Inclusion in Action

That being said, let's get to know each other! Please drop a quick introduction below:🗣

• Your name and where you're located
• A fun fact about yourself
• One topic you're interested in discussing here

We're so glad you're here - and we can't wait to start the conversation together!

------------------------------
Crystal Cooke
------------------------------

Hello everyone! I'm Crystal Cooke and I'm the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the AICPA. I'm in the Washington DC area, specifically Bowie, MD, and one of my favorite hobbies is riding by bike, either my road bike or my Peloton bike. I just started on the Peloton tread for the winter season and I'm loving that too. I'm interested to hear what you all need. We're here to help the members of the profession in this space and I'm looking forward to learning more on how we can continue to do that. Welcome!! 

------------------------------
Crystal Cooke
------------------------------

Hi all,

My name is Brittany Brashear, and I am the lead manager of LGBTQ+ Initiatives at AICPA, and I live in Atlanta, GA. I am excited to connect with others who are interested in helping make accounting and finance a profession where everyone can thrive.

🐦Fun fact about me (well, I think it's fun!): I'm a birder, though I am relatively new to birding! In my spare time, I volunteer at a wild bird rescue where we rehabilitate and release injured birds. I also love going for hikes and seeing which birds I can identify. We had some sandhill cranes migrating through the area recently, which was really cool! 

Looking forward to connecting with everyone in this new space!

------------------------------
Brittany Brashear
------------------------------

Hi Brittany! I'm not too far from you. I live just outside of Columbia, SC. 

------------------------------
Karen Lewis
Director
Katz Sapper & Miller LLP
Chapin SC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-15-2026 13:59
From: Brittany Brashear
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hi all,

My name is Brittany Brashear, and I am the lead manager of LGBTQ+ Initiatives at AICPA, and I live in Atlanta, GA. I am excited to connect with others who are interested in helping make accounting and finance a profession where everyone can thrive.

🐦Fun fact about me (well, I think it's fun!): I'm a birder, though I am relatively new to birding! In my spare time, I volunteer at a wild bird rescue where we rehabilitate and release injured birds. I also love going for hikes and seeing which birds I can identify. We had some sandhill cranes migrating through the area recently, which was really cool! 

Looking forward to connecting with everyone in this new space!

------------------------------
Brittany Brashear
------------------------------

------------------------------
Mandy Gallagher, Ph.D.
Lead Manager, Women's Initiatives
AICPA
Durham, NC
------------------------------

Krav Maga, very cool! I did not know that. 

------------------------------
Karen Lewis
Director
Katz Sapper & Miller LLP
Chapin SC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-15-2026 13:59
From: Amanda Gallagher
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello everyone!

I'm Mandy Gallagher, Lead Manager of Women's Initiatives and part of the Diversity & Inclusion team at AICPA. I'm based in the Durham, NC area, and outside of work you can usually find me on a mountain bike trail or training as a Level 2 Krav Maga student. 

I'm excited to connect with all of you here-I'd love to learn what you're interested in and explore how our team can best support you. Welcome!

------------------------------
Mandy Gallagher, Ph.D.
Lead Manager, Women's Initiatives
AICPA
Durham, NC
------------------------------

Yes, it is so much fun!

------------------------------
Mandy Gallagher, Ph.D.
Lead Manager, Women's Initiatives
AICPA & CIMA
Durham, NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2026 09:33
From: Karen Lewis
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Krav Maga, very cool! I did not know that. 

------------------------------
Karen Lewis
Director
Katz Sapper & Miller LLP
Chapin SC
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-15-2026 13:59
From: Amanda Gallagher
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello everyone!

I'm Mandy Gallagher, Lead Manager of Women's Initiatives and part of the Diversity & Inclusion team at AICPA. I'm based in the Durham, NC area, and outside of work you can usually find me on a mountain bike trail or training as a Level 2 Krav Maga student. 

I'm excited to connect with all of you here-I'd love to learn what you're interested in and explore how our team can best support you. Welcome!

------------------------------
Mandy Gallagher, Ph.D.
Lead Manager, Women's Initiatives
AICPA
Durham, NC

Hello everyone! My name is Alex Romero and I'm from Pueblo, CO (100 miles south of Denver). My hobbies include making custom shirts with my Cricut, cake decorating, going to Disney, and running. My fun fact is, I have combined Disney and running and have completed the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge in 2024 and 2026. This challenge consists of, four races (a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon), over four days (Thurs-Sun), running through all four parks, for a total of 48.6 miles!

