The family of Vera di Palma, ACCA’s first female president, whose impact on the profession continues to inspire, has generously donated the pioneering member’s OBE to ACCA.
Vera’s brother, Michael di Palma, wanted her legacy to live on within the organisation she helped to shape.
He attended ACCA’s London headquarters in May to meet ACCA’s current president and fellow officers to honour his sister’s groundbreaking achievements, reflecting on how far ACCA, and the profession more widely, has come in advancing women in accountancy.
‘Vera was a true trailblazer, and her story is a reminder of the importance of opening doors and creating space for diverse talent to thrive,’ said current ACCA president Ayla Majid.
Di Palma was the first woman elected to ACCA’s Council in 1971, and in 1980 went on to become its first female president. She was awarded an OBE in 1997 for public service.
Reflecting on her early career, she recalled the profession being ‘heavily male-dominated’ when she qualified in 1956. It was a challenge that inspired her to co-found the Certified Accountants Women’s Society in 1965 to support and encourage women in accountancy.
‘We remain committed to building on her legacy – championing inclusion, supporting women in the profession, and empowering future generations to lead with confidence, courage and vision,’ said Majid.
