representative in Phoenix, called together 28 Phoenix women employed in accounting.  He told them about ASWA and explained the workings and goals of the Society.  He discussed the advantages of belonging to such an organization.  His suggestions were enthusiastically received, and another meeting was set for November.
At the November meeting, three members of the Los Angeles Chapter, the chapter which agreed to sponsor our formation, were present to give first0hand suggestions on the proper steps for starting a new chapter.  Pearl Isham, Hazel Brooks Scott and Mildred Swem assisted in membership qualifications and bylaws requirements.  Monthly meetings were held thereafter until the word came that the chapter was instituted March 23, 1955.  Billie Ruffner was the first president.  The Charter Dinner was held April 23rd, and Hazel Brooks Scott, President of the Los Angeles Chapter, presented the Charter to our president.  Chapter No. 43 was started with 43 members and several more waiting for national approval.  By June 30 1955 Chapter 43 ended its first fiscal year with 48 members.
As the Phoenix Chapter grew, an opportunity to expand our organization in the area lead to the launch of the Mesa East Valley Chapter. The Mesa East Valley Chapter was formed over 36 years ago and gives our members the opportunity to develop their leadership skills as we support our community and future accounting and financial professionals.
Our chapter members are accounting and financial professionals with a variety of tax, audit, industry, government and financial services experience. We have young professionals, mid-level professionals and retirees sharing their career experiences. Our chapter holds monthly meetings for networking, dinner and continuing professional education.


Thank you to our past chapter presidents for their dedication to promoting our profession, leadership and vision to help our chapter develop and grow over the years!

Mesa East Valley Chapter Presidents:

1986-1987 Bari Lynn (Le Baron) Simmons
1987-1988 Donna Benjamin
1988-1989 Diane Grgat Wright
1989-1990 Dorothy Ashley
1990-1991 Cindy Dunham
1991-1992 Paula Forst
1992-1993 Cindy (Carney) Hallett
1993-1994 Kim Leckey
1994-1995 Nadine Peterson
1995-1996 Michelle Goodrum
1996-1997 Carol Greene
1997-1998 Susan McFee
1998-1999 Cheryl Laurent
1999-2000 Amy Herchet
2000-2001 Jennifer Forst
2001-2002 Ruth Roman
2002-2003 Nadine Peterson
2003-2004 Carol Greene
2004-2005 Susan McFee
2005-2006 Paula Zanni
2006-2007 Joyanna Hammond
2007-2008 Janice Walrod
2008-2009 Karen Peterson
2009-2010 Laura Mangan
2010-2011 Anna Von Strassenburg
2011-2012 Sherry McGlade
2012-2013 Shelby Williams
2013-2014 Diane Hewlett
2014-2015 Stacey Craig
2015-2016 Deanna Schantel
2016-2017 Andrea Owens
2017-2018 Andrea Garcia
2018-2019 Andrea Garcia
2019-2020 Shelby Williams
2020-2021 Shelby Williams
2021-2022 Diane Hanson


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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Chapter History
      • Photos
  • Membership
  • Programs & Events
    • June 2025
    • Seminar >
      • Seminar Registration
    • Community Service >
      • Foster Alliance Project
      • Holiday Toy Drive
      • Feed My Starving Children
      • VITA
      • Heart Walk
      • Back To School Drive
    • Networking >
      • Sep 2024
      • Dec 2024
      • Feb 2025
      • April 2025
  • Scholarships
  • Resources
  • Contact