By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
A new organization is making its mark on campus with a mission to elevate business students and strengthen their path from the classroom into the professional world.
The National Association of Black Accountants, a national nonprofit with more than 150 student and professional chapters across the country, has officially launched a chapter at the university.
“It offers an opportunity for students to transfer into the professional world,” accounting major Ernest Nyangwila Mulomba, a senior and the chapter’s vice president, said. “It offers great internship and scholarship opportunities, and it helps transition students from student life to professional life.”
Although NABA’s name reflects its origins, the organization is open to all students interested in business.
The organization emphasizes leadership development, networking and its motto: “Lifting as we climb.”
Nyangwila Mulomba said the chapter was inspired by a visit from NABA leaders at the University of Connecticut, which encouraged students at the university to establish their own.
After multiple semesters at the university, Nyangwila Mulomba explained that the organization fills a gap that he has taken note of: the need for more direct, personalized professional support for business majors.
“I brought NABA here because, for me, there was a lack of resources,” Nyangwila Mulomba said. “Teachers do have opportunities, yes, but other times, students have to go out of their way to find a path into the professional world.”
Despite various career fairs that foster networking opportunities, Nyangwila Mulomba said that these fairs rarely offer the opportunity for students to master the skills needed to apply to firms, create personal connections or be successful throughout the interview process.
“At fairs, I feel like I’m just a number to them,” Nyangwila Mulomba said. “NABA will bring that connection where it’s more personal. You go to their firms, you communicate with them, learn what they do on the job and hopefully keep that connection.”
NABA’s national mission focuses on the ‘Five Es’: Engage, Empower, Educate, Enhance and Elevate.
While the group was founded to support Black accountants who faced systemic barriers in the industry, the organization has since then expanded to include all business disciplines and students of all backgrounds.
“It all started from four Black accountants,” Nyangwila Mulomba said. “But as it evolved, many people became interested in it, and they opened doors to overall different opportunities, different businesses. So, it’s for all majors, not just accountants.”
Even as inclusion efforts widen the door, Nyangwila Mulomba said the organization continues to shine as a powerful source of role models for Black business students.
“Professionals talk about the struggle of being the only Black person in a firm,” Nyangwila Mulomba said.
Due to white men’s historical domination of the business field, Nyangwila Mulomba said it is important for Black business students to have a supportive community that can uplift them and allow them to thrive.
“We’re able to get in there and open doors and even help our younger self lift as well,” Nyangwila Mulomba said. “So, we help people climb up to where they are from the struggle that they had to face.”
Nyangwila Mulomba revealed that the chapter’s upcoming programming includes resume and LinkedIn development workshops, professional headshots, interview practice, networking events, firm visits and guest speakers.
Officers also hope the organization will help students adopt a more professional mindset, as it will allow them to be prepared for their career.
“It starts with dressing professionally,” Nyangwila Mulomba said. “If we can dress ourselves to look the part, then the character will follow.”
Mulomba hopes that students will invest in their future by taking advantage of this opportunity.
“We open it up to other students who come and see what the business world is like,” Mulomba said. “Freshmen who are undecided can come to NABA and see if business is something for them.”
For Mulomba and the rest of the founding team, the long-term goal is simple but crucial: build something that lasts.
“The plan so far is just to grow it,” Nyangwila Mulomba said. “I want people to feel the impact and see the impact of it.”
For those interested, NABA meets every Wednesday from 5-6:30 p.m. in Buley Library Room 204.
