2025 Women In Business Thrive Series

Guidance and Growth: How to Find and Foster Professional Mentorship
Susan Speirs, Utah Association of CPAs

April 9, 2025

Event Description

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The 2025 Women in Business Thrive Series is a transformative 12-month program, powered by the Cache Valley Chamber, designed to expand and accelerate women's potential. Through high-impact presentations from Utah's top women leaders, focused networking opportunities, and catered lunches, participants will gain the skills and confidence to achieve their goals. Join us as we empower women to lead, innovate, and inspire.

This workshop delves into the importance of professional mentorship for women, offering valuable guidance on both finding and providing impactful mentoring relationships. Participants will learn effective strategies for identifying potential mentors or mentees and explore best practices for building and sustaining meaningful relationships. The session covers goal-setting, navigating the dynamics of mentorship, and leveraging these relationships for career advancement. Attendees will leave with practical tools to foster mentorship experiences that drive personal and professional growth, both as mentors and mentees.

Challenge: Confirm goals for being mentored (or mentoring), request a mentor (up to 6 mo. commitment)

Resources:
See List
 

Implementable Takeaways:
-Actionable strategies for identifying and connecting with potential mentors or mentees, and gaining insights into the best practices for initiating and sustaining impactful mentoring relationships.

-Clear goals for being mentored (or mentoring)

-List of potential mentors/mentees

-Plan with actionable steps for building and maintaining relationships

-Initial requested for a mentor

Sponsors

Chariot Bookkeeping
Cache Valley Chamber

Workshop Agenda:

11:30am Lunch & Networking

11:50am Welcome

11:55am Presentation

12:45pm Raffle Drawings & Wrap Up

1:00pm End

Raffle Prizes
Donated by JW Training & Business Learning, Cabi: Style with Jaimi, Utah Public Radio and Huckleberry Moose

Raffle prizes for each luncheon are generously donated by local organizations and individuals and all attendees receive a complimentary raffle ticket. Buy additional raffle tickets for your chance to take home a prize. 100% of ticket sales fund scholarships for local women.

About the presenter

 

Susan Speirs, CEO with Utah Association of CPAs

Susan Speirs is a trailblazing leader, mentor, and advocate for financial literacy and the advancement of women in accounting. As CEO of the Utah Association of CPAs (UACPA) since 2013, she has been instrumental in strengthening the profession, providing CPAs with critical resources, and championing economic empowerment across the state. She serves on Utah’s Federal Funds Commission and the boards of the Utah Council for Economic Education and the Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy. As Chair of the Utah Financial Empowerment Coalition, she leads efforts to improve financial stability for individuals and businesses. A past president of both UACPA and AWSCPA, Susan is dedicated to shaping the future of accounting with a strong emphasis on mentorship and leadership development.

Before leading UACPA, Susan spent 25 years running her own accounting practice, specializing in small business consulting with a focus on construction and job costing. She not only helped business owners manage their finances but also taught them how to interpret financial statements, optimize margins, and drive sustainable growth. Her deep understanding of entrepreneurship and financial strategy continues to inform her work in supporting CPAs and business leaders today.

A passionate advocate for women in finance and leadership, Susan believes in lifting others as she climbs. She has dedicated her career to mentoring women in accounting and business, ensuring they have the resources and confidence to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through her leadership at UACPA and her advocacy for financial education, she is opening doors for the next generation of women leaders.

Outside of her professional life, Susan enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, of 33 years, their two children, and two grandchildren. Together, they love snowmobiling, hiking, boating, and sharing their love of music.

Upcoming Workshops*:

May 14: Scholarship Awards & keynote Prepare and Succeed: Your Foundation for Leadership Success with Nubia Pena, Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs

June 11: Leadership Excellence: Drive Success and Inspire Teams with Sharlene Wells, Mountain America Credit Union

July 9: Entrepreneurial Mindset: Discover Opportunities for Business and Career Growth presented by Lavanya Mahate, Saffron Valley restaurants and RISE Culinary Institute

*Subject to change.

2025 WIB Thrive Series overview

About Women In Business

Women In Business (WIB) is a program of the Cache Valley Chamber which elevates professional women with knowledge, connections and resources needed to navigate challenges and achieve success in the workplace. Monthly luncheons and fundraising efforts are overseen by a committee of volunteers who are passionate about supporting women through quality professional development, networking, and scholarships.