NABA 2020 Winter Spectrum

WINTER 2020 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ACCOUNTANTS, INC. GENERATION Z and the Accounting Profession 13 ANUATTUHRENALTIHC ASIERLF: 14 EINMABCRCAOCUINNGT ICNHGANGE 24 NABA’S $3 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

CONTENTS 3 NABA National Board of Directors 4 Message from the Chairman 5 Message from the CEO 6 Generation Z and the Accounting Profession 8 A New Generation Finds NABA Beneficial 10 Member Views 13 Authentic Self: Natural Hair 14 Embracing Change in Accounting 18 2019 National Award Winner Touts Benefits of NABA Membership 20 University-Based ACAP Sees Success 24 NABA Launches $3 Million Capital Campaign 26 2020 NABA Convention Shaping Up to Rival Previous Year’s 28 NABA 2019 Regional Student Conference Highlights 31 AICPA Looks to Build on Its 50 Years of Working Toward Diversity 32 Essentials of Establishing a CPA and Consulting Firm 34 The Benefits of Having Mentors – And Being One 36 STEM Can Enhance Practice Success for Accountants 39 5 Ways to Keep Your Fitness Routine on Track 41 Lifetime Members WINTER 2020 COVER PHOTOS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ACCOUNTANTS, INC. (from top left to right): GENERATION Z Ariel Brent, Rouguiatou Diallo, Dijon Means, Milton Straham, Nia Hill, Abria Perry, Joshua and the Accounting Woods, Dzifa Amexo, Tevin Campbell, Freud Profession Hycaninthe, MaQueba Massey, Angel Stallings 13 AUTHENTIC SELF: 14 EMBRACING CHANGE 24 NABA’S $3 MILLION NATURAL HAIR IN ACCOUNTING CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Where do you start if you want to change the world? You start right here. At EY, we believe our role, our legacy to the world, is to help it work better. Learn more by joining our talent community: tinyurl.com/eynaba19 or contact Tonika Hammonds at tonika. [email protected] or Tina Thompkins at [email protected].#Imaginebetter © 2019 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. | 1901-3010586 NABA | ED None

PUBLISHER MAGAZINE HOW TO REACH US Walter J. Smith, CPA EXECUTIVE EDITOR WRITERS EDITORIAL: Lauren Yost, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Maya Francis [email protected] EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Gwendolyn McFadden-Wade Heather Murphy-Walker Jesse Rhodes, Jr. ADVERTISING: MANAGING EDITOR Elaine W. Smith [email protected] Elaine W. Smith Ruth E. Thaler-Carter MEMBERSHIP/ Jean Wells CUSTOMER SERVICE: [email protected] COPY EDITOR Miriam W. Tarver PUBLISHED ARTICLES AND REPRINT PERMISSIONS: NABA STAFF Loleta Holmes For permission to reprint Walter J. Smith, CPA Director, Program Development articles please contact President & Chief Executive Officer Shon McGhee [email protected]. Lauren Yost, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Controller Chief Operating Officer Lynette Perry ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS: Kim R. Wilson Manager, Membership Operations For more information about Chief Programs Officer Octavia Bizzell submitting articles for publication Lauren Burke-Silva Member Services Specialist in Spectrum please visit Vice President, Business Development Deanna Stango www.nabainc.org/articlesubmission. Dennis N. Carpenter II, IOM Executive Assistant to the CEO Senior Director, Membership STAY CONNECTED! 7474 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 1120 • Greenbelt, MD 20770 Phone: 301.474.NABA • Fax: 301.474.3114 • www.nabainc.org

MISSION The mission of NABA, Inc. is to address the professional needs of its members and to build leaders who shape the future of the accounting and finance profession with an unfaltering commitment to inspire the same in their successors. The Association shall unite through membership accountants, finance and business-related professionals and students who have similar interests and ideals, are committed to professional and academic excellence, possess a sense of professional and civic responsibility, and are concerned with enhancing opportunities for minorities in the accounting, finance and business-related professions. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steven L. Harris, CPA , CGMA Earl G. Fagan Jr., CPA, CFF Daniel E. Worrell, Ryan Galloway, MPA, CFE, CRMA CPA, CGMA Chairman of the Board Vice Chairman of the Board Treasurer Secretary REGIONAL PRESIDENTS Rautz Marc Jaynitsa Paul, CPA ZeNai Brooks Roger Davis Eastern Region President Southern Region President Central Region President Western Region President IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR & NATIONAL DIRECTORS Kenneth E. Cooke, CPA Noel Abdur-Rahim, CPA, MS Felicia Farrar, CPA, CFE Herschel Frierson Immediate Past Board Chairman National Director National Director National Director Sherry-Ann Mohan, MBA, CPA Tysheba Morgan, CPA, CIA Jesse Rhodes Jr., CISA Uso Sayers , CISA National Director National Director National Director National Director WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Greetings! Happy New Year! Wishing all of you the very best in 2020 and beyond! The theme of this issue of Spectrum is Generation Z and the Accounting Profession. Members of Generation Z are our ACAP participants, our student members and young professionals in the workplace today. As you have probably heard or read, they are financially focused, entrepreneurial, technology-savvy, competitive, adaptive to change, inclusive, independent and opinionated. Speaking of opinions, members either writing or being interviewed for this issue had some insightful perspectives to share about the workforce’s newest generation. For example: • Jean Wells and Gwendolyn McFadden-Wade: “Care must be taken to match the characteristics of this generation to the demands of the profession with technological and conventional attributes in mind.” • Stephanie Parrish-Chester: “It seems that each generation is holistically known for the sole, prevailing characteristic that other generations find intolerable, which leaves most of us largely mischaracterized [breeding] dissent. ... [However] Gen Z’s innovation is going to blow all of our minds! They’re addressing problems we don’t even realize we have yet.” • Kyra Mitchell: “When you have older employees and younger employees working on the same projects, the history that the older generation is able to bring to the table is something that will always be helpful.” • Shelly Reynolds: “I believe that we need to start with high schools and encourage people to go into the profession. NABA’s ACAP is an excellent mechanism to increase the pipeline for students to seek and learn more about the accounting profession and seek their career opportunities in this profession.” • Earl Fagan: “Bringing the newest generations into the profession and membership is vital. We have to show that NABA is still relevant today, especially in the development of young African Americans and other people of color in accounting and finance. There are still injustices and barriers to overcome. Racism is more covert today, so we have to be prepared to recognize and deal with it.” • Frank Ross: “While Generation Z is more tech-savvy … they still need to remember that one of the key skills they will need is the so-called ‘people skills. … Without such skills … they will not get to the senior level positions that they will be striving to achieve.” Whatever your opinion about Generation Z and accounting, I assure you that African Americans and other minorities of this generation entering the profession will need NABA’s support. This is one of the reasons we have launched a $3 million capital campaign. Our capital campaign is about sustaining NABA in order to support future generations. Members need to be involved in this process. Contributing to the capital campaign is the ultimate commitment to our motto: Lifting As We Climb. Sincerely, Steven L. Harris, CPA, CGMA Chairman of the Board 4 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO NABA Friends and Family, Happy New Year 2020 and to the grand start of a new decade in NABA Nation! We closed out NABA 2019 with the kick-off celebration of our 50th Anniversary. We launched our multi-year Capital Campaign, several new NABA Student Chapters, grew membership, expanded our high school pipeline through our Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP), invested significantly in our students with scholarships nationally, regionally, and locally, in addition to honoring NABA Founders and legacy leaders, and our many corporate and academic partners. We also celebrated the partnership and 50th Anniversary of the AICPA in the diversity and inclusion arena. Our leaders and members continue to achieve new leadership heights across many diverse industries. These are pivotal moments in our short but illustrious history which we continue to make every day. If our 2019 national convention in Las Vegas was a barometer of success, including 95/96/97% attendee satisfaction rates, we are building the path to newer heights. Our current NABA membership is a mirrored reflection of the multi-generational workplace. Our first issue of Spectrum in 2020 showcases our next generation – Gen Z! The “NABA Next” generation is more tech savvy and motivated to moving the bar forward and ensuring “seats” at the table more than ever before. Our current membership is roughly 38% of this generation with another 39% identifying as millennials. We can be a captive audience to “listen and learn” and to “talk and teach” our future leaders – they will inherit and own the NABA of tomorrow. While baby boomers, like me, comprise less than 10% of NABA membership, we can and should commit to connecting with our rising talent and arming them with tools for success. Our enthusiasm was contagious as evidenced by the record-breaking numbers of students that attended our four (4) Regional Student Conferences during fall 2019. The NABA ROI is rising across the Eastern, Southern, Central, and Western Regions as highlighted in this edition. In closing, all NABA roads lead us to Indianapolis, Indiana for the first time ever as we host and celebrate our 2020 National Convention & Diversity Expo at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. With your help, we will continue recognizing our 50th Anniversary and preparing for the next 50 years of the NABA journey. We can’t stop now – we have more work to do, in service! Lifting As We Climb, Walter J. Smith, CPA President and CEO “50 Years. One Voice. One NABA.” WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 5

Generation Z and the Accounting Profession Generations are often By Jean T. Wells and identified roughly Gwendolyn McFadden-Wade every 15 or so years: the Silent Generation, The accounting professionals and educators at every Baby Boomers, level are obviously from older generations, which Generation X, raises some questions: As accounting professionals or the Millennials, educators, are Generation Z members like the older and now Generation Z. generations in any way? Do they share our values and concerns? Can they meet our academic and The Zers were born between 1994 and professional expectations? How do we effectively teach 2010: the oldest are roughly 25 years them? Will they choose the accounting profession as a of age and the youngest are about 9. career? How can we recruit and retain them? Among them are students being offered Tech savvy is the singular phrase that distinguishes job placements in corporations and Generation Z from other generations. It is the first all- accounting firms, being solidly educated digital generation. Simply observe the Gen Zers. They in colleges, and being actively recruited use technology with ease and grace, with no effort that to the profession in high schools. is recognizable, and with seamless artistry from start to finish. Desktop computers have been around for many years, but the internet has not. It was commercialized in the mid-Nineties, when the oldest in the generation were mere infants and babies. Generation Zers grew up in a technology environment that instantaneously provided them with limitless amounts of information coupled with the ease of retrieval. 6 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

