22
September
2021
|
09:59 AM
America/Chicago

UHD Student Org of the Week: National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)

By Raven Ambers

Less than a year since its inception, the University of Houston-Downtown’s National Association of Black Accountants(NABA) chapter is celebrating another big milestone: Being named Student Chapter of the Year by Houston’s NABA chapter. 

The student organization, which provides networking, internship and job opportunities to students pursuing accounting, launched in July 2020. 

In celebration of such a big achievement, UHD NABA is Gator Update's First Student Organization of the Week. Each week, we will highlight a new student chapter in Gator Update.

“It is truly an honor to be awarded student chapter of the year,” said UHD NABA Vice President Patrick Wallace. “Our entire leadership board works very hard to make things happen and to be a reliable resource for students.” 

UHD’s NABA proudly brands itself as more than just a networking organization for aspiring accountants. Wallace calls it a family. 

“Family sees you when you are vulnerable and at your worst, but they are the first people to congratulate you when everything works out,” Wallace said. “Family tells you when they think you can do better but also rewards you with supreme care for just being yourself and trying to improve. We want the same. We want everyone to be the best they can be. We are here to help one another, anytime no matter the issue.”

The group meets one to two times a month but hosts a number of events and opportunities for accounting students looking to expand their network, get connected to jobs, internships and scholarships. 

The chapter’s motto is “Lifting as we climb.”

“As great as it feels to receive opportunities from NABA, we all can remember a time where we weren't as fortunate,” Wallace said. “Because of this, we want others to experience the same satisfaction and fulfillment we have been fortunate enough to develop.” 

The organization boasts a diverse leadership team, which reflects the multi-cultural student population at UHD. 

Students may also recognize the chapter president, Shamika Jefferson, who also serves as Student Government Association President. 

Wallace says the chapter’s main goal this year is to continue providing more students with opportunities to build long-lasting network connections. He says anyone interested in becoming a member is welcome to sign up online. 

“We are a fairly new organization, so the retention and feedback we get from our members means the world to us on a different level,” Wallace said. 

Follow UHD NABA Online: 

Would you like your organization to be feature in Gator Update? Reach out to ambersr@uhd.edu and share some details about your group to be considered for Gator Update's Student Org of the Week.