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LOCAL HISTORY - AUSTIN CHAPTER
In 1986, ten individuals led by founding president Winsome Jean, decided to continue the commitment of NABA in Austin by chartering the beginning of the Austin Cen-Tex Chapter. The commitment continued through the leadership of Debra Shaw, Michael Dunn, Shelby Jones-Starkes, Michael Harris, Suzon Holmes, Celia Thompkins, Maxine Buckles, Daphne Jimerson, Roger Davis and to our current president Teeyia Mercer.
Programs supported by our local chapter professional and student member volunteers include: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA); Career Development Seminars; Technical Seminars; Accounting and Career Awareness Program (ACAP), Southwestern Region Student Conference (SWWRSC), and annual awards and student scholarship events.
The Austin Cen-Tex chapter is affiliated with the U.S. Western Region of NABA, Inc.
NATIONAL HISTORY
December 1969, nine African Americans met in New York City to discuss the unique challenge and limited opportunities they faced in the accounting profession. In that year, there were only 136 African American Certified Public Accountants (CPA's) out of a total of 100,000 in the United States.
This group wanted to establish an organization to address the concerns of minorities entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence. The following nine individuals who met that month were determine to "make a difference" and let their voices be heard:
Ronald Benjamin |
Earl Biggot |
Berthram Gobson |
Frank Ross |
Richard McNamee |
Michele Winston |
Kenneth Drummond |
George Wallace |
Donald Bristow |
The goals of the Association include, but are not limited to, the following:
- sent the interests of current and prospective minority accounting professionals
- To encourage and assist minority students in entering the accounting profession;
- To promote and develop the professional skills of our members;
- To provide opportunities for members to fulfill their civic responsibility; and
- To ensure long-term financial stability and provide adequate resources to implement chapter, regional, and national programs.
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“As a college graduate, I will become a professional member of NABA. I intend to do charitable work such as providing free tax accounting services for underprivileged persons in the community on behalf of NABA. I also intend to educate and encourage high school students interested in pursuing higher education about the opportunities and benefits available in the accounting profession and being a member of this highly recognized organization. I would also love to work with the student members of NABA by providing exemplary mentoring and strategic goal-setting in order that they reach the pinnacle of their success in the accounting profession. The importance of being involved in the community has been embedded in me and has always been an important part of my life. My involvement in NABA is one which I take very seriously and plan to use to the benefit of this organization as well as the larger community keeping in mind at all times that as minorities and professionals that have been granted opportunities which many others can only dream of, we are obligated to be " Lifting as we Climb."
Kemba Valentine
NABA Austin Cen-Tex Student Chapter Liaison |
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Through my NABA student membership, I learned a lot about the various aspects of business. NABA provides a framework whereby students can network with potential employers, allowing students to gain hands on experience of the professional world. Through this network, I have also been fortunate to be offered an internship with major audit firm - KPMG LLP, as well as an offer for full-time employment at Dell Inc. This knowledge I have acquired through my membership with this organization along with the experience I will gain at both mentioned opportunities for employment, will help me to achieve great success as a professional giving me the opportunity to “Lift As I Climb.” I plan to remain a member of NABA beyond my undergraduate years as I matriculate to the Professional Chapter.
Damian Spencer
NABA Austin Cen-Tex Professional Member |