They use a variety of platforms to communicate, complete as noted by Frank Ross, co-founder of NABA and director schoolwork, seek employment, and conduct transactions of the Howard University School of Business Center for both business and personal. In the classroom it is not Accounting Education. “While Generation Z is more tech- unusual to see them multitasking across several devices. savvy than other generations, they still need to remember Generation Zers were born into the explosion of that one of the key skills they will need is the so-called technology revolutionizing every aspect of their lives. ‘people skills.’ These include the ability to interact with Therefore, they expect and demand the infusion of the others, communicate effectively with others, including technology in their education and work life. In higher reading the so called ‘body language,’ etc. Without such education, rarely do you find students with paper skills to supplement their technical skills they will not get textbooks. Textbook publishers have already adapted to the senior level positions that they will be striving to to the changes in the technology by creating e-books, achieve.” talking books, video lectures, guided examples, and online Those in Generation Z are concerned about money and exams. More recently, adaptive learning technology was specifically about the college costs, which have been introduced in which each student gets a customized set of steadily rising. Gen Zers, more than others, obtained questions that reinforce concepts already mastered and school loans and are saddled with huge amounts of debt emphasize those that students can continue to study. that even bankruptcy will not discharge. They make Accounting professors must similarly adapt to the economical choices between buying, renting or doing changes in technology by updating the curriculum and without books and sometimes food. Conversely, upon de-emphasizing those courses closely tied to the industrial graduation from college, they are not necessarily willing revolution. According to Dr. Kevin James, dean of the to settle for a career that is not fulfilling and especially College of Business and Economics at North Carolina A&T careers that do not bring happiness to make ends meet. State University, “While Generation Z is definitely tech- They especially value happiness and meaningful work savvy, accounting professors should not assume comfort that enriches the lives of others. They want work to with social technologies implies automatic capability in have a purpose beyond earning a paycheck. Like other business technologies. Professors should intentionally generations, they seek financial security and stability, incorporate technology in the classroom that leverages health care, and tuition assistance. They are more self- students’ general comfort to create high proficiency in aware, more self-reliant, and more driven than any other technologies used daily in the business world.” generation. They have an entrepreneurial spirit that blends Indeed, we are now in an information technology age in nicely into our gig economy. which companies like Uber and Google are selling their For Generation Z, diversity in the work environment services with the aid of data analytics. In fact, there is a is essential. Reporting discriminatory practices in the movement by many colleges and universities to infuse workplace to superiors and HR is not uncommon. Florence data analytics courses and tools, including Tableau, Pivot Holland, lead manager of pipeline initiatives at the American tables, IDEA, and SQL, into the curriculum. Likewise, the Institute of CPAs (AICPA), sums it up nicely. “Generation Z AICPA CPA exam has adapted to the changing technology is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation thus environment. For example, the Business Environments far in U.S. history. Therefore, they have been surrounded and Concepts (BEC) section, created to address this by this racial diversity their entire lives. They are expecting change, examines information technology topics and that their work environments mirror what they have always has the highest pass rate. At the graduate level, several known. They seek this as they search for employment and universities now offer a master of accounting with data are quick to notice when it is not present.” and analytics program, primarily designed to educate and develop accountants who can perform competently in the Generation Z students are like us in many information technology age. ways, but everyone will agree that they After the Generation Z accounting students graduate are different. The primary difference lies in from college and enter the workforce, they will engage their superior technological skills. in continuous education, participating in workshops, attending seminars, and taking courses in order to remain Efforts are ongoing to attract and retain Generation Z current, especially in the area of technology. Recognizing as accounting majors. Textbook publishers, professors, this need, PwC recently announced a $3 billion investment professional firms, and the AICPA are all developing in training and technologies to support its employees, and updating programs to infuse technology and data clients, and communities. analytics into the classroom and workplace. Care must Technology is one element Generation Z members be taken to match the characteristics of this generation bring to the table in their accounting careers but there to the demands of the profession with technological and are other things that must be considered during the conventional attributes in mind. ▲ education and employment phases of their early careers, WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 7

A new generation finds NABA beneficial By Maya Francis “When it comes to welcoming change, I would say that being a part of Generation Z has certainly shaped my Members of Generation Z are said to be ability to adapt to new things,” says Jada Davis, a master’s financially focused, entrepreneurial, degree student at the University of Texas at Austin. “The \"all about technology,\" and welcoming evolution of technology has given my generation access of change. As they arrive to the workforce to more information than ever before. This has challenged in greater numbers, members of Gen Z preexisting schools of thought, which inevitably means are ready to shake up the traditionally changing the status quo as well. One major difference strait laced fields of finance and between my generation and my parents’ is technological accounting with their own signature style. accessibility. The quickly changing technology environment has caused us to thrive in a fast-paced environment. [My parents’ generation values] face-to-face interactions [more] and are strongly tied to traditional practices.” Daliso Talimi, an FSO assurance intern at EY who plans to become a certified public accountant agrees, adding that Gen Z is “more open to learning about various cultures, traveling, and working with others.” Still, despite the differences between the generations, many point to their parents as the main inspiration for joining the accounting profession. 8 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

“I first got introduced into the business world at a young “When it comes to welcoming age, with my father being an entrepreneur,” says Arianna change, I would say that being Akinwunmi, a sophomore at the University of Texas at San a part of Generation Z has Antonio majoring in finance. “He always discussed with me certainly shaped my ability to that finance is a great way to do business because money adapt to new things.” isn’t going anywhere. I chose to major in finance because - Jada Davis of his great advice, my love for math, and the knowledge that finance is in every industry and in any company.” Jada Davis Davis was introduced to the business by her father, too. “With his job, he was able to travel occasionally and had Arianna Akinwunmi flexibility with his schedule. With that in mind, I also had a passion for working with numbers while also feeling that Daliso Talimi I had to ‘know money to make money.’ So, in high school, I decided to take the business route. Following that, after taking my collegiate introductory accounting classes, I enjoyed the challenge and decided to select accounting as my major.” Throughout college and beyond, NABA continues to provide guidance to young professionals at the start of their careers. “My involvement in NABA started when I enrolled as a freshman at Lincoln University,” says Talimi. “I was able to attend the Eastern Region Student Conference as a freshman in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I met various professionals and students who inspired my dreams and aspirations of my career. From there, I continued being actively engaged within my local student and professional chapter by participating in various events. I served as president and vice president of my student chapter and I serve as NABA Eastern Region student ambassador. These experiences and opportunities allowed me to grow my interpersonal skills and garner insight into the professional world of an accountant.” Through her participation in NABA, Davis, who aspires to become a CPA, has earned two scholarships. “Being involved in NABA has given me the opportunity to participate in events that build my personal and professional skill sets. I have met talented and focused individuals that have been able to mentor and provide valuable advice.” As a new member, Akinwunmi is seeing the organization with fresh eyes. She hopes to merge her love of fashion with her finance training. “This membership has showed me that not only is NABA a big happy family, but there are endless opportunities. To know that this organization wants us, minorities, to succeed in every way possible is truly something special.” ▲ WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 9

MEMBER VIEWS Q. In your opinion, Angela Dunlap, CPA what are the challenges and Partner, Grant Thornton LLP opportunities of working One of the greatest opportunities in a multigenerational in a multigenerational workforce workforce and what is to learn from one another. qualities do members of Multifaceted viewpoints and Generation Z bring? experiences that each generation has encountered generally 10 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020 bring about the best outcomes. Challenges include the unwillingness to accept others’ ideas at times (believing their way is the only way) and blending of the different communication styles. Generation X probably straddles the fence between email and phone vs. IMs and text messaging. Baby Boomers and Traditionalists lean toward phone calls and email while Millennials are fine with tweets, instant messaging, etc. All can be effective in the appropriate circumstances and it is incumbent upon all generations to be flexible and adaptable to the various communication styles. While I think my generation, Generation X, is progressive, Generation Z has us beat with the exposure to so many different aspects of life and with the insights of past generations. They are not afraid to challenge the status quo and will candidly speak up and out. Not accepting the status quo and finding different ways to be effective promotes innovation. Based on my experience, Gen Z has low tolerance for known and perceived injustices in the workplace and will bring it to the forefront. The addition of Generation Z to the workforce is refreshing because it challenges us all. Ultimately, the key to a successful multi- generational workforce is to be respectful, open-minded, and willing to adapt. Stephanie Parrish-Chester, CPA Vice President, Business Support Manager Accelerated Solutions & Automated Processes Bank of America In my opinion, the most prevalent challenge is a lack of appreciation for the gifts that other generations bring to the table. It seems that each generation is holistically known for the sole, prevailing characteristic

that other generations find intolerable; which leaves most Generation Z brings a lot to the table as well – knowledge of us largely mischaracterized. This mode of thinking – and of technology, the ability to quickly adapt, and the ability operating – breeds dissent. to bring a new perspective overall. Things that are now The greatest opportunity is a willingness to empathize and culturally acceptable or challenged by the younger come together around our differences. Instead of treating generation, were never challenged in the past. Having this them as hindrances, treat them as opportunities to better new perspective and fresh eyes on whatever the task is at each other and appreciate the diversity of thought that hand is a great thing and will always be a valuable asset. it inherently brings to an organization. The breadth of perspective that we have from a span of 50 years of work Greg Parris, CPA experience, the ways our profession has evolved over the last few decades and the paths that are being charted Senior Vice President today is inspiring, but more importantly empowering. Global Banking and Markets I think Gen Z has a unique ability to think creatively and Operations Finance Executive find simplicity in some of the most complex problems. Bank of America A willingness to “fail fast” and a healthy appetite for risk Opportunities: Harness may not suit every situation, but when fostered in the and leverage Generation Z’s right environment, the innovation that results is beyond enthusiasm for technology to imagination. Gen Z’s innovation is going to blow all of our create a learning environment; give them a voice to minds! They’re addressing problems we don’t even realize express ideas and use their influence capabilities to bring we have yet. others along. Challenges: New generation tends to be impatient; needs Kyra Mitchell to be thoughtful about creating multigenerational teams. Qualities: Senior • True digital natives Eastern Michigan University • They consider mobile & digital access a requirement Entering a multigenerational • Seem to be more focused on social & environmental workforce as a member of the younger generation, impacts than prior waves presents both challenges and • More comfortable embracing all types of diversity opportunities. Challenges • More geographically mobile include stereotypes in the office environment, which • Their connection through social media makes them not only impact the way you are perceived at work, but the responsibilities you are given. Stereotypes, coupled both influencers and influenced with not having all of the proper information that you need to complete the task, can significantly impact your WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 11 confidence. A multigenerational workforce provides an opportunity to learn something new or get a new perspective. A quote that’s useful in my everyday life is “You can’t know where you’re going, until you know where you’ve been,” which I think represents a multigenerational workforce. When you have older employees and younger employees working on the same projects, the history that the older generation is able to bring to the table is something that will always be helpful.

