Does AFWA Seattle Cover Bellevue, and What Changed in 2021?

Updated

Yes. AFWA Seattle now covers Bellevue. The Seattle and Bellevue chapters of the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance merged as of June 2021, and the combined group operates as the Seattle-Bellevue Chapter (Seattle Chapter #9). If you live or work in either city, you fall under the same chapter.

What the 2021 merger changed

Before June 2021, Seattle and Bellevue were separate AFWA chapters. The site states the merger was made "to better serve our members," consolidating the two into one chapter. In practice, that means:

  • One chapter, not two. There is no longer a separate Bellevue chapter to join or contact.
  • A wider geographic base. Members from both sides of Lake Washington now belong to the same group.
  • A single set of events and communications. Chapter programming, meetings, and member recognition come from the merged Seattle-Bellevue Chapter.

The chapter's stated mission is unchanged by the merger: to enable women in accounting and related fields to achieve their full personal, professional, and economic potential, and to contribute to the future development of the profession.

What the chapter offers members

The site lists these commitments to members:

  • Encourage professional growth
  • Promote the involvement and recognition of members as leaders
  • Provide a community of peers
  • Contribute to the advancement of the profession
  • Advocate involvement in business and legislative issues

These apply to members across the combined Seattle-Bellevue area.

A scheduled event example

The chapter's site lists an upcoming event:

Detail Information
Event Strategic Planning Meeting
Date Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time 6:00–8:30 PM Pacific
Location TBD (In-Person)

Because the location is still to be determined, check the chapter site closer to the date if you plan to attend.

How to confirm you're covered

If you're unsure whether you fall within the chapter's area, the practical test is simple: the chapter serves the Seattle and Bellevue areas together, so residence or work in either city puts you in the same chapter. To verify current membership details or event logistics, use the chapter's own site, since the location for the August 2026 meeting is not yet posted.