Power in numbers
The outgoing Chair of the ICAS Black Members’ Network, Kudzai Zendera CA, reflects on the group’s achievements to date, and why the best is yet come
Power in numbers
The outgoing Chair of the ICAS Black Members’ Network, Kudzai Zendera CA, reflects on the group’s achievements to date, and why the best is yet come
The ICAS Black Members’ Network was founded in late 2023 following discussions within the EDI Committee, with a simple but important aim: to create a space for Black CAs, alongside allies of Black finance professionals and the wider Black community.
From the outset, we wanted to bring people together in a way that felt authentic and valuable – somewhere members could connect on a social, personal and professional level to build an active and supportive community of CAs.
As the network’s inaugural Chair, I was conscious of not wasting people’s time. I wanted every meeting and event to demonstrate clear value. The question I often asked myself was: how do we get people genuinely excited about what we’re doing? And how do we create events that people find genuinely beneficial – and that make them want to come back?
It has been incredibly rewarding to have been part of the journey that has helped to form a core membership from individuals who were previously strangers.
“My advice to anyone considering attending a Black Members’ Network event is simple: you have nothing to lose”
One standout moment from my time as Chair was our October event, Beyond the Balance Sheet, delivered in collaboration with Insight Education – an organisation dedicated to advancing the educational and professional prospects of Black‑heritage students.
During the event, members from the network made themselves accessible to the students, offering support and advice in a way that was natural and welcoming. This wasn’t strictly about formal mentoring structures, which can feel daunting. Instead, the message was simple: “If anything comes up, just text me.” Acts like this can make a significant contribution towards removing barriers that may otherwise prevent entry to the profession.
Passing the baton
After two and a half years as Chair, I’m now stepping aside, with the network transitioning to a co‑chair model, to be announced shortly. I hope the new Co-Chairs find their tenure rewarding on a personal and professional level. I’d love to see the network continue to flourish and achieve greater success.
My advice to anyone considering attending a Black Members’ Network event is simple: you have nothing to lose. Come along, even if just to satisfy your curiosity. See what you can contribute and what you might gain. And if it’s not for you, there’s no pressure to return. Either way, feedback – positive or negative – is always welcome.
ICAS membership offers so much, from events and expert advice to access to a broad, engaged professional community. The Black Members’ Network is just one part of that, alongside the area networks and the Women’s Network, each contributing to what it means to be a CA.
Looking ahead, the ICAS Black Members’ Network Summer Catch‑up takes place on 4 June, ahead of the Meet the President event in London. It would be great to see as many new and familiar faces there as possible.
Register here for the Black Members’ Network Summer Catch-up
Find out more about the Black Members’ Network
The ICAS Black Members’ Network was founded in late 2023 following discussions within the EDI Committee, with a simple but important aim: to create a space for Black CAs, alongside allies of Black finance professionals and the wider Black community.
From the outset, we wanted to bring people together in a way that felt authentic and valuable – somewhere members could connect on a social, personal and professional level to build an active and supportive community of CAs.
As the network’s inaugural Chair, I was conscious of not wasting people’s time. I wanted every meeting and event to demonstrate clear value. The question I often asked myself was: how do we get people genuinely excited about what we’re doing? And how do we create events that people find genuinely beneficial – and that make them want to come back?
It has been incredibly rewarding to have been part of the journey that has helped to form a core membership from individuals who were previously strangers.
“People with a strong interest in the profession are no longer being put off by barriers – whether real or imagined – that have existed over time”
A defining moment
One standout highlight from my time as Chair was our October event, Beyond the Balance Sheet, delivered in collaboration with Insight Education – an organisation dedicated to advancing the educational and professional prospects of Black‑heritage students.
During the event, members from the network made themselves accessible to the students, offering support and advice in a way that was natural and welcoming. This wasn’t strictly about formal mentoring structures, which can feel daunting. Instead, the message was simple: “If anything comes up, just text me.” Acts like this can make a significant contribution towards removing barriers that may otherwise prevent entry to the profession.
Passing the baton
After two and a half years as Chair, I’m now stepping aside, with the network transitioning to a co‑chair model, to be announced shortly. I hope the new Co-Chairs find their tenure rewarding on a personal and professional level. I’d love to see the network continue to flourish and achieve greater success.
My advice to anyone considering attending a Black Members’ Network event is simple: you have nothing to lose. Come along, even if just to satisfy your curiosity. See what you can contribute and what you might gain. And if it’s not for you, there’s no pressure to return. Either way, feedback – positive or negative – is always welcome.
ICAS membership offers so much, from events and expert advice to access to a broad, engaged professional community. The Black Members’ Network is just one part of that, alongside the area networks and the Women’s Network, each contributing to what it means to be a CA.
Looking ahead, the ICAS Black Members’ Network Summer Catch‑up takes place on 4 June, ahead of the Meet the President event in London. It would be great to see as many new and familiar faces there as possible.
Register here for the Black Members’ Network Summer Catch-up
Find out more about the Black Members’ Network
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