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Authentic Self: Natural Hair ByMayaFrancis The so-called natural hair movement of the Brittany Gilliard Derkyl Paton aughts revolutionized the beauty and haircare industries; once considered a niche community, as a ‘rough-around-the-edges’ black male? Will people nearly 80 percent of black women say they judge me even more based on my appearance? wear their hair naturally, according to market Will my intelligence be overshadowed by my hair?” research firm Mintel. Often, what’s considered appropriate for the workplace The multibillion-dollar black haircare market has created is based on homogeneity, where whiteness is considered a surge not only in the number of black women-owned the standard. “Many have surprisingly complimented my businesses, but has given rise to state legislation designed hairstyle and growth but don’t believe it’s appropriate for to stop natural-hair discrimination in school and in the the industry we are in,” Paton says of the feedback he’s workplace. received about his hair. “Why is that? Must everyone you “It is overdue and necessary, however I am sure due to the conduct business with look like you?” media and people speaking out, it only seems to be more of an issue now than [in the past],” Brittany Gillard, a CPA Gillard’s decision to go natural was a practical one. “My job and advisory manager at Deloitte says of the laws. “I have was not even a thought and it impacting my career never heard people make comments about natural hair being crossed my mind. I was spending too much money on salons, ‘messy’ looking, but other hair types can be messy as well; products, and tools to keep my hair straight. I also live in it is about the upkeep. No one should be discriminated Florida, where it is hot, rainy, and humid most of the time, against for what is naturally coming out of their head.” and I was tired of worrying about my hair and what I needed This summer, California passed the CROWN Act, which to do with it. I made this decision about five years into my stands for Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace career. I have received nothing but positive feedback from my for Natural hair, making it the first state to ban racial coworkers on the way I wear my hair, even from clients. discrimination based on natural hair and protective styling like braids, locs, and twists in the workplace and the “It is your right to wear your hair the way it came out of classroom. New York followed suit with a bill signed by your head,” she continued. “Just like you would make sure Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. your clothes are presentable, make sure your hair is too. In New Jersey, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Kentucky these times, there are several employers who accept you have each proposed their own legislation, as have for who you are, but you have to also understand there are Cincinnati, Ohio, and Montgomery County, Md. some that won’t, so you have to decide what you are and “For much of our nation’s history, people of color — are not willing to give up.” particularly women — have been marginalized and discriminated against simply because of their hair style Paton echoes Gillard’s sentiment. “It’s unfortunate [the or texture,” Gov. Cuomo said in a statement. “By signing laws had to be made]. It tells me that the government is this bill into law, we are taking an important step toward attempting to limit these injustices [but] we must remember correcting that history and ensuring people of color are that despite the laws, discrimination will still exist. The law protected from all forms of discrimination.” may deter some people from discriminating against you, but The laws target the misperception that natural hair is at a law cannot change a person’s state of mind. odds with what it means to be professional, particularly in the buttoned-up world of corporate America, where some “We need to change the narrative on what society feels is may be apprehensive about the decision to go natural. acceptable,” he continued. “Efficiency, competence, and Black women aren’t the only ones affected; black men are work ethic aren’t measured in a hairstyle. I have accepted pushing back, too. NABA NNJ president Derkyl Paton was my hair and I am at peace with the decision to grow it and unsure of his decision to grow out his hair five years ago. have it look the way it does. Any opportunities that were Today, his hair sits shoulder-length in free-form locs. “My prevented because of it probably weren’t for me. A new first thought was how would others look at me, not how opportunity that will accept me for my entirety will come.”▲ I will feel. Other questions loomed in my mind: Do I look corporate enough? Are people now going to perceive me WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 13

EMBRACING CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING Amazon’s Chief Accounting Officer Shelley Reynolds shares her perspective with Jesse Rhodes By Jesse Rhodes, NABA National Director Photos by Kelven Ng How has the evolution of technology impacted JESSE: Shelley, thank you for your time today! Let’s get the accounting and finance profession? Are started with your background. Can you tell me about your accounting and finance professionals still seen career path? as critical players in the future of financial SHELLEY: My career path started with a casual environments? More specifically, how will we conversation. I spoke with a family friend to compare notes as black professionals be represented in the on applying at the University of Washington business school. profession over the next 50 years? To explore He asked what my grades were, I told him, and he suggested this topic, I reached out to Amazon’s chief I apply to the accounting school. When I asked why, he said, accounting officer, Shelley Reynolds. Amazon is “It’s the hardest business discipline to get into and your known for its customer-obsessed mission and grades are good enough.” He followed up with, “If you don’t as a pioneer in technological innovation. I sat like it you don’t have to stay there.” So, I applied. Lots of down with Shelley to learn about her personal math problems, no essays, right up my alley! career journey and explore her insights on My 19 years with Deloitte was all about exploration. I where she sees our profession going. started with smaller companies, and eventually got into tech and worked with startups. After a few of those, I migrated to larger companies, like Boeing. Eventually, I got the call about Amazon while I was living in New York and knew I wanted to get back to Seattle. I’ve stayed at Amazon because – like Deloitte – the people are phenomenal. We’re a company of owners, and we’re empowered to think big. JESSE: What a journey, Shelley! Can you tell me more about your current role as chief accounting officer of Amazon? What does a typical day in your life look like? SHELLEY: My role oversees Amazon’s accounting function, managing a global team that touches every geography and business that Amazon operates. When I started in 2006, we had annual revenues of $8.5 billion and a global presence in a handful of countries. Today, we are a bit bigger – we have many more products and many more geographies – and we ended 2018 with over $232 billion in revenue and approximately 650,000 employees. 14 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

We have 14 Leadership Principles that ensure we keep our mission top of mind and push us to operate at our best. As for a typical day, there really isn’t one! I’m working spending time worrying about making mistakes. Over the across teams worldwide to make sure we’re reporting years, I’ve learned this mantra is what creates integrity and correctly and operating effectively. After being at Amazon which in turn builds trust. If something isn’t right, speak up for more than a decade, I’m able to see the bigger picture and work towards solving it. more easily and can focus my attention much longer term JESSE: How will automation/machine learning in the and on those areas that are new. On a personal level, I accounting/finance space impact the profession? start most days with a workout. A workout is how I relax, SHELLEY: We need people that are capable of and there is no traffic at 5am. exercising good judgment and that can translate insights JESSE: What keeps you up at night? into business language. The goal of machine learning SHELLEY: As the chief accounting officer the mission is technologies is to sift through the standard data and pretty clear. The question I ask constantly is, “Is it right? surface only those transactions or terms that are potential How do you know it’s right?” Our job is to find the correct anomalies. Think of it as turning your old small sample technical accounting answer and operationalize the testing of 25 to 40 transactions into testing the entire business process to surface the data needed to reflect that population and only doing heavy analysis on the 25 to technical answer. And it has to happen flawlessly – day in, 40 anomalous transactions. For example, we are piloting day out. machine learning technology to ingest contract data JESSE: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? to surface non standard contract terms. At that point, SHELLEY: Transitioning from public accounting to accountants can use judgment to interpret the non corporate accounting requires different skills. I went from standard terms and account for the contract appropriately. opining on what others did to being the one responsible JESSE: There might be some future Amazonians reading for making the decisions. Inside a company, very small this article. Any advice for those interested in starting amounts of money matter and sometimes mistakes careers here? happen. The advice was this, “we have to be realistic and SHELLEY: We have 14 Leadership Principles that ensure accept mistakes will happen.” It was followed with, “and we keep our mission top of mind and push us to operate when we make a mistake, we are going to fix it.” This is at our best. The Leadership Principles remind us that we the most freeing advice I’ve received. It removed angst are all leaders, to work backwards from the customer, not and helped me focus on doing the right thing instead of WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 15

EMBRACING CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING NABA’s Accounting Career Amazon’s Chief Accounting Officer Awareness Program (ACAP) is an Shelley Reynolds shares her excellent mechanism to increase perspective with Jesse Rhodes continued the pipeline for students to seek and learn more about our amazing accounting profession and seek their career opportunities in this profession. sacrifice long-term vision for short-term results, accept Initiative (WiFi), Amazon Warriors, Amazon’s People with that decisions we make may be misunderstood, seek Disabilities, and several more. These groups are made up diverse perspectives and work to confirm our disbeliefs, of over 40,000 employees globally and provide critical remain curious, think big, take calculated risks, and never insights throughout the company, support policy changes, settle – among much more. and have even launched new parts of the business. Every time we hire someone at any level, we’re looking at We are committed to fostering our relationship with whether they embody the Leadership Principles and will professional organizations like NABA and continue to make us better as a team. sponsor and partner on initiatives and events. We know JESSE: How is Amazon building an inclusive environment? that forging these relationships helps us speak directly SHELLEY: We are committed to building a culture where to talented pools of professionals and vice versa – we inclusion is embedded into our DNA as an organization. encourage NABA members to learn more about Amazon We recognize it’s not just the right thing to do; it’s also and if this is the right place for them. the best choice to fuel our customer obsession. Fostering JESSE: Over the next 50 years, how can NABA more inclusive teams enables the company to deliver results and effectively serve as your partner in finding and developing delight our customers, and it also enables our Leadership black talent? Principles. Hiring and developing the best is not going SHELLEY: Financial stewardship is always going to be to happen if we have blind spots or hidden biases in our important. It is the cornerstone of our capital markets. recruiting or advancement processes. Customer obsession Technology will change how we do our jobs, just like requires us to have a workforce that understands and accounting standards change. Embrace that change. is representative of our diverse customer base. “Are Technology will allow us to scale. We are always looking Right A Lot” can only happen when we seek out diverse for experienced accounting managers with 15 to 20 years’ perspectives which will challenge our beliefs and our experience managing teams. The good news is that the understanding of the world around us. accounting profession provides a universal skill set. You Diversity goes beyond the visible and spans many things will always use the skill and you will never forget it. That like thought, race, gender, sexual preference, abilities, and means you will be in high demand. The bad news for me is many more. Amazon is a place that welcomes builders everyone wants you. But I need you too. So, how quickly from all backgrounds. We have 10 affinity groups, like the can we double the pool of candidates? I believe we need Black Employee Network (BEN), the Women in Finance to start with high schools and encourage people to go into the profession. NABA’s Accounting Career Awareness 16 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020 Program (ACAP) is an excellent mechanism to increase the pipeline for students to seek and learn more about the accounting profession and seek their career opportunities in this profession. ▲