I am so happy to engage with this community and to see that one was created. Over the last year the word inclusion has had a lot of negativity around it, which makes this community even more important and needed. I'm excited to be part of this group and shine a light on how important inclusivity is in our society. Thank you for creating this space! ❤️🎉

------------------------------
Alexandria Romero
Lecturer/Professor
Galasso Learning Solutions LLC
Pueblo CO
7196717492
------------------------------

Hi Alex! I'm originally from CO and my MIL moved from Pueblo to South Carolina a few years ago to be closer to the grandkids. 

------------------------------
Karen Lewis
Director
Katz Sapper & Miller LLP
Chapin SC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-16-2026 12:25
From: Alexandria Romero
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello everyone! My name is Alex Romero and I'm from Pueblo, CO (100 miles south of Denver). My hobbies include making custom shirts with my Cricut, cake decorating, going to Disney, and running. My fun fact is, I have combined Disney and running and have completed the 48.6 mile Dopey Challenge in 2024 and 2026. This challenge consists of, four races (a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon), over four days (Thurs-Sun), running through all four parks, for a total of 48.6 miles!

I am so happy to engage with this community and to see that one was created. Over the last year the word inclusion has had a lot of negativity around it, which makes this community even more important and needed. I'm excited to be part of this group and shine a light on how important inclusivity is in our society. Thank you for creating this space! ❤️🎉

------------------------------
Alexandria Romero
Lecturer/Professor
Galasso Learning Solutions LLC
Pueblo CO
7196717492
------------------------------

Hi everyone I am so happy about this community! I work for FFC CPAs, a boutique tax firm. I live in the Boston area, and I sit on the Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee of the AICPA. I just had a baby in August, so I am navigating my return to work :) looking forward to connecting!!

---------------------------------
Roseleen Neville
---------------------------------

Hi Rose! Always happy to chat re: navigating the return to work after the baby. And congratulations!! 

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Karen Lewis
Director
Katz Sapper & Miller LLP
Chapin SC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-16-2026 17:08
From: Roseleen Neville
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hi everyone I am so happy about this community! I work for FFC CPAs, a boutique tax firm. I live in the Boston area, and I sit on the Women's Initiatives Executive Committee of the AICPA. I just had a baby in August, so I am navigating my return to work :) looking forward to connecting!!

---------------------------------
Roseleen Neville
---------------------------------

Good morning, my name is John Geraci, and I am the Managing Partner of LGA, CPAs headquartered in Woburn, MA. I serve on the Women's Initiatives Executive Committee of the AICPA and was recommended to join by my friend and celebrity CPA, Carla McCall!

I am the child of 2 retired Air Force veterans, so have lived in Maryland, Italy, Germany, South Dakota, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. My father was from mid-Pennsylvania so despite living in New England for 40 years, I am an avid Pittsburgh sports team fan!

I signed the CEO Action pledge many years ago, and am active within the firm, the community and in the profession working towards a more diverse and inclusive world, and love learning from all of the wonderful women and men who share my passion!

------------------------------
John Geraci
Woburn MA
+17815694700
------------------------------

Hi everyone, 

I'm Dean Weaver and located in New York, New York. I'm from Lancaster, PA, but have been working in Manhattan and living in Queens for about 11.5 years now. 

Fun fact about me is that I was a background actor the movie The Fault in Our Stars. I am also a big fan of Korean survival singing competition shows, and K-pop music in general. I have a wide-range of interests, so I'm always on the lookout for something new to experience.

I'm interested in contributing to a stronger sense of community while connecting with fellow CPAs.

------------------------------
Dean Weaver
------------------------------

Hello everyone!

I'm Jessica Foster, the current chair of the Women's Initiatives Executive Committee. So exciting to see this space and many familiar faces! I am a Senior Manager in the Assurance department of Cohen & Co, out of our Youngstown, Ohio office. I love volunteering, reading, and traveling. My most recent travels were in December 2025 - to see Mariah Carey's Christmas show in Vegas and then a family trip to Ireland over New Year's! 

------------------------------
Jessica Foster
------------------------------

Aloha!  My name is Trisha Nomura and I am in Hawaii on the island of Oahu.  I have a consulting firm, Ascend Consulting, and am involved with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the AICPA (currently serving on the the Women's Initiatives Executive Committee).  A fun fact about me is that I enjoy making leis and lei po'o (flower crown) in my spare time.  I am looking forward to connecting with others in this community and sharing ways to encourage active involvement within our profession.

