NABA iVolution Sourcebook 2018 - SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BIOS Isaac Akanmu Brionna Bryant Isaac Akanmu is a Nigerian American, Brionna Bryant is a sophomore at East- born and raised in New York City. A ern Michigan University majoring in junior at the Macaulay Honors Col- accounting with a double minor in lead- lege at CUNY Baruch on full academ- ership and communications. She plans ic scholarship, Isaac is a dedicated on getting her MSA and completing the member of NABA Baruch, InterVarsity CPA exam upon graduating in 2020. She Christian Fellowship, and Golden Key is passionate about her academics, trav-International Honour Society. Recently, Isaac completed an eling, volunteering and being a resource to others to lift them,internship at PwC. as we climb through this journey called life. OLAOLUWA AKINWANDE Krystina Culley Olaoluwa Akinwande is currently pursu- Krystina Culley was born and raised in ing her master of science in accounting Ringgold, VA and attends The Universi- at Prairie View A&M University. She has ty of North Carolina at Charlotte. She a 4.0 overall GPA. She was born and is a double major in accounting and raised in Lagos Nigeria where she ob- finance and a double minor in interna- tained her bachelor’s degree in account- tional management and urban youth ing before she moved to the United and communities. She enjoys cookingstates. She is committed to her goal of becoming a resource- and trying different restaurants in Charlotte with her friends.ful Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a blend of corporate NABA has been the most influential organization she has par-accounting and finance. She cherishes spending time with her ticipated in during her collegiate career.family and friends. KAREY CURTIN Mirabel Awoniyi Karey Curtin is a senior accounting ma- Mirabel Awoniyi is a sophomore at jor at Howard University. She has a 3.99 Huston-Tillotson University majoring in overall GPA and a 4.0 major GPA. Her accounting. She was raised in Nigeria. academic achievements include being She is a W.E.B Dubois Scholar striving inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma to maintain her GPA. She is the Student International Business Honors Society, Chapter President of NABA, President ranking top four in the Executive Leader- of Toastmasters, Treasurer of Gold- ship Council’s Award for Business Commentary, and being a re-en-Key Honor Society, and Treasurer for Pre-Alumni Council cipient of a multitude of scholarships, including the NABA Metroat Huston Tillotson University for the 2017/2018 academic DC Scholarship, all while being a conscientious student heavilysession. She is also an active member International Student involved on campus and community services.Association. Mirabel believes that significance as more im-portant than success. Br’Shawn Davis Br’Shawn Davis is from Lansing, Mich- ANDRE BENNETT igan and currently a junior majoring in Andre Bennett is an ardent young man accounting at Clark Atlanta University. and is a firm believer in the famous In addition to being a full-time college Oprah Winfrey quote, “luck is when student, she is a Realtor with Coldwell preparation meets opportunity.” He Banker. Her main objective in life is to trusts that hard work and studying be successful while remaining humble while going through school, coupled by maintaining a strong work ethic and prioritizing my morals with his involvement in professional in all aspects of life.organizations like NABA, he will one day meet the grandopportunity to fulfill his aspirations of becoming a CPA.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BIOS / continued Mykela DeVille Ashley Eure Mykela DeVille is a sophomore account- Ashley Eure is a sophomore at the ing major at Howard University. She has University of Maryland Eastern Shore a 3.7 GPA overall and 3.5 GPA within her majoring in accounting. Ashley plans major. She is the historian of the NABA, on pursing a bachelor of science in ac- Inc. Howard University Student Chapter counting. After graduation Ashley plans and member of the Howard University on studying to take the exam to become School of Business Executive Leader- a CPA in an accounting firm. Outside ofship Honors Program. Her academic achievement includes be- Ashley’s professional job, she plans on providing her servicescoming a Management Team Leader for the 21 Century Advan- to the elderly due to her admiration of helping others.tage Program at Howard University. Rouguiatou Diallo JOYCE ESEDEBE Rouguiatou Diallo is a junior at Medgar Joyce Chinwendu Esedebe is a junior Evers College pursuing accounting. She accounting and computer science dou- has a 3.6 GPA. She is the treasurer of ble major at Lincoln University. She has the NABA Medgar Evers College chap- a 4.00 GPA in both majors and a 3.99 ter. Her most recent academic achieve- cumulative GPA. She is currently the ments are winning the NABA Eastern Chapter President of NABA, a Resident Region 2017 Scholarship as well as Advisor, Treasurer of African Studentshaving the honor to be selected as part of the Cuny Service Association (ASA), a member of Horace Mann Bonds HonorsCorp with the organization