Chart your own path with Amazon Finance & Accounting Finance is all about the numbers…unless you work at Amazon; it’s knowing the numbers plus so much more. amazon.jobs/finance Do you view problems as treasures, and are you willing to dive deep to develop those solutions? Will you seek to challenge the status quo, and accept that your ideas and mechanisms may be tested daily? amazon.jobs/finance At Amazon, we move with purpose and speed, and this requires that we work with a dynamic network of partners across businesses. We help others understand finance and are trusted advisors for every facet of data and communication to ensure our leaders have the most up to date and reliable information. It’s not just a job, It’s an experience As one of the fastest-growing professional services firms in the world, we are looking for exceptional, world-changing talent: because it is only through the unique combination of ideas, ingenuity, curiosity, and dedication of people like you, that we can continue to drive growth and help our clients shape the future of their firms, their industries, and the world. We invite you to experience life at Grant Thornton, and shape the future with us. gt.com/careers © 2019 Grant Thornton LLP | All rights reserved | U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 17

2019 NATIONAL AWARD WINNER Touts Benefits of NABA Membership By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter career, my NABA network has been there to help support and guide me.” Receiving NABA’s 2019 Frank Ross The NABA advantage included getting a seat at the upper- National Outstanding Member Award level table. “I managed a P&L, led people more senior than has been the result of a combination of myself, and sat in rooms full of executives at 25 years old,” professional achievement and association he said. “My role in the company didn’t create that pathway involvement for Justin A. Butler, CFO for me — NABA did. That gave my company an opportunity at Checkerberry Holdings, Minneapolis, to see what I could do as a leader, which in turn gave them Minnesota. confidence to take a chance on me.” The challenges have been many. “I was laid off from one role Award requirements include serving as national officer, regional officer, and found myself layered under a peer in another role,” or chapter president, or on two he recalled. “Each time, I took it personally until or more national or regional I realized that the moves had little do with me committees; providing continuous and more with the ground moving under me. I support for at least five years; learned the importance of staying connected attending local, regional, and to the broader organization and ‘reading the national events; and making noted tea leaves.’ Most importantly, I realized that improvements to NABA. work product and quality alone aren’t going Butler did not plan to become an to be the deciding factors in whether you accountant. He started out studying keep your job or how you progress in your criminal justice to become an FBI agent and career.” changed direction after meeting campus security It’s easy to see why Butler received this year’s guard L.C. Fortenberry, a retired Marine. “He challenged me award: He has served as ACAP chair, Student about the degree and asked, ‘What if you work in federal law Conference chair, chapter president, regional enforcement and you don’t like it?’ He said an accounting degree could still mean working in law enforcement but also president, Resource Development Taskforce leader, would provide an avenue into other arenas. I took his advice Nominations & Elections Committee member, and more. He and changed my major, and the rest is history,” Butler said. has attended 13 national conventions in a row (his children That change of path relates to Butler’s proudest career have been to three) and his family has given scholarships at accomplishments. “I’ve leveraged my accounting and the local, regional, and/or national levels for the past seven finance background into roles in risk management, corporate years. strategy, and P&L management,” he noted. Before joining “Anytime NABA calls, I answer the phone to help the Checkerberry, he worked for Target, Synchrony Financial, GE organization and our members as much as I can,” he said. Capital, and Bank of America. “What I have to give I will for the organization.” NABA has made a major career difference for Butler. He Butler also has a personal reason to be dedicated to NABA: joined NABA’s St. Louis Student Chapter in 2005 as a senior He met his wife through the organization. at St. Louis University and “every corporate career move Butler’s advice for benefiting from NABA, and perhaps I’ve made has been through a NABA pipeline, either from a becoming the next Frank Ross National Outstanding national convention or through the network,” he said. “More Member, is straightforward: “Take in all that NABA has importantly, as I’ve run into obstacles and challenges in my to offer and seek out leadership in the organization,” he said. “NABA will afford you leadership and management opportunities well before your employer does. If you use it appropriately, NABA will accelerate your career.” ▲ 18 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

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UNIVERSITY-BASED ACAP SEES SUCCESS By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter The newest aspect of NABA’s Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) saw success in 2019 offerings at the University of Arkansas, Grand Valley State University (GVSU, Michigan), and Jackson State University (JSU, Mississippi) as participants in the AICPA’s ACAP National Grant for University-Based Programs. The national program began last year and provides funding from the AICPA Foundation to colleges and universities with accredited accounting and finance programs related to the ACAP goal of increasing the number of minority students who enter the accounting profession. UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS Hughes reported that contact before the program, counselor and staff interactions, class scheduling, The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University and activities that involved the local NABA chapter of Arkansas, which hosted the first ACAP session in the all met the expectations of students and presenters. summer of 1994, held its 2019 ACAP on the Fayetteville Participating students now include the university in their Campus. Students attended short courses in accounting, choice of schools, as well as majoring in accounting or oral and written communications, computer information a related business administration field. The students systems, and multimedia, according to a report from recommended extending the duration of the program to Synetra Hughes. Business faculty taught all classes and give them more time on campus. business students assisted faculty and served as mentors. After taking classes to let them discuss their business plan and financials effectively, the students planned a celebrity charity event for a local nonprofit organization. The courses included an accounting class to introduce content covered in accounting for developing a small business; an oral communications class for enhancing the delivery of presentations; and a multimedia class about how to use PowerPoint and animation effectively, as well as add sound, transport information, and create a website. Accounting executives, business leaders, and other professionals made presentations about professional development opportunities in their fields, how they interact with other disciplines in their organizations, and the value of lifelong learning. This year’s program also offered ACT preparation. 20 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY The JSU ACAP used its grant to enroll 19 high school students from around the state in its 2019 program. Elements included a “This Way to CPA” presentation; “Developing Your Elevator Pitch” seminar; case study overview; and accounting and business lectures, with sessions about entrepreneurship, résumé writing, business communications, Excel, and Get2College. Program partners included Get2College, Horne LLP, Greater Jackson NABA chapter officers and professionals, IMS Engineers, Mississippi Society of CPAs, SFE&PD, Nissan North America, the Mississippi Food Network, Jackson State University Division of Student Life, and faculty and staff of the JSU College of Business. “Our program had a positive impact on the students’ overall awareness of the accounting profession and also shows the students’ interest and knowledge of accounting and finance improved,” said Donald McWilliams, CPA, CFE, an instructor of accounting at Jackson State. … “Students increased their understanding of what a certified public accountant is and the work responsibilities of a CPA; showed an increased level in college interest and in community college as a viable option due to awareness of the cost savings; and cited CPA as a top career choice.” According to Lori T. Liddell of NABA’s Greater Jackson Chapter, “Exposing minorities to the accounting profession remains as critical today as it was years before. Although some progress has been made, we still have a long way to go. Programs such as ACAP are critical to this exposure and often come in key times in a student’s matriculation through school.” Liddell would like to see one change in ACAP: more hands-on exposure for students. The 2019 Jackson State ACAP was “a tremendous success,” said McWilliams. “Students felt more informed and had a more favorable view of the accounting profession, and they will strongly consider accounting as a major upon entering college.” McWilliams agreed with Liddell that it is “more critical now than ever, given the needs of the accounting profession, for a program like ACAP to continue its efforts of providing a pipeline of the nation’s brightest young minds into the profession. The ACAP experience helps students visualize themselves as communicators and problem-solvers of today’s toughest business challenges.” WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 21

continued GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY much overtime you can have in a particular department without losing money.” Overcoming the stereotype of an accountant as a “nerd Thanks to ACAP, Martinez is now a first-year student at who sits alone at a desk all day, doing repetitive work Grand Valley. “Learning about accounting and college with no hope of promotion” is one goal of ACAP, and the from the camp counselors, and visiting area firms, made 2019 offerings achieved that goal. “I thought accountants me believe I can do it,” he said. just sat around crunching numbers all day and had to be The camp was free to students and supported by area really good at high-level math,” said Courtnee Raybon, a businesses. Business leaders and alumni served as senior at Wyoming High School who believed that myth counselors to help students build résumés, plan careers, until she attended ACAP at Grand Valley. “The camp practice proper lunch etiquette, and learn how to opened my eyes to what a degree in accounting can do for me.” She was among 15 students from eight area high schools during the five-day 2019 camp, sponsored by the School of Accounting in Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business. Raybon said the camp gave her the knowledge and confidence to apply to colleges and follow her dreams. The program focused on the real-life responsibilities of an accountant and served as a way for local business leaders to coach and develop young talent, according to David Cannon, PhD, CPA (Ohio), CIA, CISA, CFE, assistant professor of accounting and camp director. The ACAP Summer Camp is a major component of the West Michigan Accounting Careers Awareness Initiative (WMACAI) at Grand Valley, Cannon said. WMACAI emphasizes accountants and accounting careers, but also aims to increase awareness of other career opportunities in the consulting and technology practices of accounting and professional services firms, especially information technology and data analytics. Students learned from ACAP that “accountants need to be good communicators and writers, and that accounting is numbers — not math,” he said. “I tell high school students they already know the necessary math.” ACAP convinced Victor Martinez to pursue a degree in accounting at Grand Valley. “My favorite part was visiting area firms and learning about all that is involved with an accounting career,” he said. “I thought accountants worked alone in cubicles. I didn’t realize how much teamwork is involved.” The program opened his eyes to a crucial role of accountants: taking information generated by a company and putting it in a form that is useful for decision-makers such as investors, lenders, and bankers. “Accountants can determine if it’s profitable to cut production by a certain percent during a specific time, or whether it’s more profitable to buy materials at a certain point in time,” he said. “They can determine how 22 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

