Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance Mesa East Valley Chapter 2016-2017 Board of Directors

MESA, Ariz. - July 1, 2016 - PRLog -- Members of the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance Mesa East Valley Chapter met June 14^th at Dobson's Restaurant in Mesa for their installation and awards event. 2015-2016 Chapter President Deanna Schantel thanked the outgoing board for their efforts in successfully completing a challenging year. "At the time I didn't really think about how momentous a year it was as the 30th anniversary of our chapter and I certainly didn't have any idea how momentous a year it would be for challenges that had to be met." Schantel continued "thank you all for being willing to be flexible, for sharing your ideas and stepping up to take on new tasks… and for showing up."

The Mesa East Valley Chapter of the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance is pleased to announce the 2016-2017 Board of Directors including Andrea Owens, President; Andrea Garcia, Secretary; Melissa Lawless, Treasurer; Deanna Schantel, Past President & Programs Director; Laura Mangan, Public Relations & Membership Director; Shelby Williams, Website; Karen Peterson, Member Relations; Kathleen Pease, Community Service Director; and Joyanna Hammond, Financial Literacy Director.

Our chapter was honored to have the 1986-1987 Chapter President Bari Simmons join us for the evening and help us celebrate 30 years of education, leadership and friendship. She shared memories of the early years and the women who nurtured the Mesa East Valley Chapter. The celebration included special recognition of Dorothy Ashley for 30 Years of Perfect Attendance. Past President Diane Hewlett presented Deanna Schantel with her President's Plaque in recognition of her year leading our chapter. The Outstanding Member of the Year Award was presented to Andrea Owens for her extraordinary efforts helping our chapter overcome many of our challenges last year.

During the installation, President Owens shared her focus for the upcoming year of Community Outreach. "I hope to expand our footprint as an organization by impacting the community but also to reach out and engage our existing members with new opportunities to participate." Several community service projects and financial literacy programs have already been planned for the 2016-2017 year. Organizations in need of volunteers for community service projects can contact our board at chapter@mesaeastvalleyafwa.org. Students and professionals interested in our events and programs are encouraged to visit our website http://www.mesaeastvalleyafwa.org for more information.

About The Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance:

The Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA) promotes the professional growth of women in accounting and finance. Members of the nationwide association benefit from opportunities to connect with colleagues, advance their careers, and become industry leaders. For more than 75 years, the organization has proudly upheld its mission to enable women in all accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional and economic potential and to contribute to the future development of their profession. Visit www.afwa.org for more information.