MassBay Community College has become the first community college in Massachusetts to establish a local chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), a nonprofit members association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for Black business leaders in the fields of accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship. NABA, Inc. focuses on advancing individuals and careers by providing education, resources, and meaningful connections to professionals and student members.
“We are thrilled to launch the NABA chapter at MassBay, furthering our commitment to foster diversity and inclusion in the fields of accounting and finance,” said MassBay President David Podell. “Under Professor Niemi’s leadership, students are affiliating with a national organization that will support and guide them with their professional careers and beyond, to not only enrich our business community, but our community as a whole.”
NABA, Inc. aims to create a supportive community for Black professionals, offering opportunities for growth and success. The MassBay chapter is led by faculty advisor and Associate Professor of Business Tom Niemi, and boasts 23 student members. Through the MassBay NABA chapter, members will engage and participate in meetings, networking opportunities, and off-campus events that will provide additional experience and knowledge in the financial industry.
“Our chapter will serve as a catalyst for empowerment–providing our members with tools and connections essential for success in their academic and professional journeys,” said Professor Niemi. “By launching this chapter of the NABA, students will benefit now and throughout their careers, as well as paying it forward through mentorship and community involvement.”
In the fall of 2023, Professor Niemi, alongside MassBay Accounting Professor Johanna Benavides and 13 MassBay students with a keen interest in accounting, attended the NABA regional conference in Washington D.C. The conference featured presentations by accounting industry leaders and offered attendees opportunities to participate in workshops, hear panel discussions on career advancement strategies, and network with accounting professionals. This invaluable experience, thanks in part to support from the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest, provided students with insights into the world of accounting and finance.
Waltham, MA, resident Nilton Garcia a MassBay business administration graduate who recently transferred to Bentley University, attended the conference and shared his thoughts: “The NABA regional conference was a transformative experience. It not only broadened my understanding of the industry, but also connected me with professionals who shared their inspirational stories. I am grateful for the opportunities the MassBay NABA chapter provides for students. I look forward to someday mentoring others and sharing the insights and knowledge that NABA has given me.”
MassBay Community College is committed to nurturing an inclusive environment and providing resources that empower students to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits. The launch of our NABA chapter aligns with this commitment, and the College looks forward to the positive impact it will have on the lives and careers of its students.
“As an African American woman, I don’t see a lot of other women in powerful positions, and I’m happy to be helping to change that for my children and for others,” said MassBay business and accounting student and the president of the MassBay NABA chapter, Tahirah Asbury of Waltham, MA. “NABA is a welcome opportunity I didn’t know that I needed but it has given me direction in life and with my studies. In a short amount of time, I have learned so much from others in the organization and I look forward to paving the way for more students at MassBay to experience the inspirational opportunities that are available through this partnership.”
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