dress for success. Students also participated in mock Katie Harris, risk assurance manager at PwC in Detroit, interviews and took field trips to area accounting firms said her company recruits from Grand Valley, and and businesses, including Plante Moran, Gordon Food programs like the accounting awareness camp help Service, and Crowe LLP. Other sponsors were BDO, Dan sustain a strong pipeline. Carter Advisors, NABA, EY, PwC, and Whirlpool. “With these types of experiences, students can better Grand Valley departments supporting the camp included understand the expectations for an internship and the Career Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Life, employment,” she said. “This stage is not about getting it and Seidman Undergraduate Advising Center. right; it’s about practice and getting real-time feedback. Danica DeWaha, a senior associate at PwC who earned Students get to see what their career path might look like.” both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and “Our camp participants, their parents, participating master’s degree in accounting from Grand Valley in 2016, accounting professionals, and university and camp staff served as a camp volunteer, conducting mock interviews all agree that GVSU’s Inaugural ACAP Summer Camp was and helping students craft résumés. a resounding success,” said Cannon. “All participants “This camp was great for us because we are always considered the experience valuable and several indicated looking for new ways to engage with Grand Valley,” said that the experience solidified their intention to earn a DeWaha. “Students learned important skills they will college degree. One student was motivated to apply need for the future, like how to represent themselves in to GVSU on the third day of camp, based on his camp an interview and maintain eye contact.” activities and experiences. We may have also converted a couple of participants [from] an engineering degree to accounting as a career.” ▲ NEW ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES NABA/BLI E-Learning Partnership The Business Learning Institute (BLI) is our strategic learning partner, offering CATEGORIES INCLUDE members webcasts, webinars and on-demand courses at a discounted price. • Auditing & Finance Strategic learning to fit your schedule. Our partnership with the Business Learning • Big Data/AI/Blockchain Institute (BLI) brings premier learning and CPE content right to your fingertips. • Communication • Business Strategy In addition to webcasts, members have access to the full library of BLI • Ethics on-demand programs across a number of learning categories, many from BLI • Future-Ready Skills Thought Leaders who are speaking at the 2020 Convention. • Harassment • Leadership Learn more and register at blionline.org/naba-leWIaNTrERn2i0n20g| SPECTRUM 23

NABA Launches $3 Million Capital Campaign TO SECURE THE ASSOCIATION’S FUTURE In celebration and By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter and Elaine W. Smith acknowledgement of NABA’s 50th anniversary, the association form through NABA – the opportunity for employment, announced at the 2019 National scholarships, professional development, relationships. This Convention a three-year capital is a way to make sure we’re sustainable going into the next campaign with the goal of raising 50 years.” $3 million. Within 10 days of that Harris noted that the association’s objectives are the same announcement, the association as they were 50 years ago. “When you look at it, we’re still had raised $260,000. Walter doing the same things – trying to increase the number of Smith, CPA, NABA’s president CPAs and the number of minority leaders in our profession and CEO, explained that the across the landscape, and still trying to make sure that our campaign is primarily focused on four cornerstone areas – profession attracts minorities.” scholarship, pipeline, research and infrastructure. Harris continued, “We have much more competition right “If you look at the last 50 years, certainly NABA has made now in attracting talent to our profession. With the emphasis significant progress. We’ve had thousands of members on STEM and all the other areas of technology, that’s where pass through our association and perform extremely well we have to double down in this space and understand how at all levels across industry. . . . We’ve done really well, our profession – being the foundation of business – can lead but we have an entire generation of members coming to great opportunity, but the competition is out there and we through that have not directly benefitted from the success have to be able to compete.” that NABA has had in partnering within and across the Smith said that the first three corporations to contribute profession,” Smith said. “We have to be re-committed to to the campaign are Crowe, Microsoft and KPMG. uplifting our students, our members, our communities “NABA’s mission and goals align perfectly with those three and in many ways our race to succeed. NABA has been the corporate partners and I expect there will be many more. primary vehicle to make that happen. So it’s great to hit . . . NABA’s leadership team has taken this campaign very the pause button and look back, but it’s more powerful seriously and we’re committed to it being successful.” and impactful to make sure that we have another 50 years Harris added, “A lot of people believe this is something that of legacy to protect and to grow.” is going to be funded by our partners, but we really want NABA Chairman Steven Harris, CPA, said he believes that our members to understand that they have to be involved all NABA members need to contribute. “This is about in this process, too. We cannot just rely on the corporations preparing NABA for the future and in so many ways, to make this happen. We’re looking at full leadership most NABA members have benefited in some shape or commitment, we’re looking at our members and our leaders across the country to be involved in this process.” 24 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

LONGTIME NABA MEMBERS lead the way for Capital Campaign What moves NABA members to make substantial contributions to the Capital Campaign when they already are lifetime members and deeply involved in the association? For Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA(DC), CGMA and Valerie Thornton Thomas of Roseland, New Jersey, the first to make such a gesture, it’s an awareness of and appreciation for what NABA has meant to them, and a fervent desire to see that future generations have the same opportunities to benefit from membership. “We are longtime members and life members, and we feel we’ve benefited greatly from the organization, so we wanted to pay it forward,” said Valerie of the couple’s generous donation to the campaign. “It’s very important to support our own and do what we can to help people.” Of course, the Thomases have a special reason to go above and beyond in supporting the association: “NABA has been good for us,” Ralph said. “We met through NABA and have been married for 30 years as a result!” Their reasons include more than romance, though. Networking, career advice and resources, continuing education, and employment opportunities are among the benefits they have experienced as members, and “we’ve made lifelong friends through NABA as well.” For the Thomases, contributing more than annual membership dues is “similar “We need to pave the way to what universities ask their alumni to do; we’re alumni of NABA,” said Ralph. for those who come after us. “Annual dues keep the organization going from year to year, but this is another It isn’t just financial support way to continue to give back. We hope other members will have the same feeling — we would like to see about how NABA has helped our careers.” the younger members take Their contribution shows that NABA “still serves a purpose,” Ralph said. “Diversity advantage of the knowledge and inclusiveness are still major issues in this and other professions. NABA can and experience that NABA still be a voice toward having a seat at the table. There is still work to be done.” has to offer.” In addition, he noted, “the growth in small businesses, which are becoming more prevalent among minorities, means that we need the resources NABA can provide to be better and move to the next level” of success and professionalism. The Thomases urged NABA members to keep the good work going. “Look at opportunities to give,” Ralph said. In his role as CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs, Ralph ensures that happens at several levels. “We do at least four scholarships with NABA, including one at the national level and one for New Jersey. It’s our way of paying back.” Supporting scholarships is more important today than ever before, according to Valerie — and that’s something the couple understands on a personal level, having recently put a daughter through school. “College was cheap when we went to school,” she recalled. “It’s important to recognize that [black accountants] are such a creative and talented group of people, but are still lacking opportunity.” The Thomases’ ongoing commitment to NABA through annual dues, life membership, committee and program involvement, state-level service, and the current capital campaign reflects their belief in the NABA motto, “Lifting As We Climb”: “If we don’t practice the NABA motto, we will continue to wander in the wilderness,” Ralph said. The bottom line, said Valerie, is that “we need to include everyone so we can stay on top. We need to pave the way for those who come after us. It isn’t just financial support — we would like to see the younger members take advantage of the knowledge and experience that NABA has to offer.” ▲ To contribute to the campaign, visit NABA at nabainc.org/donate. WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 25

2020 NABA CONVENTION ByRuthE.Thaler-Carter SHAPING UP TO RIVAL PREVIOUS YEAR’S With a phenomenally successful 2019 NABA convention assist that we unfortunately didn’t have a role for everyone. having celebrated the association’s 50th anniversary in grand An overabundance of volunteers and supporters is a great fashion, plans are already underway for a 2020 event to be problem to have. There was no shortage of events to keep even better, according to Earl G. Fagan, Jr., CPA, CFF, who is participants engaged.” preparing to chair the event for his fourth year as part of his Participation of founders, along with past chairs and national responsibility as vice chair of the NABA board of Directors. leadership, was key to that success, he said. “They were Fagan accepted the challenge of chairing the convention, actively engaged and really represented.” Other highlights to be held June 9-13 in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the JW included launching NABA’s Entrepreneurial Leaders Program; Marriott Indianapolis and Indianapolis Convention Center, announcing the success of the inaugural capital campaign, in part “because I’ve participated and contributed to the with special thanks to major contributors KPMG, Microsoft, national convention for so many years,” he said. “It would be and Crowe, as well as Ralph and Valerie Thomas, long-time challenging to participate and not be a part of it.” Lifetime NABA members and personal contributors to the Fagan approaches each national convention as an campaign; re-engaging with the Division of Firms (DOF); and opportunity to collaborate with colleagues. He includes the the presence of our student members. “Seeing students is national headquarters team, volunteers on the local and always special,” Fagan said. “We had 90% of our scholarship national convention committees, vendors and contractors, recipients in attendance.” and corporate partners, as well as friends and family who are not necessarily NABA members, in his vision of a successful GENERATIONAL CHALLENGES convention team. “My family certainly understands my passion for NABA,” he noted. “Our corporate partners One aspect of convention programming these days is making participate not just because it’s the popular thing to do, sure that all professional, student, and prospective members but because they truly believe in what we do. They provide of all ages or generations feel included and valued. “The 2020 sound advice and thought leadership in addition to financial convention will continue our focus on developing content that support.” is relevant to baby boomers, such as financial, retirement, Fagan modestly acknowledges that “I’m not a professional and estate planning,” Fagan said. “We will explore unique and event planner,” while professional event planners and some creative ways to engage our seasoned professionals, active corporate partners “coordinate several of these events every and retired military, and other constituents. We will also year.” He makes a point of leveraging these resources to consider a platform for unique segments of the membership ensure a successful convention. “As vice chair of the Board of and profession, (i.e. GenX, GenZ, etc.) to connect during and Directors and chairman on the convention, I consider myself after the convention.” a servant leader with a firm belief, that if serving is beneath Bringing the newest generations into the profession and you, leading is beyond you.” membership is “vital,” Fagan noted. “We have to show Chairing NABA’s 50th anniversary event was an exciting that NABA is still very relevant today, especially in the opportunity for Fagan. “We leveraged existing programs and development of young African Americans and people of processes while expanding and elevating our content and color in accounting and finance. There are still injustices and deliverables,” he recalled. “We started earlier than usual — barriers to overcome. Many social and political injustices are our first call was in July [2018]. I focused on this convention more covert today, so we have to be prepared to recognize being a unique celebration of the legacy of those who paved and deal with it.” the way for NABA and the profession as a whole. We wanted Planning events like NABA’s National Convention also has to recognize both individual and collective successes, and to take trends in technology into account. “Our profession embrace all the things we’ve done over the past 50 years. has changed,” said Fagan. “There is so much advancement For myself, I wanted to make sure we were serving every in technology relative to the professional, and students can member, every corporate partner, every student.” learn from our events about how to apply those resources Judging by feedback, the 2019 convention met those goals. early in their careers.” “It was awesome — a huge success, with a satisfaction rate To Fagan, a live event remains ideal but must consider how in excess of 95%,” Fagan said. “So many people wanted to to leverage technology. “We have discussed leveraging technology as we consider providing certain aspects of 26 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

