The Graduate School of Professional Accounting has announced its 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Fellows. These six students from the MSA/MBA program will partner with GSPA staff to champion diversity and inclusion efforts of the GSPA and support a range of programs. Fellows will be involved in assisting in recruiting efforts and communicating with students, staff, and alumni on resources promoting diversity and inclusion.
2024 DEI Fellows
Undergraduate School & Major: Georgia State University, Finance
Why were you interested in being a DEI Fellow?
As someone who grew up moving around a lot, I have always found grounding in the communities around me. To support my journey at the GSPA, I needed to be a part of something as meaningful as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellowship and contribute to shaping an ideal experience for me and my classmates. As a black woman in accounting, I see this as a stepping stone to be a DEI advocate in any future work environment of mine.
What are you excited to do in this role?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are topics that are dear to me and that I promote in any environment in which I am involved. As a DEI fellow, I am looking forward to leveraging my knowledge and experiences to contribute to creating an inclusive space for our classmates where they can thrive and succeed. I am also excited about the new perspectives and potential foundational initiatives my fellows and I will bring forward!
Undergraduate School & Major: University of Massachusetts Boston, Management
Why were you interested in being a DEI Fellow?
I was drawn to the DEI Fellow role because of my commitment to leadership, mentorship, and inclusive environments. My past experiences have shown me the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels heard and valued. As a Latino, I understand the struggles some of us face when first coming to the U.S. and do not fully understand how business works here, so I want to share what I know with others.
What are you excited to do in this role?
I'm excited to mentor prospective students and help them navigate their paths in the accounting field. I have a lot of advice coming from my own experiences. Additionally, I look forward to collaborating on projects that bring the graduate accounting community together. By contributing my perspectives and skills, I hope to enhance the sense of belonging for all students.
Undergraduate School & Major: Stony Brook University, Creative Writing
Why were you interested in being a DEI Fellow?
I had been involved in DEI in an informal capacity in club leadership during undergrad, but I never had the opportunity to do so in a more formal setting. When I learned of the GSPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fellowship, I immediately knew I wanted to apply. I always want to make any space (whether academic, professional, or otherwise) more inclusive to queer people of color who come after me, and I hope that I can do so as a DEI Fellow in D'Amore-McKim.
What are you excited to do in this role?
I am deeply passionate about increasing awareness and inclusion of trans people in professional settings. It can often be awkward or uncomfortable to stand up for oneself or one's colleagues in these situations, and my hope is to normalize behaviors that are inclusive of trans and other LGBTQ+ people, creating a safer space for us to professionally thrive.
Undergraduate School & Major: Skidmore College, Management & Business
Why were you interested in being a DEI Fellow?
As a Mexican American woman, I have always been passionate about building safe spaces for people of diverse backgrounds. I joined several DEI initiatives throughout high school and college and found these experiences enriching and deeply rewarding. These experiences
strengthened my commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. When I heard that the MSA/MBA program at Northeastern had a DEI Fellowship, I was eager to jump on board and help build community among members of my program.
The initiatives and traditions that the Fellows of the class of 2024 shared with our cohort during orientation further motivated me to continue the legacy of this program. This position is a chance to advocate for underrepresented groups and foster an inclusive graduate program atmosphere. My goal is to support the Fellowship's mission by ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging and that diverse voices are heard and valued.
What are you excited to do in this role?
I was particularly inspired by the educational opportunities that past DEI Fellows have provided to the members of the GSPA. I am excited to continue this tradition and expand this initiative by offering comprehensive workshops that equip students with valuable skills for the workforce. I hope to help organize Excel workshops, candid networking sessions, and DEI educational workshops.
Additionally, I am excited to plan events alongside the other DEI Fellows to bring our class together and build a sense of community. I look forward to collaborating with the rest of the Fellows to plan activities and events that help our classmates de-stress and feel supported. I aim to foster a strong, inclusive community where everyone feels valued and connected.
Undergraduate School & Major: Howard University, Sociology
Why where you interested in being a DEI Fellow?
My interest in this role stems from my desire to foster an inclusive community. Throughout my life, I've been a beneficiary of programs centered around diversity and inclusion. My various experiences have motivated me to give back to all the communities I am a member of. Now that I'm at Northeastern in the MSA/MBA program, I want to do my part in making the cohort feel heard and welcomed on campus.
What are you excited to do in this role?
I'm very excited about the opportunity to facilitate inclusive events for the cohort. I already have plenty of ideas for ways the cohort can bond while having cultural experiences. I'm also excited to learn more about my classmates through these events, as we will be a part of each other's professional networks moving forward.
Undergraduate School & Major: University of San Diego, Finance
Why where you interested in being a DEI Fellow?
I've always been passionate about fostering environments where everyone feels valued and included. I believe diverse perspectives are meant to be accepted and celebrated. My interest in this role comes from a commitment to understanding and addressing systemic inequalities. Throughout my academic journey, I have seen the positive impact of inclusive practices firsthand, and my goal is to help further develop these practices throughout the program.
What are you excited to do in this role?
I'm excited to help plan events for my cohort to bring everyone together and help cultivate a culture of inclusion where everyone feels a sense of belonging. As a DEI Fellow, I am eager to collaborate with others who share this vision, learn from their experiences, and build upon each other's ideas. I hope to foster a community where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
Graduate School of Professional Accounting Values Statement
Accounting is a profession that values diversity and inclusion. As an educational partner, Northeastern University's Graduate School of Professional Accounting shares those values and encourages students to respect the beliefs, identities and cultures of their peers.
Graduate education offers a time to grow personally and professionally; the GSPA seeks to provide a safe environment where all students can share, listen and learn while they develop essential professional and interpersonal skills.
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