Ariva Inc. She also has a job offer Society, and The National Society of Leadership and Successwith Wezpa Consulting. – Sigma Alpha Pi. She will intern at Deloitte this summer. DJONNA DOROUWA Precious Ezirim Djonna Dorouwa was born and raised Precious Ezirim is a sophomore at Hus- in Togo, West Africa, and came to the ton-Tillotson University in Austin Texas. United States in 2010 looking for bet- He is a W.E.B DuBois scholar on cam- ter opportunities. He is a graduate pus. He is the secretary of the NABA student of science in accounting at student chapter, Vice President Of Monroe College and is an active mem- NSBE, Vice President of NIS, and Mem- ber of his NABA, Inc. student chapter. bership Recruitment Director of GoldenDorouwa has achieved awards for Academic Excellence as Key International Honours Society. He intends to pursue athe President List and Dean List during his associates and master’s in business administration, after obtaining an under-bachelor’s degrees. He is a volunteer of the NABA-NY VITA/ graduate degree in computer science. With these, he hopes toTCE. become the CEO of a tech company. Glory Ebirim ALLISON FLOYD Glory Ebirim is a masters student and Allison Floyd is a recent graduate of the an accounting major at The University Unviersity of Mississippi and is from Ma- of Maryland, College Park, with a GPA gee, MS. Since having completed her un- of 3.75. She is currently a graduate as- dergraduate requirements, she has start- sistant in the accounting department. ed to pursue her master of accountancy Last academic session, she was the VP degree. Though undergrad has allowed of Finance for the NABA student chap- Allison to experience many life-alteringter of the Smith School of Business at the University of Mary- feats, she is looking forward to growing through new challengesland. Her academic endeavors were recognized as she was that are along the course of becoming a CPA.named on the Dean’s List for two consecutive years.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BIOS / continued Edriena Gee Nia Hill Edriena Glowen Gee is a native of Libe- Nia Hill is a sophomore accounting ma- ria and currently enrolled as a junior at jor and sociology minor at Howard Uni- the University of Houston. One of her versity. Hill’s life mission is to develop favorite quotes, “Success isn’t given, into a servant leader who will develop it is earned” reminds her of the true other leaders and impact the lives of meaning of perseverance. Her father many. She’s done this by becoming ac- “gave” her the chance to become suc- tive at her University, where she is a Teamcessful and now, she must “earn” that success. Leader in the School of Business and President of Word Up! Cam- pus Ministry. Additionally, she is the founder of Revival Fire, a blog Lunnise Gibson geared towards Christian millennials. Lunnise S. Gibson is a junior at Coppin State University with a cumulative GPA Laura Huckleby of 3.6. She currently holds the position Laura Huckleby is a senior account- of Chapter Secretary of NABA at Cop- ing major at Tuskegee University. She pin State. Gibson is also a student-ath- currently serves as the student chap- lete specializing in cross country and ter President of her NABA chapter. Her middle-distance events. Her ambition goals are to graduate from Tuskegeeis to become a forensic accountant and help younger track University, attend graduate school atand field athletes in her home country - The Bahamas. She is Wake Forest University, and become avery focused and determined. CPA. She will be graduating Summa Cum Laude in May. After graduation, she will be returning to PwC in Atlanta to complete Omolara Giwa a tax internship. Omolara Giwa is a senior accounting major at the University of Central Florida JULIA IDAEWOR with a career goal of becoming a CPA. Julia Idaewor was born in Lagos, Nigeria She has a 4.0 GPA in her major and a 3.8 and migrated to the United States at four GPA overall. She is the student chapter years old. She is currently a third-year President of NABA. Her achievements computer science major at the University include receiving the NABA Southern of Georgia. She is the Vice President andRegion Scholarship, participating in KPMG’s Corporate Manage- co-founder of GLAM Dawgs, World Am-ment Internship Program, and serving as a student ambassador bassador for International Student Life,for the UCF College of Business Administration. and Treasurer of the African Student Union. She is passionate about cultural awareness, social justice, and everything Beyoncé. RAMOYA GRANDISON Candace Irons Ramoya Grandison, a student-athlete Candace Irons is from Fayetteville, currently double majoring in Comput- Georgia and is a junior at The University er science & information systems and of Georgia where she is majoring in ac- business administration with a concen- counting. She was introduced to NABA, tration in accounting has the desire to Inc. in 2014 by participating in the Ac- become a Forensic Accountant. Among counting Career Awareness Program her achievements, Ramoya was recent- (ACAP) in Atlanta, GA. Ever since then,ly elected as the Vice President for the NABA, Inc. student she has been following the motto, “Lifting as We Climb” in notchapter at JCSU. She has recently completed an internship only her professional life, but also her daily life.with LPL Financial as an IT Internal Auditor which aligns withher career goal.