The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

GRAMMY Award-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams was a special guest speaker at the second annual AICPA-CIMA Global Leadership Women’s Summit here in Nassau, which has been hailed a success by its organisers.

In her address to the attendees, Mrs Adams delivered a message of inspiration, hope and gave helpful tips on to how they can navigate both life and business.

Mrs Adams is a world-famous singer, record producer, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, radio host of her own nationally syndicated morning gospel show, and the proud mother of daughter Taylor Ayanna Crawford. The eldest of six siblings, she was born in Houston, Texas, in 1961. After graduating from Texas Southern University where she earned her degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting, she began a career as a school teacher and part-time model, before becoming a professional singer.

Mrs Adams was joined by other presenters at the recent Global Leadership Women’s Summit held at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. These included prominent local women like Tebby Burrows, Gravette Brown, Sheree Ebanks, Yasmine El-Ramly, Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, Stacy Ann Golding, Kari Hipsak, Joy Jibrilu, Tanya McCartney, Tanya Odom, Darnell Osborne, Lisa Padmore, Cherrylee Pinder, Marlene Forrest, Charnette Thompson, Vernice Walkine, as well as Craig Walker, Sr, and Antoine Bastian.

The aim of the event was deepen engagement among women leaders in The Bahamas and regionally through a diverse array of speakers and thought-provoking dialogue. Women from all different backgrounds were embraced that AICPA CIMA Women’s Global Leadership Summit held at the Grand Hyatt, Baha Mar Resort.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of the summit; overjoyed by corporate Bahamas’ support, and humbled to welcome so many amazing speakers from our region and from America,” said Nerika Burrows, an accountant by profession.

This summit offered guests a chance to network, exchange ideas and enhance leadership skills. Attendees also had access to female role models and were able to interact with leaders from the region They also learned about strategies and tools to effectively blend life and career to meet personal and professional goals.

Darnell Osborne, a CPA, said: “We have started a much-needed movement in today’s business world and we will be producing a few more opportunities in 2020, for more open, timely discussions, panels and conferences. There is definitely more to come from us at Citadel Consultants.”

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants is considered the most influential body of professional accountants, combining the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). It represents 657,000 members and students in public and management accounting and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues.