June 2016

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NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
 
NO MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR JUNE!

July Membership Meeting
  
 

"Become a Better Speaker FAST."
 
 
Doris Pickering  
Get it done with Doris 

Doris Pickering is an engaging, energetic and charismatic entrepreneur who brings her sought after public speaking and presentation training programs to ambitious business owners and professionals who are ready to improve their public speaking skills.

She has enjoyed a successful corporate career in some of the most influential companies in Silicon Valley, such as LSI Logic, Philips Semiconductor and HP. With an Executive MBA, several professional certificates and her Can Do attitude, Doris gained expertise in many disciplines such as Business Planning, Sales Operations, Product Marketing and New Product Introduction.

After leaving the Silicon Valley high tech world, Doris launched her own public speaking and presentation training business, "Get It Done With Doris" to train motivated entrepreneurs and professionals how to grow their business or get noticed and promoted through public speaking. Her powerful training programs teach people how to communicate their message quickly, clearly and effectively.

Whether you're a busy professional on the move or a small business owner, her programs will build your confidence so you can swiftly go from where you are to where you want to be!

 
REGISTRATION DETAILS TO COME!!    
 
 
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!


In This Issue:

~President's Message~
~Recap: 
May Membership meeting~
~Scholarship winners~ 
~June News~
  • Think Small: How you can create a great workplace through micro-culture
  • Body Language in Business: When your mouth isn't talking, your body is
  • How to Avoid Being Tired at Work the Day After The Big Game

~Board of Directors~

~Committee Updates~

~AFWA Foundation~

~Annual Conference~

 

 

 


PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Edronda Guiriba 
AFWA - Silicon Valley Chapter President
 
June 2016

I am graciously humbled and honored to assume the duties as President for the Accounting and Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA) Silicon Valley.

My experiences with AFWA so far have only pushed my professional and personal development further than I could have imagined and I expect only more for this year and many years to come.

My wonderful boss and mentor, Lynda Boman, was the first one to encourage my involvement with AFWA. In early spring of 2010 during my last year in college she suggested I apply for an AFWA Silicon Valley Scholarship.  She was the board president at the time. Our chapter had been awarding scholarships since 1976 and awards them annually. Lucky for me, I was chosen as a scholarship recipient and not only that, but for the Julie Velasquez Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors our late past board president. Julie served as board president from 1996-1997, got her CPA license in 1996 and is the very FIRST Hispanic female CPA from Fresno County. 

In spring of 2013 I was asked to join the board as Newsletter/Website chair, which I happily accepted. I hadn't attended meetings on a usual basis, so I had met some board members for the very first time at my first board meeting. Volunteering on the board level was a great experience for me - I had the chance to build relationships with members and board members and learn about people in and outside my industry and field.

In the fall of 2014 I was able to attend my first National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. The National Conference is a multi-day event where members from AFWA chapters all over the United States come for networking and professional education. It was from that event that I roomed with immediate past president Eileen Perry and we were excited to bring all that we had learn to our own chapter; it is when I decided to run as President-Elect to try to bring these ideas to light.

AFWA has given me so many opportunities and has helped me in so many ways, from assisting me with school expenses, allowing me to expand my professional network, offering advice and wisdom from great local speakers and experts on various topics, and providing an atmosphere for me to make new friends and connections. I truly believe that you can get more than what you put in without even realizing it. I hope you take advantage of this great organization and find some way to join and volunteer!

One way to help out and volunteer is to take part in our Strategic Planning meeting. Please join me and our board members at our Strategic Planning meeting on July 17th. The meeting is open to board members and chapter members. Come with all your great ideas about what you want to see happening for this year. Please contact me for more information if you would like to attend the meeting. 

Our membership meeting in July will also be our installation meeting and we have special guest speaker, Doris Pickering, with a presentation about being a confident communicator. Don't miss out!

Edronda Guiriba, President
2016-2017
AFWA Silicon Valley Chapter
 

 
  May Meeting Recap
By Julien LaCrosse 



We had an amazing turnout for our 10th Annual Spring Gala. In addition to the wine, hors d'oeuvre, and delicious ravioli (Thank You Biltmore!), we were graced with a seminar on consumer credit with Ben Dupre of Dupre Law Firm. Ben covered credit scores, disputing errors, and understanding our rights as consumers under both California and Federal Law. Thanks again Ben!   