------------------------------
Trisha Nomura
------------------------------

Hi Trish

So great to meet again here and looking forward to working with you on the committee!  Best Marie

------------------------------
Marie Large
Managing Director
Makace AB
Stockholm
+46725939750
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2026 12:35 AM
From: Trisha Nomura
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Aloha!  My name is Trisha Nomura and I am in Hawaii on the island of Oahu.  I have a consulting firm, Ascend Consulting, and am involved with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the AICPA (currently serving on the the Women's Initiatives Executive Committee).  A fun fact about me is that I enjoy making leis and lei po'o (flower crown) in my spare time.  I am looking forward to connecting with others in this community and sharing ways to encourage active involvement within our profession.

------------------------------
Trisha Nomura
------------------------------

Hello everyone! My name is Corinne LaRoche, I am a partner at James Moore & Co. in Gainesville Florida, leading our not-for-profit industry team. I was a member of the LGBTQ+ initiatives committee and am excited to get to interact with you all again! Fun fact is my wife and I have a 9 month old named Julien. I am very sleep deprived but wouldn't trade it for the world!

 

------------------------------
Corinne LaRoche
Partner/Owner
James Moore & Co., P.L.
Gainesville FL
+001 (727)415-9890
------------------------------

Hi Corinne! Congratulations on your little one! That age is EXHAUSTING but so precious! 

------------------------------
Karen Lewis
Director
Katz Sapper & Miller LLP
Chapin SC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-03-2026 09:52
From: Corinne LaRoche
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello everyone! My name is Corinne LaRoche, I am a partner at James Moore & Co. in Gainesville Florida, leading our not-for-profit industry team. I was a member of the LGBTQ+ initiatives committee and am excited to get to interact with you all again! Fun fact is my wife and I have a 9 month old named Julien. I am very sleep deprived but wouldn't trade it for the world!

 

------------------------------
Corinne LaRoche
Partner/Owner
James Moore & Co., P.L.
Gainesville FL
+001 (727)415-9890
------------------------------

Hello everyone! 

I'm Hailey Gomillion and I'm located in California just outside of Los Angeles. I'm interested in connecting with other professionals who are passionate about creating diverse and inclusive communities. I'm looking forward to learning from each of your unique perspectives! 

Fun fact: I love attending live sporting events and am a season ticket holder for Angel City FC - the LA-based women's professional soccer team. 

Excited to connect with you all! 

------------------------------
Hailey Gomillion
------------------------------

Hi Hailey! Nice to meet you! 

------------------------------
Courtney Collins
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2026 14:32
From: Hailey Gomillion
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello everyone! 

I'm Hailey Gomillion and I'm located in California just outside of Los Angeles. I'm interested in connecting with other professionals who are passionate about creating diverse and inclusive communities. I'm looking forward to learning from each of your unique perspectives! 

Fun fact: I love attending live sporting events and am a season ticket holder for Angel City FC - the LA-based women's professional soccer team. 

Excited to connect with you all! 

------------------------------
Hailey Gomillion
------------------------------

Hello everyone!

I'm Anoop Mehta, and I'm based in the Washington, DC–Maryland area. I've spent my career in federal contracting community in aerospace and science and in service to the accounting profession, including the privilege of serving as Chair of the AICPA and the AICPA & CIMA. 

A fun fact about me: I'm a 7th-degree Master Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and I've taught martial arts for more than 40 years. The discipline, respect, and community-building at the heart of martial arts deeply influence how I lead and how I show up in our profession.

One topic I'm especially interested in exploring here is how we strengthen inclusion through everyday actions; mentorship, sponsorship, and creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and able to thrive. I've seen firsthand how inclusion elevates teams, organizations, and the profession as a whole, and I'm excited to learn from all of you.

Looking forward to connecting and contributing to this important community.

-Anoop

------------------------------
Anoop Mehta
Staff
Analytical Mechanics Associates Inc
Clarksville MD
+001 (301)257-5796
------------------------------

Hello again Anoop

So great to reconnect again here and I have always admired your passion to make a difference, looking forward to shining a light on the great diverse talent in the CIMA profession here around the world.  Best Marie

------------------------------
Marie Large
Managing Director
Makace AB
Stockholm
+46725939750
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-10-2026 11:02 PM
From: Anoop Mehta
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello everyone!

