Women at Full Throttle

Women at Full Throttle

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Giving Back

Even before I received my bachelors and began studies for my masters and research for my phd I have always felt the need to give back to those who had limited financial flow. Back in high school I would prepare and file the tax returns for single people, single mothers and whole households when I saw how much of a rip off the "tax service" companies were. I was infuriated when people told me they would pay so much for the preparation and then quick refund check they received. I would convince them to allow me to prepare their taxes and save them the fees. Though they had to wait a little longer when they received their money it was complete. The money they saved was enough to pay a bill, buy food or provide for another essential need that they had. The joy I received from seeing the smiles and knowing that I helped someone who otherwise would have fell through the cracks reinforced my desire to become an accountant.

As I went through college I began to add struggling small businesses and entrepreneurs to my list. Never asking for money just being satisfied that I was able to help. That spirit latter returned through the ease I had in obtaining positions with companies for payment and benefits. Anywho a couple of years later I am still giving back only now I have included hispanics, polish, and many more cultures to my rolodex. This past year I provided my services through two organizations helping the impovished and military families. While I draft towards people of color (because I feel a real need for my knowledge there) I have never neglected to help others.

Whatever your profession, job or hustle remember to give back. We are all in this world together and just a lil bit is sometimes all it takes to turn a frown to a smile.

Thank you Theodora Fonteneau Rutherford -An unsung hero

Theodora is mentioned in Theresa Hammond's "A White Collar Profession African American Certified Public Accountants since 1921". I want to devote this blog to her. First of all I would like to thank her for her strength, endurance, perserverance, intelligence and stamina in becoming a pioneer in the field of accounting for not only people of color but also women of color. This strong woman was born in 1904 and graduated summa cum laude from Howard, at the age of 19. She went on to become the first person of color to earn a masters degree in accounting from Columbia, at the age of 20. She was the only woman of color and endured massive seperation but was able to become friends with a couple of white students. She, as they, were excited to begin practing accounting and becoming a CPA. But unlike them she wasn't able to become a CPA until 1960, a full 36 years after she earned her masters degree. She was 36 years behind her white counterparts in career ascension and earning power in the accounting field. Like the lady that she was. She gracefully accepted the designation without malice or bitterness. Thank you, thank you, thank you Mrs Rutherford. Because of you I can be me and so much more. I won't have to wait 36 years to practice accounting, I won't have to endure what you have. I am grounded in knowing that just 48 years ago I couldn't do what I am doing now. Though those years are beyond my age they are not that far away that they can't be remembered.