the convention online,” he explained. However, “I love going to Fagan made special note of his conferences and meeting people in person. There is still great appreciation for the vendors and value to interacting face to face for purposes forming genuine, Capital Campaign contributors authentic relationships. No matter how strong you are technically, who helped make the 2019 you still have to know how to interact and engage with people. 50th anniversary convention a success: The human connection is still important.” He urged colleagues to use the convention as an opportunity to “put down that phone • 106 Foto (Photographer) and those devices, so you can really connect with each other.” • Brown Wynn Agency (Production) For anyone new to NABA or the accounting profession, or • Coy Marketing (Marketing) even longtime members who have not attended the national • Coopty (Videographer) convention, Fagan has one thought: “What are you waiting for?” To • eShow (Registration) make attendance more comfortable, he suggested asking people • Hargrove (Decorator) who have been to the event about their experience. “Take a • LLB Enterprises, LLC (Programming & leap of faith,” he advised. “Be open-minded.” Development Support) ABOUT THE CHAIR • The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas • Paradigm Productions Group (Audio Visual) Fagan’s involvement in NABA is extensive. • Parker Conference Management He has served the Atlanta, GA, chapter as student member services chair, vice (Meeting Planner) president of administration, president, and local convention chair; and at NABA’s WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 27 national level as a board member since 2014, director of operational effectiveness & personnel (2015–17), and special advisor to the chairman of the board (2009–10). His honors include National Achievement in Public Accounting (2011) and Outstanding Member of the Year (2014). Fagan also has contributed to collaboration with NABA’s national office on driving revenue and engagement with resource development targets such as Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, Nike, and KPMG; networking and relationship development with auxiliaries and affiliate organizations (NBMBAA, DOF, CAB) to identify cross-functional opportunities for growth and revenue generation; leveraging risk and compliance experience to identify and drive best practices throughout the organization; and participating in search efforts for national headquarters staffing. Fagan’s convention involvement goes back to 2007, when he served as local chair when the event was held in Atlanta. “I have familiarity with [everything involved],” he said. “I know the process and the undertaking.” He also has been a facilitator and instructor of student and technical sessions, as well as community events, since 1997. The 2020 NABA convention will be his last as chair, and Fagan has advice for his successor in this vital role: “It’s not about leading; it’s about teamwork,” he said. “Building a capable team and empowering that team is important because there are “so many moving parts to manage.” While a new chairperson should “take nothing for granted, pay close attention to details, and use all the resources available — the national office, volunteers, partners, lessons from past events, technology” — he also said that “you need to have fun with it.” ▲

NABA 2019 REGIONAL STUDENT CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS The NABA 2019 Student Regional Conferences – held in September and October in Atlanta (Southern), Baltimore (Eastern), St. Louis (Central) and Dallas (Western) – attracted 2,477 participants, including 1,779 students. A highlight of the conferences are the scholarship awards banquets, where this year scholarships totaled $127,328. The regional conferences are the largest and most diverse of NABA’s student programs, providing guidance on transitioning from student to professional, leadership, interviewing, dressing for success, communications and more. “Applying what they learn at these conferences will undoubtedly lead to students’ success,” said Dennis Carpenter, NABA’s senior director of membership. “The corporate partners, student faculty Total Interviewing advisors, and conference volunteers should Companies be lauded for their personal sacrifices and commitment to the success of NABA’s 87 student members and for helping to make the opportunities presented possible.” Total Student Interviews Total Attendance 1,644 2,477 Total Scholarship Dollars Total Corporate Attendees $127,328 587 28 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

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AICPA looks to build on its 50 years of work toward diversity By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter firms in 2018 were black, 10% were Latino, and 14% were Asian. “We’ve The AICPA began discussing diversity and inclusion in seen little movement in the diversity of CPAs the profession in the mid-1960s, and in 1969, the AICPA and partners at public accounting firms, indicating there is still Council passed a landmark resolution that opened doors work ahead: In 2018, that figure was 29%.” of opportunity for people of color to attain CPA licensure. Such statistics are, in part, why it is still important for At its 50-year mark, outgoing AICPA Diversity Chair Kim the AICPA and the accounting profession to continue to Drumgo and her colleagues offered insights. focus on diversity and inclusion. “Organizations that have In the decades since the resolution passed, the profession embedded key principles of diversity and inclusion have has taken important steps to increase diversity and inclusion, increased their operational and financial performances, according to the AICPA. “Among the most notable of those increased employee engagements, and reduced turnover,” efforts has been the focus on helping increase the number according to the AICPA. “They have also strengthened their of minority students who are receiving an education in brands at a time when new entrants into the workforce accounting.” Over the past several decades, the AICPA and its seek out organizations known for their commitment Foundation have awarded approximately $300,000 annually to inclusiveness. That’s all even more important given to college and doctoral students from different racial/ethnic that Gen Z, which is now entering its working years, is backgrounds. extremely diverse: Almost half of Gen-Zers are nonwhite.” To complement those scholarships, the AICPA launched For the immediate future, the AICPA will continue to the Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW) in strengthen the pipeline of black students who want to 1994, an invitation-only program that offers junior and pursue accounting through awareness, scholarships, and senior college students three days of leadership, career meaningful leadership experiences, as well as by further exploration, and CPA preparation. “This program has proven supporting HBCUs and promoting the value of the CPA to be quite successful; 38% of ASLW attendees from 2007 to to young professionals. “We will also work with firms to the present have obtained their CPA designations.” ensure black professionals are successful in their careers The AICPA has also undertaken several efforts to by promoting leading practices in inclusiveness,” according encourage students from different backgrounds to to Drumgo. To do that, the AICPA offers: consider careers in accounting, including programs • The Accounting Inclusion Maturity Model, an such as the “Be a CPA” campaign, launched in the early 1990s, which featured celebrities and athletes who had assessment that organizations can take to identify how earned their CPAs. More recently, the AICPA’s “Real CPAs” they can improve their current diversity and inclusion campaign highlighted ethnically diverse young CPAs. efforts that also serves as a benchmark for comparing Major achievements include more minorities in the their progress with that of others their size. profession: In 1995, minorities represented 8% of • Research, tools, and webcasts that touch on topics such professional staff in public accounting firms. In 2018, as sponsorship, mentoring, recruitment, and retention. minorities represented 29% of all professional staff in • Continuing to endorse the CEO Action for Diversity & public accounting firms. Inclusion pledge, which calls for CEOs to commit to According to the AICPA’s 2019 Trends in the Supply of three goals to promote diversity and inclusion in their Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting organizations. Recruits survey (tinyurl.com/y6t4qrch), 16% of bachelor’s The NABA and AICPA partnership willncontinue to work to and master’s graduates in accounting in the 2017–18 school increase diversity in the profession, starting in high school year were Latino, approaching parity with the percentage of and extending “well into the promotion and visibility of Latinos in the U.S. population as a whole (18%); 13 percent of seasoned black accounting professionals,” Drumgo said. bachelor’s and master’s graduates were Asian; and 6% were “While the AICPA has been a longtime supporter of NABA’s African American. By contrast, in the 2006–07 school year, 5% Accounting Career Awareness Program, we would like to of bachelor’s and master’s graduates were Latino, 8% were continue to expand the relationship to include middle and Asian, and 7% were African American. senior managers who are looking for committee and board NABA members would likely agree that, although diversity of exposure. The AICPA looks to NABA to help diversify not employees at CPA firms has increased over the past several only the profession, but the committees and boards who decades, there is still room for progress. Just 4% of the new help govern the profession.” ▲ bachelor’s and master’s accounting graduates hired by CPA WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 31

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ESSENTIALS of Establishing a CPA and Consulting Firm Left to right: Anthony S. Kendall Selecting the appropriate entity structure for and Odysseus (O.D.) Lanie flexibility and minimizing personal liability. • Sole proprietorship There was standing room only at a Division • General partnership of Firms-sponsored workshop, “Growing a • Limited liability partnership Sustainable Public Accounting and Consulting • Limited liability company Firm,” conducted as part of an Entrepreneurship • Subchapter C Professional Corporation Track at the 2019 NABA National Convention in • Subchapter S Professional Corporation Las Vegas. The workshop facilitators were the Entry strategy. principals of two of the nation’s largest African • Work for a Small Firm First – Allows you to learn how American-owned accounting/consulting firms: Anthony S. Kendall, chairman and CEO, Mitchell to work with clients in a small practice environment, Titus (New York) and Odysseus (O.D.) Lanier, develop business and manage a small firm. CPAs partner, McConnell & Jones, LLP (Houston). who leave large firms to start their own firms are ill- equipped to manage a small firm. Topics covered in the workshop were self-assessment, • Start from Scratch – Allows you to begin fresh without business structure, entry strategy, moving from startup to any legacy issues like old pricing, dated software and growth and sustainability, as follows: past client service issues. Importance of critical self-assessment in • Start Part-Time Practice – Pick up clients “on the side” conjunction with establishing a firm. where appropriate. Lowers your risk and allows you to • Do I have the experience to service the needs of assess whether you really want to start a full-time firm. • Find a Partner – Allows you to expand services of the potential clients on my own? firm, share start-up expenses and revenue. Requires • Do I have the drive, motivation and staying power to trust, chemistry and compromise. • Purchase an Existing Firm – Process is time consuming succeed on my own? because there are more buyers than sellers. Most • Do I have the proper support network (spouse, family, expensive option with high attrition rate. Moving from start-up to growth and sustainability. etc.)? • Prepare a written business plan (goals for stages • Do I have the financial resources to start and operate of growth; service offerings; target market; capital requirements; business development strategy; a firm at “zero” revenue for one year? pricing strategy; office space, equipment, technology, • Do I know how to leverage my network to market staffing; projected costs and revenues. • Prepare for negative cash flow during “Start-Up” services and be the “rain-maker?” stage and allow for 12 – 18 months of cash reserves • What services can I provide that differentiate me to cover business and household expenses. • Focus on marketing and business development, and from my competitors? client service during the “Survival” stage to develop a pipeline of business and reputation for quality services. 32 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

