Membership Skyrockets from 42 to 200 in a Single Semester
December 07, 2024
AAMU NABA Chapter Experiences Unprecedented Growth
The Alabama A&M University Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) has seen extraordinary expansion, growing its membership from 42 to 200 students
since August.
Chartered in 1975, the chapter has reached new heights this semester under the guidance
of Faculty Advisor Dr. Felicia C. Farrar, CPA, CFE, and chapter President Meris Mollel.
Farrar, recently appointed to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Academic Executive Committee, has been a key supporter of the chapter's initiatives.
Mollel, a senior finance major from Birmingham, Alabama, credits the rapid growth
to collaborative leadership and the active involvement of all chapter members. He
has already secured a position in the Finance Management Analyst Program at Bank of
America and emphasizes the chapter's focus on professional development and networking
opportunities.
“We’ve had the privilege of helping 10 students secure internships and job offers
from companies like Microsoft, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and KPMG,” Mollel shared.
“We’ve leveraged our network to bring eight companies to campus for panels and informational
sessions and developed a six-week professional development boot camp.”
The boot camp played a critical role in preparing students for the NABA LINK Regional
Conference in Atlanta. The chapter successfully organized a delegation of students
to attend the event.
“Our executive board devised a plan to bring 70 students to the conference,” explains
Mollel. “After creating a budget, it took significant planning, bonding, and countless
late nights to bring everything together, but everyone in the chapter was involved.
Atlanta was a tremendous success. Our group had the opportunity to visit JPMorgan
Chase, Microsoft, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.”
While in Atlanta, members also recorded interviews with prominent industry leaders
for the chapter’s YouTube channel, “Breaking Down Business on the Hill.” Guests included Alice L. Jolla, Chief Accounting Officer of Microsoft; Ray Price
Jr., CFO of CLA; Kimi Ellen, CPA and Chair of the NABA Division of Firms; and Herschel
Frierson, Chair of NABA and Principal at Crowe.
Founded in December 1969, the National Association of Black Accountants, whose motto
is “Lifting as We Climb,” works to empower Black professionals in accounting and finance.
With more than 10,000 members across the U.S., NABA continues to inspire the next
generation of leaders.
Looking ahead, Mollel says the chapter plans to sustain its momentum through additional
events and professional development initiatives.
“2025 is going to be another landmark year for our chapter,” says Mollel. “We’re focused
on expanding opportunities, strengthening our network, and continuing to support each
other as we prepare for our futures. Together, we’re not just growing numbers - we’re
building a legacy.”
To stay connected, follow the chapter on Instagram.
(Photo L-R) Irvin Bishop III, Corporate Outreach Coordinator; Ayoola Akinlawon, Secretary;
Kortney Adkins, Financial Secretary; Meris Mollel, President; Dr. Felicia Farrar,
Faculty Advisor; Santia Rogers, Vice President; Jayden Adolphin, Treasurer; Emilio
Angel, Deputy Chairman; Derricka Garson, Public Relations Manager