Women to Watch Awards

Since 2010, the FICPA has recognized diverse, talented, and outstanding female accountants in Florida with its Women to Watch Awards.

Women to Watch Award recipients contribute to the accounting profession and demonstrate qualities that set them apart from others, including networking, sharing best practices, volunteering, mentoring, authoring and more. Honorees must be a CPA and a member of the FICPA. 

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the profession in the early stage of their careers. The Experienced Leader Award is reserved for women who have risen to leadership positions after more than 10 years in the profession.

2025 Experienced Leader

Kristen Brand

Office Managing Partner
Baker Tilly US

Kristen is a trailblazer in the Client Advisory Services space, delivering new opportunities for her firm and stellar service to its clients. 

With nearly 20 years of public and private accounting experience, she has been instrumental in both growing her office and growing the superstars within it.

2025 Emerging Leader

Alex Welsh

Senior Manager of Service Delivery Operations
A-LIGN

Alex has distinguished herself in the cybersecurity audits related to ISO, AI, HIPAA, SOC 1, and SOC 2.

She is a graduate of the FICPA Leadership Academy, a past recipient of an FICPA Horizon Award, former chair of the FICPA’s Young CPAs Committee and a current member of the FICPA Council.