  
 
 
2016 Scholarship Recipients 



Congratulations to our 2016 Scholarship winners!

Elizabeth Zedaker-Baumbusch , CSU East Bay 
Shilpa Balnadu, San Jose State  
Phuong Ly, San Jose State 
Anqi Xu, Santa Clara University


Also congratulations to our chapter members who were awarded the AFWA Foundation Scholarships!


Eileen Perry, California State University - East Bay (Masters scholarship)
Jeff Olevson, Mission College  (Undergraduate scholarship)
Diane Ollila, Golden Gate University   (Masters scholarship)


 
  
 

JUNE NEWS


Think Small:
How you can create a great workplace through micro-culture
By AFWA Partner, Ledgent, 6/2/16

Blame your skills or your charm, you are a leader whether you like it or not. Each organization has its own programs and practices to maintain and build culture, but you contribute to it with your daily actions, regardless of managerial status.

While quite the responsibility, this is great news: you can actively create change within your organization, making it a better place to work for all.

Ask yourself, do your daily actions in the workplace make life better for your colleagues or just you?

You are responsible for your department's MICRO-culture. Your team will become more devoted and united if you lead the commitment to creating a space of appreciation, recognition, and empowerment, beyond the manager and beyond company policy.

Here are 4 simple ways to encourage a supportive Micro-culture that will not only create a great place to work, but help your team be more successful as well:
  1. Keep your promises. Psychological Contracts are the mutual expectations employees and managers have for one another, many go unsaid and most go beyond the paycheck. These psychological contracts have a major effect on perceptions of fairness. Discuss with your colleagues or manager your expectations and have defined (even documented) expectations for one another. This will increase accountability for both sides and serve as a reference point if anything goes awry.
  2. Give credit, and give it generously. Inc., Forbes, and Quandora all report similar versions of what employees desire from a workplace; but "feeling important/ valued" always comes out on top. Recognition and gratitude are simple ways to communicate value to your colleagues. Before you set a reminder on your calendar to thank your team every Tuesday, remember that gratitude must be sincere, not a robotic gesture or an obligation.
  3. Share knowledge, share power. If you won the lottery tomorrow, who would take over your position? What about the person next to you - could you cover their position until a new hire was available? Teach and learn from your coworkers, it will give you a better understanding and appreciation of what they do, and can prepare you for the unexpected.
  4. Know when to look in the mirror, and when to look through the window. Leadership doesn't always come with a title, but the responsibility is shared. With that, self-awareness is key. When something goes well, "look through the window" at your team and give them the credit they deserve. When things go wrong, "look in the mirror" at yourself to understand your role. Evaluate your leadership style and how you can improve as a leader (review instructions, communication style, follow up processes, etc.), but no self-deprecation. Encourage your colleagues to do the same, create a culture of accountability.
Your organization may or may not have the best programs in place to create an engaging workspace. But these are small, cost-free actions that you can implement on a daily basis that will communicate value to your coworkers, and show off what a great leader you are and can be. Create a legacy for helping others, developing talent, and ultimately accomplishing impressive business results, your team and your organization will be better for it. Blame your skills or your charm, there's no one better to start this trend than you.
 

Body Language in Business:
When your mouth isn't talking, your body is
By Ericka Harney, CAE, CFRE, GPC, CVA, 5/18/16


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Over years of teaching communication, I often hear attendees ask why nonverbal communication is so important or why they should pay attention to body language. Some think it's a waste of time. Some others think it is just half of the message being given to them by someone else. Really it's the latter of those two.
Even when you aren't talking, you're communicating. If someone is slouching with their arms crossed, that certainly gives you cause to think they aren't paying attention or they disagree with your views. This opposed to someone who is nodding while you're talking, leaning in, and sitting up straight. Thus all behavior has value in the way of communication.
Whether it is personal or professional, relationships are built on nonverbal communication just as much as verbal or written communication. I've found it interesting that I have stronger connections with family and colleagues that I can video chat with rather than just email or text. When it is just words on a page, you can't tell if someone is smiling or frowning, is happy or mad and so on. Technology has had a significant impact on our relationships. When thinking about how to make a virtual meeting better - add video!