“Every firm struggles. It’s through the struggles that you gain the experience and knowledge to be very successful.” • Enter into teaming and subcontracting arrangements It’s more about learning from others than all the with larger or niche firms to gain experience in your experience and knowledge you bring to the table…. If service areas as you move through the “Survival” and you are unable or unwilling to [do a self-assessment], it’s “Stability” stages. probably unlikely you’re going to get to the next stage of deciding whether or not to start your own firm.” • Leverage affirmative action programs in the public Lanier added, “You have to be introspective. Do you have sector (federal, state, and local government) and experience? Do you have a drive, the motivation, the supplier diversity programs in the private sector staying power? Do you have the support network? If you (Fortune 1000 corporations) to build capacity and are in a spousal situation, you must have the support of generate revenue. your spouse. Once you get used to corporate money and you get used to a certain lifestyle, one spouse or the other • Add staff when appropriate as you are building may have a difficult time sacrificing. That’s a big part of the capacity in the “Survival” stage and early in the self-assessment. You have to have that support.” “Stability” stage. In discussing the four stages of business (startup, survival, stability and success), Kendall said that survival • Use experience obtained as a teaming partner or is the most critical stage. “If you don’t get through subcontractor to develop a foundation for pursuing here, nothing else happens. Every firm struggles. It’s opportunities as a “prime” contractor or lead firm as through the struggles that you gain the experience and you move through the “Stability” stage. knowledge to be very successful.” Kendall said to think about whether or not how you treat people, and your • Invest in technology and back office infrastructure demeanor, thoughtfulness and judgement are the same or possibly outsource as you move through the in good times versus tough times. “I had to realize that “Stability” stage. when times were tough, I was reflecting that through my actions. I was reflecting that through my words. You can’t • Continue to focus on expanding personal, business, do that. Especially as a leader. I don’t care how tough and political relationships developed during the it gets, you can’t show that through your demeanor, “Stability” stage to leverage networking activities for you can’t show that through your words, because other scalability essential to the “Success” stage. people are looking to you for guidance and direction. They feed off of you. So being able to go through a Sustainability through mergers, acquisitions and struggle and survive is critical.” Kendall said that his firm succession planning. has an outside executive committee to help get the firm. • In the “Success” stage focus on strategic mergers or With respect to stability, Lanier said, “You have to be smart in the marketplace. You don’t have all the service acquisitions that provide complimentary capabilities, lines and all the capabilities . . . so you team with others expanded service lines, and geographic reach. to build capacity. . . . The only thing I’m going to ask you • Conduct appropriate due diligence to determine do is if you’re going to team up with someone and you operational, financial, business development and ‘re going to be the sub, don’t go in with the intention to cultural synergies, and profitability. always be the sub. Go in with the intent to one day run • Develop junior partners through a comprehensive that engagement to run that opportunity. If you go in succession planning program who can lead the firm and you’re content to get 15 or 20 percent of a contract, as senior partners retire. you’re never going get to where your full potential is. Go Kendall and Lanier stressed the importance of self- in with the intent that you’re going to be the prime, and assessment, and getting through the stability and survival you’re going to hire another sub and give someone else a stages. chance. But do not get comfortable being the sub.” ▲ “It’s very critical to think about the self-assessment, WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 33 Kendall said. “Who am I? What is it I do well? Do I enjoy people? Are you a good listener? If you can’t listen well, it’s going to be very hard to communicate.

The benefits of having mentors – AND BEING ONE By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter connecting students and professionals from various E. ZeNai Brooks, NABA’s Central Region cities. “The first year was a success; we had about 23 matches. We are excited to continue to president and national director, has had several grow this initiative and plan to open up applications for the mentors, both unofficial and structured. FY20 program by the end of November.” “Some relationships developed organically as Brooks has found it beneficial to have mentors in the same I’ve progressed in my career. Others are more profession: “It helps give perspective and direction; having structured through work or other organizations. a mentor to discuss career goals and planning is important Either way, it’s important for me to be able to to me because it helps with clarity. Often, mentors can reach out to folks who are a little further along offer different ideas or strategies that I may not have been in their path as I journey through my own path,” aware of or even considered.” said Brooks, who does not-for-profit audit work She has also found outside mentor relationships to be with Greenwalt CPAs in Indianapolis, Indiana. extremely important. “They help keep me objective and not stagnant in my career relationships and decisions,” Mentoring can start anywhere, not only at work, according she said. “I have learned that my career is personal and to Brooks. She recalled attending a community banquet I should be proactive and loyal to my career goals first. benefit for local organizations and churches, “when an Having mentors outside of my organization helps with older man started talking to me about who I was and this perspective. Having an outside mentor also provides what I do,” she said. “We seemed to have nothing in an independent person to discuss and work through common, including him being white, but he had worked difficulties that may arise on the job, without having to as an accountant early in his career before becoming worry about being exposed or uncomfortable inside the president of a local community college. He gave me his workplace.” card to connect further. That was the beginning of one of She said she believes that it is important for African my organic mentor relationships and to this day, we meet Americans in accounting to be mentored and serve as quarterly. The key takeaway here is taking advantage of mentors because, “simply put, we are always the minority, the people you meet and the opportunities presented. especially in the Midwest where I am from. There is a Especially when they present themselves as interested, comfort, a safe place, empowerment that comes with available and vested in your personal and career growth.”  being part of an organization like NABA and surrounding Brooks also has been the mentor. “I have been on both yourself with others who not only look like you but have sides of the mentoring relationship,” she said. “As a similar workplace experiences, both technical and social. mentee, I relish being able to ask questions and get This is very important when it comes to retention because honest, unbiased answers and directions, even sharing often black folks do not stay or progress in accounting. thoughts and potentially crazy ideas. I have mentors in We tend to job-hop or change career paths entirely. This my firm, in NABA, at church community. I am a black comes from not feeling included, not feeling valued, and woman and have black mentors, but I also have a white not having realistic expectations or understanding of how woman mentor and also an older white male mentor. I to deal with or approach certain situations. Mentorship didn’t necessarily set it up this way, but it’s beneficial to helps with this!”  have diverse perspectives. I also strongly believe in the Brooks urges minority accounting students and those just NABA motto of ‘Lifting As We Climb’ so I definitely commit entering the profession to “find someone you can talk to, time and energy to pour what I have learned and my when situations are going well, when situations are not so experiences into others. Leveraging NABA’s ACAP program good, and especially regarding career planning. Remember, and Student Conferences along with the Indiana CPA the relationship goes both ways. You get out of mentorship Society’s high school scholars program, I am able to engage what you put into it. And of course, join NABA!”. ▲ and mentor (formally and informally) high school, college students and even young professionals.” Brooks is proud to mention that the Central Region implemented a mentorship program during FY19, 34 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

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STEM CAN ENHANCE Practice Success for Accountants By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter because that network of successful professionals Accounting professionals can benefit from incorporating became “my extended family science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) — NABA is a support system of into their work, according to NABA member Chelsea S. mentors, sponsors, supportive peers, Jackson, an enterprise security architect for the Virginia and prayer partners.” She also appreciates opportunities Department of Transportation. She has a Bachelor of to help NABA embrace other technology professionals and Science degree in management information systems from ensure their success. “I wanted to be one of the people Virginia State University and an M.S. in cybersecurity from who help make this happen,” she said. Liberty University — a classic background for STEM work, Now that the Uniform CPA Exam has been revised to test but a bit unusual for accounting. “To put my career in non- critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical ability, technical language, I create patterns and draw pictures STEM training can prepare students to pass it. “The STEM to capture ‘InfoSec’ policy and business best practices field is very math-oriented and capitalizes on critical in a manner that is easily understood by the average thinking skills to produce solutions,” Jackson explained. application developer,” Jackson said. “I’m a two-way “Studying and/or refreshing yourself on STEM topics such translator of sorts.” as risk analysis, process mapping, and research methods” Jackson was attracted to technology because “I’ve always in addition to standard accounting material will “put you been a bit of a tinkerer — curious about what made things on the road to becoming a CPA.” tick and the full potential of their functionality,” she said. With universities incorporating STEM into accounting “As a millennial, I’ve seen technology grow and mature master’s programs, “students with STEM-enhanced as I did; it was at my disposal in every avenue of life.” She accounting degrees will have the ability to see through the chose STEM when she started college and had to decide numbers, rather than take them for face value,” Jackson between music and tech — a practical decision that has said. “These future professionals will be able to drive the paid off, because nowadays, changes in business are importance and underlying meaning of the analytics that driving the need to recruit professionals in accounting with are part of their roles. This perspective will give companies STEM skills. the opportunity to catch any potential impediments to “The automation of business processes through their business processes.” This matters for NABA members introducing digital solutions/applications requires people because “minorities with this specialized skill set are highly with both business and STEM skills to function at the same valued because they can maneuver in the majority of high- level,” Jackson said. “This is especially important when demand industries today.” troubleshooting technical issues in accounting/business Whether graduating in business/accounting or STEM, software. To understand how the software behaves, you both students and professionals switching from STEM must have an understanding of core business rules and to accounting need “soft skills,” from basic professional processes.” etiquette to mastering small talk at networking events. Accounting and other firms and government agencies are “Soft skills are essential for success in any profession,” offering services that are considered transformative and Jackson said. “These skills can be essential to getting you may require STEM skills. “Government agencies are diving into the room just about anywhere professionally.” headfirst into the ‘internet of things,’” she explained. “That NABA colleagues should know that “STEM-based involves creating a communication network between enhancements to the profession are not intended to cameras, sensors, and other devices that will collect and replace traditional accounting roles or extinguish the need transmit data for use by a broader audience. Having an for people to perform accounting/finance tasks,” Jackson analytical background and STEM experience will open the said. “STEM-based accounting approaches are an aid to door for more thoughtful interpretation of these data and automating processes and making the indispensable work support more informed decision-making.” more efficient. Incorporating STEM strategies into your Jackson got involved with NABA because she saw its role daily efforts will increase your value in the workplace and in retention and graduation for members of her student make you marketable in spaces yet touched.” ▲ chapter. “I used that success as a blueprint to help revamp the Black Data Processing Association chapter at Virginia State,” she recalled. She remained committed to NABA 36 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2020

EmpoWER THE CHANGE WITHIN Naba Career CeNter Log into the Naba Career Center at nabacareercenter.nabainc.org/jobseekers and find your next role in three easy steps: • Create your account • Upload your resume • Search the latest job openings Let Us HeLp YoU! Take advantage of resources on the website such as: • Career Coaching • Resume Writing • reference Checking • Career Learning Center WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 37