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BIOS / continued Reah Johnson Karlyn Mason Reah Vernelle Johnson is a senior at the Karlyn Mason is a senior accounting ma- Grambling State University with a dou- jor at Howard University. She has a 4.0 ble major in accounting and computer major GPA and a 3.89 cumulative GPA. information systems. Her honors in- Karlyn is the VP of Finance for Alpha Kap- clude the President’s List from Spring pa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, 2016 to present and the Beta Gamma Psi Tau Chapter, and her most recent ac- Sigma Honors Society. She is the trea- ademic achievement includes becomingsurer of the NABA, Inc. GSU Chapter and Vice President of a a member of Beta Gamma Sigma International Honors Society.Youth empowerment organization. Upon graduation, she as- Karlyn spends weekends volunteering and reading with elemen-pires to become a CPA and an instrumental professional mem- tary school students and plans on opening a financial planningber of NABA. business in the future. Woodrow Kavanagh Sikudhani McCray Born and raised in Jamaica, Woodrow Sikudhani McCray graduated from high Kavanagh is a student attending Ken- school, third in her class, in 2017. She nesaw State University pursuing a mas- was accepted to Loyola University New ter of accounting degree. Upon gradu- Orleans, awarded the highest academ- ation, he will work for Deloitte Atlanta ic scholarship, and accepted to the uni- in their advisory practice. NABA, Inc. versity’s Honors Program. She entered played a huge role in placing Woodrow college, majoring in business manage-in the position he is in today. He has met many lifelong friends ment, and began to discover interest in entrepreneurship. Shethrough NABA and wishes to be a lifetime member. was initiated to Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity and elected chancellor. He ended his first semester with a 4.0 GPA. SIDNEY KHASACHA Sidney Khasacha is a junior pursuing assurance practice. Monique Mohammed his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He Monique Mohammed is currently a se- is actively involved in the University of nior accounting major and business an- Texas at Dallas campus, where I am an alytics minor at Temple University and officer of employer relations of the UTD will aspire to attend the master of ac- NABA Chapter. Sidney is in the process countancy program at Temple Univer- of interning at Deloitte and plans on sity. She would like to be a leader in ataking the CPA exam to become a CPA after graduating with public accounting firm in the audit andhis master’s degree. Mpho Lethoba JARELL MOTEN Mpho Lethoba is a graduating senior at Jarell Moten was born in Kinston, North Huston-Tillotson University, in Austin Carolina and obtained his bachelor of Texas. She was born and raised in Le- science in agriculture business man- sotho, Southern Africa. She is a W. E. agement with a minor in accounting B. Dubois Honors Scholar maintaining from North Carolina State University. a 4.0 GPA. Mpho is the co-founder of He completed his undergraduate stud- two nonprofits in Lesotho and Treasurer ies in May of 2012 and subsequentlyof her university’s student government association. She loves obtained his MBA from East Carolina University in Decemberreading on entrepreneurship and investment. Her grounding of 2016. Moten is currently working on his masters of ac-belief is, “we all deserve to lead a successful, meaningful life!” counting from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BIOS / continued Mouniratou Nikiema Mofoluwaso Onabule Mouniratou Nikiema is a fourth-year Mofoluwaso Onabule earned her bach- student studying accounting at the elor of science degree in finance in Ohio State University and the Student 2008 at the University of Lagos Nige- Chapter President of NABA After grad- ria. In 2002, she earned a diploma in uation, she will be pursuing her master accounting and business and success- in accounting with a focus in data an- fully became a chartered accountant alytics. Her motto in life is “Do not live with ACCA in United Kingdom in 2014.to live but live to help others live”. She has worked in global organizations as a business analyst before proceeding to Texas A&M University where she is cur- TOMI OGUNDIPE rently pursuing a masters in Accounting and CPA qualification. Tomi Ogundipe is a graduate student at Northern Illinois University. He graduat- Gabrielle Orion ed from Babcock University in Nigeria Gabrielle Orion works to make Texas with a bachelor of arts in mass com- A&M University a more diverse and munication. Currently, he is the general inclusive place. She works to achieve secretary of NABA, Inc. at Northern Illi- community, where people don’t have nois University Chapter. Prior to grad- to be afraid of persecution for theiruate school, he worked for the OLX Group as an analyst for a outward appearance where small busi-little over two years. His experience over the