Continue reading


 
How to Avoid Being Tired at Work the Day After the Big Game
By Robert McCauley, 2/4/16
Expect to see some empty desks the day after the Super Bowl. According to the Workforce Institute, one in 10 U.S. workers, or roughly 16.5 million Americans, may miss work on on Monday. Those who trudge to the office can be sure of one thing: They'll be tired at work. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are five tips to help keep your workplace productivity high and your energy up the day after the big game or any day when your alarm clock seems to ring earlier than usual.

1. Eat a good breakfast
You know Starbucks is always hopping Monday mornings. Coffee's great, of course, but a full breakfast can be even better at helping you avoid being tired at work. Rather than relying on caffeine to keep you awake, eat a hearty meal first thing so you stay fueled throughout the day. Skip the sugary cereals and load up on protein and whole grains instead.

2. Stay hydrated
Go out of your way to stop by the water cooler on your way to the printer ... and the restroom ... and your afternoon meeting. My point: Drink lots of water so you remain hydrated all day long. Dehydration can cause you to lose focus, feel sluggish and be less productive at work.

3. Keep your schedule light
As much as possible, try to postpone any big projects or important meetings until Tuesday. (After all, it is the most productive day of the week.) If you're feeling tired at work and not operating at full speed on Monday, you want to focus on less-taxing tasks if you can.

4. Don't overdo the post-game analysis
Everyone will want to talk about the game - and the commercials. That's totally fine. But don't let chitchat sideline you from your actual work. Also avoid spending too much time on Facebook or surfing the Web for replays.

5. Get moving
Feeling tired at work right around three or four o'clock? We all know when the afternoon slump hits. If your eyelids suddenly feel heavy, get out of your chair. Standing, stretching or taking a quick lap around the office can help get your blood pumping and give you the boost you need to make it through the rest of the day. A quick bite can also boost your workplace productivity right when you need a shot in the arm the most. Check out some of our favorite snacks to keep stamina high.

Of course, one of the best ways to avoid being tired at work is to not go to work at all. No, I'm not suggesting you play hooky! Just plan ahead for next year. It's never too early to put in your request to take the Monday after Super Bowl LI off.

Still feel tired at work despite the tips above? We've got some great motivational songs to start your workday and keep your workplace productivity high for eight solid hours. 12 Great Motivational Songs to Start Your Workday

  
Accountemps, a Robert Half company, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps has more than 340 locations worldwide. More resources, including online job search services and the Accountemps blog, can be found at accountemps.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
2016-2017


Board President:
Edronda Guiriba

Program Director:
Open


Newsletter/Web Chair:
Julien LaCrosse

President Elect:
Nicole Sheets

Scholarship Director:
Wendy Matthews

Hospitality Director:
Jeff Olevson

Treasurer:
Sue Stokke

CPE Chair:
Deborah Rosengarten

Hospitality Co-Chair: 
Barbara Lietzan

Secretary:
Julia Becklund 
Membership Chair:
Open

Immediate Past President:
Eileen Perry

 
  
 


COMMITTEE UPDATES


PROGRAMS


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There is an excellent line-up of programs for the Silicon Valley Chapter this year, and most of them qualify for CPE!  Check out the line-up as we have engaged some dynamic and outstanding speakers coming up for 2016.

July
7/26/16
Get it Done With Doris - "Become a Better Speaker FAST"
Speaker: Doris Pickering

August
8/23/16
Topic - TBD
Speaker: TBD

September
9/27/16
 Topic - TBD
Speaker: TBD




MEMBERSHIP 
  
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • All Levels of Accounting & Finance
  • Bookkeepers
  • Corporate Accounting Finance
  • Public Accounting
  • Management & Educators
  • Recruiters
If you would like to join the Silicon Valley Chapter of AFWA, follow the link to our National website:
 
Please feel free to complete the application or forward a copy to someone you think would benefit from joining our Chapter.
  