I'm Anoop Mehta, and I'm based in the Washington, DC–Maryland area. I've spent my career in federal contracting community in aerospace and science and in service to the accounting profession, including the privilege of serving as Chair of the AICPA and the AICPA & CIMA. 

A fun fact about me: I'm a 7th-degree Master Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and I've taught martial arts for more than 40 years. The discipline, respect, and community-building at the heart of martial arts deeply influence how I lead and how I show up in our profession.

One topic I'm especially interested in exploring here is how we strengthen inclusion through everyday actions; mentorship, sponsorship, and creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and able to thrive. I've seen firsthand how inclusion elevates teams, organizations, and the profession as a whole, and I'm excited to learn from all of you.

Looking forward to connecting and contributing to this important community.

-Anoop

------------------------------
Anoop Mehta
Staff
Analytical Mechanics Associates Inc
Clarksville MD
+001 (301)257-5796
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 7/9/2026 8:18:00 AM
From: Marie Large
Subject: RE: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello again Anoop

So great to reconnect again here and I have always admired your passion to make a difference, looking forward to shining a light on the great diverse talent in the CIMA profession here around the world.  Best Marie

------------------------------
Marie Large
Managing Director
Makace AB
Stockholm
+46725939750
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 7/9/2026 8:18:00 AM
From: Marie Large
Subject: RE: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello again Anoop

So great to reconnect again here and I have always admired your passion to make a difference, looking forward to shining a light on the great diverse talent in the CIMA profession here around the world.  Best Marie

------------------------------
Marie Large
Managing Director
Makace AB
Stockholm
+46725939750
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 7/9/2026 8:20:00 AM
From: Anoop Mehta
Subject: RE: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Oh my gosh Marie, I was just going to send a note to say hello. You will enjoy working with this amazing group! Hope you are well and hope to cross path soon. 

(My workday may not be the same as your workday; if you receive this message during non-business hours or on the weekend, you can respond during your business hours.)

Chair, AICPA National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion (NCDI)

Past Chair, American Institute of CPAs (2022-2023)

Past Chair, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (2022-2023)

Email:  anoopmehta771@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 7/9/2026 8:18:00 AM
From: Marie Large
Subject: RE: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hello again Anoop

So great to reconnect again here and I have always admired your passion to make a difference, looking forward to shining a light on the great diverse talent in the CIMA profession here around the world.  Best Marie

------------------------------
Marie Large
Managing Director
Makace AB
Stockholm
+46725939750
------------------------------

Hi Everyone, I'm Leena, based in London, UK. 

I work in commercial finance and pricing, and I also coach and speak on confidence and authentic leadership. 

Fun fact: I have gone from being the quietest person in the room to hosting global leadership events. 

One topic I am keen to explore is how inclusion shows up in everyday moments. Not just policy / theory but in meetings, promotions and decision making.  Reading the culture map really sharpened my thinking into how easily we misread intent across cultures and styles. 

Look forward to connecting 

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Leena Dattani
Edgware
+4407816225151
------------------------------

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Michelle Brumfield
Wellington CO
+18325204892
------------------------------

Hi Michelle! I've enjoyed getting to know you while serving on the WIEC together! 

------------------------------
Karen Lewis
Director
Katz Sapper & Miller LLP
Chapin SC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-11-2026 12:43
From: Michelle Brumfield
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hi everyone - I'm Michelle Brumfield from Wellington, Colorado. I am a proud member of the Women's Initiatives Executive Committee. I love cross‑country road trips; give me a long stretch of highway and beautiful topography, and I'm in my element! I'm especially interested in discussing how we can expand inclusive leadership practices within accounting and audit teams, particularly in ways that support emerging professionals and foster global collaboration.

------------------------------
Michelle Brumfield
Wellington CO
+18325204892
------------------------------

Hi everyone! I'm Karen Lewis.

I'm a CPA and Director in public accounting. I have followed a fairly nontraditional career path, including turning down a promotion, taking a 4 year career break, and working fully remote and part-time. I feel fortunate to have found a firm that allows me to continue advancing my career while also raising four kids. I find purpose in supporting other women navigating the accounting profession while also in the primary care-giving role.

I also serve on the AICPA's Women's Initiatives Executive Committee (WIEC), and look forward to connecting with everyone here! 