years has shaped nesses can thrive, where we can accepthim into a goal-oriented, self-motivated, and highly driven each other’s differences and learn from them instead of forc-business and information systems enthusiast. ing conformity. It is through her belief in God, familial support, and the opportunities afforded to her, that Gabrielle has be- ajayi olamiposi come the person she is today. Ajayi Olamiposi was born in Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania to Nigerian parents, Zeinab Ouattara and then raised in Lagos. Ajayi com- Zeinab Ouattara is a senior at the Uni- pleted high school in Nigeria, where not versity of Alabama at Birmingham ma- only did he adopt Nigerian cultures, but joring an accounting. She is currently also learnt a second language; Yoruba. interning at Hope Locating, a free apart- He returned to the United States in July ment locator, as their accounting intern.2015 to begin his college career at Richland College in Dallas, After she graduates with her master’sTexas before transferring to the University of Texas at Dallas, degree in the Fall of 2019, Zeinab planswhere he became a NABA member. to sit for the CPA exam and work as an internal auditor in public accounting. Ajayi Oliver Ajayi Oliver is a senior at Monroe Col- Nailah Owens-Johnson lege pursuing a bachelor of arts degree Nailah Owens-Johnson is a sophomore in business management and an asso- at Indiana University majoring in ac- ciate’s degree in hospitality manage- counting and business analytics. She is ment. He currently holds a grade point the VP of Alumni Relations in her busi- average of a 3.71 and was awarded a ness fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, the stu- full academic scholarship from Monroe dent President of the IU NABA Chapter,College and from the Bahamian government. Ajayi serves as and an active member of Kelley Studentthe chapter vice president at Monroe College and is a Certified Government. This summer Nailah will intern at EY as a LaunchGuest Service Professional. intern in Chicago.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BIOS / continued Nefertiti Peoples Moya Reid Nefertiti Peoples has been accepted Moya Reid is a W.E.B. DuBois Schol- into the Jenkins MAC Program at North ar at Huston-Tillotson University. She Carolina State University with an IT con- intends to pursue an MBA in business centration. Upon completion, she will analytics at Bentley University. She is pursue CPA licensure and a career in au- the Community Service Director for dit. Nefertiti is very passionate about the HT’s Toastmasters and Golden Key In- work she does with disadvantaged youth ternational chapters. This will be herin her community. She founded a nonprofit organization in 2017 second internship with PwC at the Houston office this sum-aimed at closing the achievement gap between low-income mer. Her life motto is: “If the plan doesn’t work, change theyouth and their peers. plan but never the goal”. Kaiyell Pettie Sylvia Richardson Kaiyell Pettie is a current freshman at- Sylvia Richardson is a senior in the Hon- tending Baruch College. He would de- ors Program at North Carolina Central scribe himself as an aspiring entrepre- University majoring in accounting cur- neurial accountant. At 16, he developed rently holding a 3.6 GPA. Her career goal his own service business which is an up is to obtain a management position at a and coming sole proprietorship with a major accounting firm. During the sum- total of over 60 customers throughout mer of 2017, she participated in an eight-New York City. Pettie aspires to start off his career as a CPA week summer accounting internship program at PwC, and willand then transition into owning his own accounting firm. return again this summer for their advanced internship. ASHANTI PHELPS Spencer Robertson Hailing from Georgia, Ashanti I. Phelps Spencer Dion Robertson is a sophomore is a senior at the historic Texas Southern at Western Michigan University major- University studying accounting. Her ac- ing in accounting. His career goals in- complishments include receiving awards clude becoming a CPA and would like to for Highest GPA for Athletics and Honors one day make an impact in his commu- College, Dean’s List, President of Beta Al- nity by helping individuals of all income pha Psi, and the Founder of Mentor and levels reach their financial goals andCollege Prep program at her high school. After graduation, she manage their wealth by advising them in the areas of incomehas her sights on a master’s in science of accountancy and at- tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.taining the elusive CPA license. JAMEL ROSEMOND Rebekah Preston Jamel Rosemond is currently working Rebekah Preston is a senior accounting to obtain his masters of science degree major at Prairie View A&M University. from Texas A&M University. He plans to Upon the completion of her degree she graduate in May of 2019. Prior to his cur- intends to pursue a master’s of tax- rent educational pursuits at Texas A&M, ation and obtain her Certified Public he attended Lone Star College King- Accountant (CPA) license. You can find wood where he served as the Chapter her hosting campus tours, tutoring in President for the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. He is alsothe College of Business and volunteering at the Houston Food involved in his community.Bank. She is currently a member of NABA, Inc. and Beta AlphaPsi Honor Society.