“I thought I was too young.” That’s the first thing Jo-Anne Williams-Barnes, CEO of JFW Accounting Services, says when she looks back on her breast cancer diagnosis. In her 30s, she was focused on growing her career, building her family, and supporting her clients. Cancer wasn’t on her radar until it suddenly was.
The Moment Everything Changed
In 2015 she noticed a small lump in her breast. Assuming it was related to hormonal changes, she mentioned it casually to her OB-GYN. His response stopped her cold: “I need to see you today.”
That sense of urgency set everything in motion. A mammogram led to a biopsy, and in October she received the diagnosis: stage three breast cancer, already spreading to her lymph nodes. She had no family history and no known risk factors.
“I was in my 30s. No one expects to hear the word ‘cancer’ at that age,” Jo-Anne recalls. The months that followed were grueling with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Through it all, Jo-Anne tried to maintain a sense of normalcy, even continuing to work when she could.
“Before cancer, I was a workaholic. I thought rest was a weakness. Now, I understand that balance is strength. Tomorrow isn’t promised, so I don’t put off the things that matter.”
How the Experience Shaped Her Leadership
Today, as the CEO of JFW Accounting Services, Jo-Anne leads with compassion and clarity, shaped and empowered by what she has endured. Her company helps nonprofits and small businesses manage their finances so they can focus on their mission, and she approaches that work with a survivor’s perspective.
“Cancer taught me empathy in a whole new way,” she explains. “I know what it’s like to face uncertainty and keep showing up. That’s what leadership really is.”
Jo-Anne’s story is more than a personal battle; it is a call for awareness and action that extends far beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
A Reminder That Could Save a Life
Each October, pink ribbons fill social media feeds and store shelves. But for Jo-Anne, the message must go deeper and last longer.
“Breast Cancer Awareness can’t end when October does,” she says. “We need to remember to check ourselves, listen to our bodies, and take action all year long.”
Her advice to women of every age is simple but powerful:
– Don’t assume you’re too young.
– Don’t wait until October to think about your health.
– Don’t ignore what feels off.
Jo-Anne supports organizations like Susan G. Komen and participates annually in cancer walks in Washington, D.C., standing alongside survivors and supporters alike. Each step is a reminder of what early detection made possible.
“I’m still here when I didn’t have to be,” she reflects. “That’s not luck. That’s awareness and action.”
The Real Definition of Success
Jo-Anne believes success isn’t just about growth or achievement. It’s about perseverance, empathy, and purpose. Whether she’s guiding her team, serving a nonprofit client, or mentoring young professionals, she leads with the same philosophy that carried her through treatment:
“You can’t control every challenge life brings, but you can decide to keep showing up.”
Keep Awareness Alive
Breast Cancer Awareness Month may come to a close, but the responsibility to stay alert and proactive never ends. Jo-Anne’s story is a powerful reminder that awareness is not a campaign. It is a mindset that saves lives.
Jo-Anne Williams Barnes, is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) holding a Master’s of Science in Accounting (MSA) and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting from the University of Baltimore and is a seasoned accounting professional with several years of experience in the field of managing financial records for non-profits, small, medium, and large businesses. Jo-Anne is a certified Sage Intacct Accounting and Implementation Specialist, a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, an AICPA Not-for-Profit Certificate II holder, and Standard for Excellence Licensed Consultant. Additionally, Jo-Anne is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountant (AICPA), Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA), and Greater Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants (GWSCPA) where she continues to keep abreast on the latest industry trends and changes.