------------------------------
Karen Lewis
Director
Katz Sapper & Miller LLP
Chapin SC
------------------------------

I'm finally here! My name is Kinman Tong, and I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am a principal at Baker Tilly and the firm's Inclusion & Diversity Board co-chair! I am excited to see this community launched - and seeing how many of our inclusive leaders are already active on here! I am so lucky to work with Crystal and Brittany as the chair of the AICPA LGBTQ+ Initiatives Committee. One fun fact about me is that I'm a passive lepidopterist - so ask me about my interesting butterfly/moth collection. Looking forward to learning more about others in this community and how we can collaborate and support each other in our inclusion leadership journey! 

------------------------------
Kinman Tong
Partner/Owner
Baker Tilly US LLP
Oakland CA
+14156778267
------------------------------

Thanks Kinman! 💜

------------------------------
Crystal Cooke
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2026 13:01
From: Kinman Tong
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

I'm finally here! My name is Kinman Tong, and I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am a principal at Baker Tilly and the firm's Inclusion & Diversity Board co-chair! I am excited to see this community launched - and seeing how many of our inclusive leaders are already active on here! I am so lucky to work with Crystal and Brittany as the chair of the AICPA LGBTQ+ Initiatives Committee. One fun fact about me is that I'm a passive lepidopterist - so ask me about my interesting butterfly/moth collection. Looking forward to learning more about others in this community and how we can collaborate and support each other in our inclusion leadership journey! 

------------------------------
Kinman Tong
Partner/Owner
Baker Tilly US LLP
Oakland CA
+14156778267
------------------------------

Hi everyone - my name is Alfred, and I'm a Partner at RSM, where I play a national office role leading our IT audit and risk consulting methodology initiatives. I'm also the immediate past chair of the AICPA LGBTQ+ Initiatives Committee, having had the immense honor to serve on the committee since 2021. It is very bittersweet to be rolling off in May 2026 as my term expires. 

Looking back on my experience on the committee, I've been deeply touched by the many great people I've had the pleasure of meeting - many of whom are already members of this Inclusion in Action community. I'm looking forward to staying connected and engaged through this community, and I would love for the opportunity to pay it forward by mentoring, sponsoring, or interacting with young professionals and accounting students through this community.  

My husband and I live in Los Angeles. We focus our downtime on stewarding our backyard microfarm for wildlife and native plant habitat, growing heirloom apples, and adopting unwanted poultry. ☺️🐔🦆🍎🌵🏡

------------------------------
Alfred Ko
Partner/Owner
RSM US LLP
Los Angeles CA
+17343305258
------------------------------

Hi Everyone! 

I'm Lexi Weber and I'm the Senior Manager of Emerging Professionals Initiatives at AICPA. I'm based out of Buffalo, NY and yes I am a member of the Bills Mafia!  My favorite hobbies are trying out new restaurants, reading, and traveling. Fun fact about me - I studied abroad in Italy and I would like to go back one day to visit the town where my family immigrated from in Accadia, Italy. 

I am interested to learn how we can better serve emerging professionals and make the profession a more inclusive space! Looking forward to learning from you all! 

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Lexi Weber
------------------------------

Hi everyone.  I am Jeannine Birmingham and am so excited to join this awesome group of NCDI leaders.  I am twenty-eight years with the Alabama Society of CPAs and have absolutely loved my years with the profession.  Prior to ASCPA, I was in public accounting for a regional firm in  Montgomery, AL.

I feel certain that I will learn more from NCDI committee members than I contribute, but I am thrilled to be a part of our healthy conversatons.

Jeannine

------------------------------
Jeannine Birmingham
Other
Alabama Society of CPAs
Montgomery AL
+001 (334)386-5750
------------------------------

Lovely to meet you here again Jeannie, hope all well and so happy to be part of this community!  Best Marie

------------------------------
Marie Large
Makace AB
Stockholm
+46725939750
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-12-2026 04:58 PM
From: Jeannine Birmingham
Subject: 🎉 Welcome to the Inclusion in Action Community! 🎉

Hi everyone.  I am Jeannine Birmingham and am so excited to join this awesome group of NCDI leaders.  I am twenty-eight years with the Alabama Society of CPAs and have absolutely loved my years with the profession.  Prior to ASCPA, I was in public accounting for a regional firm in  Montgomery, AL.

I feel certain that I will learn more from NCDI committee members than I contribute, but I am thrilled to be a part of our healthy conversatons.

Jeannine

------------------------------
Jeannine Birmingham
Other
Alabama Society of CPAs
Montgomery AL
+001 (334)386-5750
------------------------------