about the group through a friend and fellow BFAN member via a LinkedIn message. She went straight to BFAN’s site, where she learned more about the network’s core values. “Aſter reading, I thought about attending the next meeting. Tax season was approaching and I didn’t want to take away time on weekends with my family, but my husband recommended I see what BFAN was all about; he thought it would be a great opportunity to connect with other professionals.” Radcliffe took his suggestion and joined the group; she attended her first meeting in March. “For many of us, we feel like we’ve gained greater professional support and are passionate about influencing the next genera- tion — to let them know that we are a group of ladies who they can lean on for mentorship in getting through the CPA process,” she says. “Being part of BFAN isn’t only about rep-


resenting our profession — it’s about creating a greater sense of community and cohesiveness.” She mentions that several BFAN members are industry leaders in the private and public sectors, and many are the only people of colour in their work- places. “What Jenny has created in BFAN is a safe, candid and nurturing environment where no woman is an island.” When it comes to ethnically diverse accounting associations


across the country, BFAN is a new kid on the block. According to Statistics Canada’s count in 2011, nearly 6.3 million people (or 19%) identified themselves as a member of the visible minority population. Back in 2005, Statistics Canada suggested that by 2017 up to 23% of the population could be a member of a visible minority. While there are no firm stats on how many of these Canadians work in the accounting profession or financial


SEPTEMBER 2017 |17 CPA MAGAZINE | 45


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