  
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Prestigious status of professional affiliation
  • National contacts for networking and professional information
  • Forum for CPE
  • Scholarships
  • Leadership opportunities in supportive arena
  • Subscription to Accountability e-newsletter 
  • National and regional conferences at a discounted rate
  • Access to Career Center
  • Access to AFWA's LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter groups and National online membership directory
  • Discounted membership to the Institute for Management Accountants (IMA)
  • Discounted products and services through affiliation agreements (CPA review courses, CCH tax & accounting books, Long Term Care Insurance and Bank of America credit card)
Email Edronda Guiriba

HOSPITALITY/CPE COMPLIANCE
Hospitality Chair: Jeff Olevson
CPE Chair: Debbie Rosengarten



Reservation and cancellation policy:  
Reservations or cancellations are requested by noon on the Friday preceding each meeting.  Email Jeff- [email protected] to reserve or cancel. The goal is an accurate count for the hotel.  Unreserved members (not guests) incur a surcharge of $5.00.
 
Reserved members or guests who are no-shows will be billed if not cancelled by noon the preceding Friday. We do want you to come to the meetings and reservations are helpful but if you have to cancel let us know beforehand to avoid incurring the cost of the meal.

WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARD PAYMENT AT THE DOOR with higher cost. Online registration will close on Sunday before the event day. 
 
 
Volunteers are always welcome at our monthly membership meetings. Lend a helping hand to make our monthly events and meetings even more interesting while building a great network and forming new relationships.
 
CPE credit is available for participating in any of our qualified programs.  See Debbie for more details in person at the meeting.



NEWSLETTER
Chair: Julien LaCrosse

Send in your articles!

 

We encourage our membership to submit articles of interest for our monthly newsletter.  Please make your submission under the following criteria...

  • Prepared as a Microsoft Word document
  • Photos in JPEG format
  • Captions are okay, no imbedded text, please

The newsletter is prepared and distributed on a monthly basis.  Visit our web site at www.afwasiliconvalley.org.  If you have questions regarding articles to submit or about the newsletter, email the newsletter chair, Julien, [email protected].

 

Julien is interested in hearing about your latest achievements and activities too, he will include the appropriate content in next newsletter. 



 
INTERESTED IN EXPANDING YOUR COMPANY'S VISIBILITY  IN THE COMMUNITY?
 
BE A MEMBER MEETING SPONSOR!
 
There are three sponsor levels of contribution established for the scholarship fund:
 
 
Silver 
Sponsorship up to $150.00 
 
Gold
Sponsorship up to $200.00 
 
Platinum
Sponsorship $350.00 or more
   
*********************

Share  the information! 
See Edronda Guiriba for more  details.
(Please contact Edronda for information about our annual May Gala sponsor prices.)
 

AFWA FOUNDATION

The Foundation is all about us, accounting and financial professionals, we strive every day to make a difference in the financial world and in our communities. The Foundation is charged with raising funds for national scholarships, and educational advancement of our peers and rising leaders. 


 

The Foundation offers each of us the opportunity to support the future direction of the profession where we have gained our own personal successes.

 

It is important to support those entering the profession and working alongside us. Those that follow in our footsteps have much to teach us and much to learn from us. They embody the next generation of accounting and financial professionals. Our goal for you and AFWA is to lead the way in their development.

 

Mission

 

The Foundation promotes and advances education, career development and leadership in finance and accounting. Our vision is to guide women along the path to achieve success in finance and accounting.

  

 


ANNUAL CONFERENCE

 

The Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance Annual Conference is the premier networking and education event for professionals and students of Accounting and Finance. The event attracts hundreds of professionals from across the country for four days of educational sessions - providing up to 24 hours of CPE credit - presented by leaders in the industry.

 

2016 AFWA National Conference

Mark your calendars for the 2016 AFWA National Conference to be held October 26-28, 2016 in Denver, CO. Registration is now OPEN! Sign up for early bird discount. 

 

 

 Founded in 1938, AFWA/ASWA provides  women in accounting and finance the  leadership, education and networking  opportunities needed to achieve their career  goals. Celebrating 75 years as the only  organization that solely represents the interest  of women in the entire accounting and finance  community. The organization's mission is 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.