Stony Brook Students Rebuild NABA Chapter, Creating New Pathways to Professional Opportunity

What began as a small, student-led effort to reestablish a professional organization on campus has grown into a pathway to national opportunity for members of Stony Brook University's National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) chapter.

This summer, Stony Brook students Temitade Adeyemi, Ashton George and Zachary Adams attended the NABA National Conference in Las Vegas, representing a reformed and growing campus chapter. The experience resulted in all three students securing internships for summer 2026, highlighting the tangible impact of rebuilding the organization at Stony Brook.

Founded as a nonprofit organization, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) is dedicated to advancing Black business leaders in accounting, finance, business and entrepreneurship. With more than 22,000 members nationwide, the organization focuses on professional development, access to resources and meaningful career connections, guided by its mission to engage, empower and educate members while "lifting as it climbs."

Students involved in the Stony Brook chapter say the group's rebuilding efforts reflect NABA's broader mission of engagement, empowerment and education, while creating a local space where students can develop skills and explore career pathways.

Currently, the NABA chapter consists of eight active student members and is focused on expanding its presence on campus. Students involved in the organization say the chapter was rebuilt to create access to professional development, mentorship and community for Black students interested in accounting, finance and related fields.

"Before I got involved, there had been a NABA chapter at Stony Brook in prior years, but it had become inactive over time," said Zachary Adams, chairman of NABA SBU and a business management student. "The organization no longer had a visible presence on campus, consistent programming, or an engaged membership. The chapter needed to be rebuilt to effectively serve students again."

As it turns out, other students felt the same way. Ashton George, a business management and finance student who has since become the NABA SBU vice president, said that once he hit his junior year, he was really trying to figure out his next steps and didn't know exactly where - or how - to find help.

"I wouldn't say I was lost, but I was definitely seeking direction," he said. "I was looking for ways to put myself ahead of competition, to buff up my resume and to create a competitive advantage for myself."

With the help of the rest of the executive team and the guidance from the Career Center, the Stony Brook Chapter of NABA headed for a revival.

Reestablishing the chapter required persistence and collaboration, with students focused on recruiting new members, hosting interest meetings and creating an Instagram presence to increase visibility and engagement across campus, while building a foundation for sustainable growth.

"I decided to help rebuild NABA because I saw a gap in support, representation and professional development opportunities for underrepresented students who look like me and share similar career goals," Adams explained. "Yes, some organizations existed for business students, but I don't think there was anything specifically for underrepresented business students."

To increase engagement, membership and visibility, Adams says that the group focused on intentional outreach and relevance, specifically targeting underclassmen and students who have an interest in pursuing careers in business, accounting, finance and related fields, as well as those actively seeking mentorship and networking opportunities. NABA truly took the leap to put themselves out there through reliable programming, communication and a visible campus presence via events, tabling and social media.

"We also focused on building a community, making sure members felt supported both professionally and personally, which helped encourage engagement," he said.

Attending the national conference marked a significant milestone for the chapter, giving students the opportunity to engage with professionals, attend workshops and represent Stony Brook on a national stage. For the students, securing internships at the conference was both a personal achievement and a reflection of the chapter's progress.

"That's what really opened my eyes for what the club could be and what it's able to do," said George. "You got to speak to executives and recruiters from the Big Three accounting firms, Chase, Microsoft. I didn't know the direct timelines or pipelines for how people find themselves in certain positions. I feel like NABA showed this to me."

Looking ahead, members say the chapter is eager to welcome more students and continue building momentum. They emphasize that NABA is open to students at different stages of their academic and professional journeys. Students involved in the chapter hope that its continued growth will create lasting opportunities for future members and strengthen the professional pipeline for Stony Brook students.

As the chapter continues to evolve, members say they hope NABA at Stony Brook becomes a space where students can explore career paths, build confidence and access professional opportunities that extend beyond campus.

"I learned that leadership comes from empowering others around you, building systems that last beyond one person, and staying committed to a shared vision," Adams said.

- Emily Cappiello