IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) recently expanded its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession and marketplace:

IMA Signs MOU with ALPFA
IMA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA).

The MOU extends IMA’s relationship with ALPFA, the first national Latino professional association in the United States with more than 92,000 student and professional members across the country. The MOU provides opportunities for collaboration between the two organizations as they will partner with joint webinars, speaking engagements, and thought leadership focusing on diversity, certification, and the accounting profession.

“Diversity and inclusion needs to be a priority for all employers and professionals to remain relevant with employees,” said Linda Devonish-Mills, CMA, CPA, CAE, IMA director of diversity and inclusion. “At IMA, embracing diversity is a priority for us and our diverse membership base, volunteer leadership, and staff.”

Mills continued, “This partnership with ALPFA is in alignment with IMA’s strategy to develop a diverse leadership pipeline and increase awareness about IMA and our CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) program. The partnership has already proven beneficial with our exhibiting at the organization’s annual convention over the summer and interacting with students and professionals in the industry.”

Mills Attends NABA Regional Student Conference
As part of her role as director of diversity and inclusion, Mills also recently attended the Central Region Student Conference of NABA (National Association of Black Accountants), with which IMA signed a MOU last year.

The conference was held on October 11-13, 2018, in St. Louis, Mo., under the NABA theme “Lifting As We Climb.” At the conference, students interviewed for internships and professional positions, in addition to attending interactive sessions on topics such as:
  • Interviewing skills
  • Dressing for success
  • Transitioning from college student and business professional
  • Communications skills
As a representative of IMA, Mills spoke to students about the benefits of IMA membership as well as earning the CMA certification while still in school. She also discussed how IMA can support students as they begin their careers and the many resources that are available to both students and young professionals. Approximately 300 attendees were present, primarily from colleges and universities in the Midwestern U.S.

NABA sponsors several Regional Student Conferences every year, which bring together hundreds of professionals and student members, academics, and corporate representatives in a venue focused on the unique needs of students pursuing an accounting or finance degree.

NABA is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for black professionals in the accounting, finance, and related business professions. Representing more than 200,000 black professionals in these fields, NABA advances people, careers, and its mission by providing education, resources, and meaningful career connections to both professional and student members, fulfilling the principle of its motto: Lifting As We Climb.