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5 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE ON TRACK Article courtesy of Brandpoint (www.brandpoint.com) Whether you’re hitting the gym to get 3. SWITCH IT UP healthy, tone up or improve your overall well-being, seeing results can be one of the After a while, bodies can grow accustomed to the same most satisfying feelings. Noticing even the exercise routine, often leading to stalled results. If you smallest change in the way you feel or look find yourself breezing through a workout, it’s time to is reason enough to lace up your sneakers switch it up and push your limits. Varying your exercises for another sweat session. can challenge your mind and body, help burn more When results seem to plateau or schedules calories and prevent boredom. If you like to run long get busy, don’t give up! Keep in mind the distances, try implementing sprint intervals. At the gym? tips outlined below to help maximize your Try out new equipment or vary your reps. Challenge your fitness routine and stay on track. body and you may be surprised by the results. 1. FIND A WORKOUT BUDDY 4. FUEL UP Instead of flying solo, bring a friend so you can encourage An active lifestyle requires proper nutrition. When each other during your workouts. Exercising with a regularly exercising, your body needs fuel for optimal buddy can breed healthy competition, but also hold you performance and proper recovery. Before a workout, accountable. To help maximize the impact, try to pick a opt for healthy and easily digestible carbohydrates partner who is on the same fitness level as you and shares like brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread and pasta, similar goals — you will want to be able to increase your fruits and vegetables to give you energy. Afterward, try intensity level and challenge each other as a team. a protein-packed snack like yogurt, a smoothie with protein powder, tuna or a boiled egg. 2. HEAD TO THE WEIGHTS 5. TAKE A BREAK If your fitness goals include improving body composition and losing weight, you may want to introduce strength The last way to maximize your fitness routine has nothing training into your regimen. While exercises such as to do with the gym at all. In fact, it requires you to skip walking, running and cycling can do wonders for your the gym. Exercise provides many health benefits, but too cardiovascular health and help burn calories, strength many high-intensity workouts can backfire, potentially training with weights can elevate your metabolism for causing injury from overuse and hindering your results. a longer period — meaning your body will continue Allow your body enough time to heal before hitting the burning calories even after a workout. Plus, strength gym again and try to work active rest days into your training can target and tone hard-to-reach muscles, schedule, such as going for a light walk or bike ride. improve balance and help protect your bones. Keeping these tips in mind can help you make the most of your fitness routine and magnify your efforts in the gym, on the track, in the pool or wherever you choose to exercise. Above all, don’t hesitate to ask friends, co-workers and family members who are fitness enthusiasts for help or to make modifications when something feels off. ▲ WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 39

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We are Pleased to Recognize NABA’s Lifetime Members Jamila Abston Paula Cropper Roland Hendricks Gairy Moore Carl Simpson Dwayna Adams Charles Daniel She-lia Henry Wanda Moore Gwendolyn Skillern Clifton Addison Maurice Danner Yvonne Herron Lebone Moses Patricia Smalls Enitan Adesanya Rosalind Danner Jeffery Hill Dana Moss Graylin Smith Amani Ahmed Charles Davis Daniel Hobson Rosheila Motley Isaac Smith William Aiken Frederick Davis Pamela Hogans Fred Moultrie Keith Smith Abdool Akhran Roger Davis Bavan Holloway Grace Mullings Margo Smith Ronnie Alexander Sandra Davis V. Reginald Hopkins Karla Munden Mark Smith Renee Allain-Stockton Shaun Davis Paul Horace Avery Munnings Walter Smith Zuleyka Alleyne Tamieka Davis Harvey Hoskins Angela Murphy William Smith Marvin Allmond Tanya Davis Lisa Howze Felicia A. Murrill Catherine Smith-Spears Antoinette Amoureux Sekou Chantel Day Willie Mae Hughey Yves Mutombo Janice Sparks Anthony Anderson Samantha DeCambre Albert Hunt Adam Myers Thad Standley Adrian Anderson Shariah Dixon-Turner Angel Ingram Edwin Neal Veda Stanley Lee Anderson Reve Doss Dee-Ah Iris-Outerbridge Sydney Nelson Avril Stephens Lloyd Anderson Marvin Dozier Arlene Isaacs-Lowe Leslie Netter Cecil Sterrod Roger Arrieux Kenneth Drummond Clarence James Benjamin Newhouse Lionel Stevens Iris Atkinson-Kirkland Angela Dunlap Curtis James Adaeze Nwachuku Shamella Stewart Angela Avant Robert Dunlap Vincent James Nora O’Garro Dmitri Stockton Claire Babineaux-Fontenol Jonell Dunston Johnny Jefferson Chris Okafor C. Daniel Stubbs, Jr. Larry Bailey Betty DuVerger Edwin Jenkins Avril Okeke Ebony Stubbs Alfred Ball Kathy-Ann Edwards Norman Jenkins Joe Okeke Lemar Swinney Deidra Barksdale Cordelia Ekwueme J. Barry Johnson Tumininu Oluyole Floran Syler R. Everett Bassie Candice Elliott J. Frank Johnson Florence Onochie James Talley Darrell Baxter Gregory Ellison Gregory Johnson Eugene Padgett Jeff Tate Ralph Bazilio Kimberly Ellison-Taylor Gwen Johnson Dorothy Page-Proctor Rolanda Tate Ronald Benjamin Patrick English James Johnson Frank Parker Micheal Taylor Earl Biggett Andrante Etheridge Patricia Johnson Michael Parkins Ronald Taylor Brittani Bishop Charmain Eubanks-Thomas Robert Johnson Keeca Parks Sheila Taylor-Clark Dannetta Bland Vernon Evans Mark Keener Harold Parnell Allen Thomas Melvin Blake Beverly Everson-Jones Anthony Kendall Greg Parris Francis Thomas Patrica Bolt Earl G. Fagan, Jr. Catrise Kilgore Kimberly Parris Ralph Thomas Monique Booker Felicia Farrar Bridget Kinard Stephanie Parrish-Chester Valerie Thomas Allen Boston Nicole Felix Anthony King Leslie Patterson Celia Thompkins William Boswell Cecil Flamer James Kirkland Kerri Patrick Ronald Thompkins Ken Bouyer Erby Foster LaToya Lacey Shawn Paynemiller Mary Thompson Adrian Bracy Carlyle Fraser Marjorie LaRue Ramona Pearson-Strane Curtis Tomlin Gloria Bracy Herschel Frierson Brittani Lee L. Matthew Perry Manuel Torres Monica Brame Genevia Fulbright Wayne Lee Phillip Pierce Emmanuel Tuffuor Latarsha Brazle Tony Fuller Shelley Lee Hing Tillman Pink Lucy Turnage James Brown Douglas Gaines James Lewis Pamela Pinkett Michele Turner Odell Brown Ryan Galloway W. Delores Lewis Mario Poole Alfonse Upshaw Tyrone Browne Fred Gamble Wendy Lewis Jenice Prather-Kinsey Raymond Vicks Linda Bryant Vernice Gamble Eddie Lightsey Ray Price Adrian Vieira Maxine Buckles Yosief Ghrmai Leona Locke-Dotson Starr Purdue Lamont Waddell Charles Burch Bertram Gibson Clarence Lockett Okorie Ramsey Andre Wade William Byrd Hubert Glover Joe Lowry Moire Rasmussen Emma Walker Willie Carrington Robin Gordon Cecil Lucy LaNita Ray Ronald Walker Charles Carter Norman Graves Kim Manigault Jesse Rhodes George Wallace Deborah Carter John Green Betty Maple Harry Richards Lydia Washington Patricia Carter Verna Greer Phillip Mark Avis Riley Chester Watson Ruby Cato Derric Gregory Lawrence Mathews J. Edward Robinson Timothy Watson Richard Caturano Kim Griffin-Hunter Roderick Mayo Troy Robinson Anne White Millicent Chancellor Austin Groom Yolanda McBride Frank Ross Donald White Marvin Chiddick Linda Guyden Milford McGuirt Michael Ross Gwendolyn Wiggins-Walcott Paula Cholmondeley Bennie Hadnott James McIntyre Janine Rouson Maria Wiley Sheila Clark Ann-Marie Hammond Tina McIntyre April Royster Chrisalle Williams Brenda Coleman Brenda Hammond Barbara McKinzie Michelle Royster Humphrey Williams Ronald Coleman Eugene Hamptom Jimmy McMillian Greta Russell James Williams William Coleman Thomas Hampton Richard McNamee Deatrice Russell-Tyner L. Anne Williams Malcomb Coley Donna Hankins Thomas McRae Ray Sanders Roger Williams Paul Colin B. Aubrey Harrell Hassan Miah Uso Sayers George Willie Gregory Collins Arica Harris George Miles Patricia Scipio Veronda Willis Charlotte Comer Calvin Harris Kevin Miller Carolyn Scott Carol Wilson Anita Conner Steven Harris Mark Miller Victoria Seay John Wilson Kenneth Cooke David B. Harrison Bert Mitchell Johnny Session Michael Winston Donna Cooper David E. Harrison Judson Mitchell Dave Sewell Daniel Worrell Raymond Cooper Tiffany Harrison Faye Mitchell Moore Tadeo Silva Tiana Wynn Deborah Cowan Angela Haskell Daniel Moore Brainard Simpson Ida Yarbrough WINTER 2020 | SPECTRUM 41

theSAVE DATES NABA NATIONAL CONVENTION & EXPO INDIANAPOLIS JUNE 9–13, 2020 JW Marriott Indianapolis and Indianapolis Convention Center 2020 RATES / Early Bird Pricing Valid Thru March 31, 2020 BASE PACKAGE ITEMS MEMBER NON-MEMBER ADD-ON ITEMS MEMBER NON-MEMBER Full Professional Registration Package $1,200 $1,475 ALDI Session AS ADD-ON on reg pkg $500 $550 Full Student Registration Package $400 $475 MLDI Session AS ADD-ON on reg pkg $500 $550 Faculty $875 $1,025 ELDI Session AS ADD-ON on reg pkg $550 $650 Senior Professional (65+) $850 $950 Opening Reception – Additional Tickets $195 $195 Lifetime $825 Awards Experience and Soirée – $195 $195 LDI Sessions ONLY $1,275 $1,550 Additional Tickets