VSCPA CEO Stephanie Peters Receives Prestigious Award for Supporting Diversity in Accounting
October 1, 2024
For Immediate Release
Tina Bates, VSCPA
(804) 612 -9416
[email protected]
X: @vscpanews
Richmond (Oct. 1, 2024) — In recognition of her contributions to advancing diversity in the business and accounting community, VSCPA President and CEO Stephanie Peters, CAE, received the 2024 Leadership Award from the Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute (RCHLI) in the Sydney Lewis School of Business at Virginia Union University (VUU).
As CEO of the VSCPA since 2007, Peters is passionate about promoting a unique, diverse pipeline into the accounting profession. Under her leadership, the VSCPA has become a national leader in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) with initiatives like taking the CEO Action to Advance Diversity & InclusionTM pledge, embedding DEIB into the Society’s core values, launching a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council of accounting and business leaders, increasing minority scholarships including the Curtis C. Duke and Dr. Ruth Coles Harris Scholarship Fund, and much more.
“Stephanie is being honored by the RCHLI for her commitment and dedication to the community,” said Wendy P. Lewis, CPA, chair of the RCHLI Advisory Board. “Since joining the VSCPA, she has driven the Society’s strategic vision, championed diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and enhanced member engagement. Stephanie has been a leader in the accounting profession not only in Virginia but nationally and continues to work tirelessly to support the career goals of underrepresented students to become CPAs.”
The RCHLI’s namesake, Dr. Ruth Coles Harris, is the first Black woman to pass the CPA Exam in Virginia. She joined the VUU faculty in 1949 and was the founding dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business, overseeing curriculum development and growing enrollment to more than 400. In September 2018, VUU established the RCHLI to honor Harris’s contributions to the university and business and accounting community at large. The RCHLI prepares and develops students and members of the community to become leaders, scholars and lifelong learners in a global society.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Ruth Coles Harris Leadership Institute,” said Stephanie Peters. “Promoting diversity and equity in accounting is an ongoing effort among all the profession’s stewards, and I’m proud to lead an organization committed to cultivating a diverse community and uplifting unique and individual voices.”
Peters joined the VSCPA in 1997 as part of the government affairs team. She now leads the organization on national and state professional issues, legislative and regulatory activities, and external relations. As a Certified Association Executive (CAE), she has received the CEO Award of Excellence from the Virginia Society of Association Executives.
Peters received the award at the RCHLI leadership awards luncheon on Sept. 28 at the Claude G. Perkins Living & Learning Center in Richmond.
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ABOUT THE VSCPA
The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) is the leading professional association in the Commonwealth dedicated to empowering the CPA profession to thrive. Founded in 1909, the VSCPA has nearly 12,000 members who work in public accounting, corporate finance, government and education. For more information about the VSCPA, visit vscpa.com, email [email protected] or call (804) 612-9416. Connect with us on Facebook: Facebook.com/VSCPA; X: @VSCPANews; and Instagram: @VSCPA.