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BIOS / continued Mateo Saxton Roberitine Webbe Mateo Saxton is a junior at Eastern Roberitine Webbe is currently pursuing Michigan University majoring in ac- a bachelor of arts in accounting at Mon- counting with a minor in interdisciplin- roe College. She has attained the Presi- ary leadership. Mateo currently holds a dent’s List each semester, with a GPA of 3.83 cumulative GPA and has made the 3.9. Born and raised in St. Kitts, she has Dean’s List five consecutive semesters. always been ambitious and continues to On campus, he is the membership chair be, as she is eager to complete her de-for the NABA, Inc. student chapter, treasurer of the CEO (Colle- gree at just 18 years old. Her mantra is “Confidence is a keygiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization) Club, and an active member factor for success”, which is her driving force for accomplishingin the theater department – coming off last year’s lead role in A her dreams.Raisin in the Sun. Aaliyah Williams VICTOR SHOGE Aaliyah Williams is a master of accoun- Victor Shoge is a Nigerian who is cur- tancy graduate student at Alabama rently pursuing a master’s degree in ac- State University in Montgomery, Ala- counting at Prairie View A&M University, bama. She is originally from Bessemer, while maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.0. Alabama. She is an active member of He is a dedicated member of NABA, Inc. NABA – ASU chapter, Society of the Chapter at Prairie View A&M University, Advancement of Management, ASU as well as an active member of the In- Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In the future,ternational Student’s Community on campus. Upon graduation, she plans to have her own accounting firm. Her favorite quote,Victor plans to be a licensed CPA and become a consultant in a “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough”.top accounting firm. DE’HAVIA STEWART Aaron Williford De’Havia Stewart is an accounting Aaron Williford is a senior accounting major at Florida A&M University. She major and Regent’s Scholar at Texas has served on FAMU’s NABA chapter A&M University-Commerce. Originally E-Board since Spring 2017. She pos- from DeSoto, Texas, Aaron is looking to sesses a diverse skillset in the areas of obtain a master’s degree in information technology, marketing, and accounting. systems/accounting, after completing De’Havia has worked in corporate fi- his undergraduate studies. Profession-nance, tax accounting, and venture capital. She believes that ally, he aspires to become a CPA and eventually a director inthere are no limits on learning and achievements. Her favorite an accounting/finance practice. Aaron’s ultimate goal is to bequote is “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are foot- able to take care of himself and his family.prints on the moon.” Kenisha Warrington Joshua Woods Kenisha Warrington is a senior at Gram- Joshua Woods is a current student at bling State University (GSU) majoring in Howard University pursuing an ac- accounting and economics. She is the counting degree. He has been on the Corresponding Secretary for the NABA Dean’s Honor Roll with 3.6 GPA. He has GSU Chapter, as well as a member of the been part of Howard’s Business Execu- Earl Lester Cole Honors College. She is tive Leadership Honors, Business-21st a recipient of the IMA CMA Scholar- Century Advantage Program, Chairmanship, as well as a Wiley CPA Review Scholarship and plans on of the Finance and Investment Club, team leader of Careerbeing licensed as both a CPA and Certified Management Ac- Counseling Program, and Capital One’s Summit for Develop-countant (CMA). ing Leaders. Woods has been named a KPMG Future Diversity Leader and held an internship in finance at Moody’s Investors & Accounting.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BIOS / continuedARTHUR WRIGHT Amani YagboyajuArthur Wright is a junior majoring in fi- Amani Yagboyaju is a sophomore ac-nance at Bethune-Cookman University. counting and information technologyWright is from Daytona Beach, Florida double major at The Lincoln Universi-and currently serve as the Vice Presi- ty. She has an overall GPA of 3.94. Shedent for the B-CU NABA, Inc. student is the Secretary of the NABA, Inc. Lin-chapter. coln University student chapter. Her most recent academic achievements include, she serves as the Ambassador for the Pennsylvania Institute Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) at Lincoln Uni- versity, the treasurer for her class Student Government As- sociation and she is a Student Senator for Lincoln University. She currently has an internship at PwC for the summer. SPECIAL THANKS TO THE2018 SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEEKELLI WRIGHT, chair MARTRICE CALDWELL DETROIT, MI CHICAGO, IL LISA FISHER TEEYIA MERCER DETROIT, MI AUSTIN, TX TAMEKA WARD ASHLYNE REID DETROIT, MI CHARLOTTE, NC