Hometown: Springfield, IL
Current Location: Springfield, IL
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue your current career path?
I have always been great with math as a child. When I was around 10 years old, I used to call the bank and balance my mother's check book for fun. However, when I was 28 I attended my cousin's extravagant wedding. I asked my great uncle how he was able to afford such a marvelous wedding. I wanted to know what he did for a living. My great uncle informed me he used to be a CPA and that has allowed him to have the life he has and provide for his family the way he does. At that moment, my wheels started turning and I decided to go back to college to become a CPA myself!
Who or what has been your biggest influence or mentor in your journey?
Upon reflecting who has been my biggest influence in my journey, I discovered multiple people made a monumental influence in my journey. While my great uncle was the first CPA who looked like me, my mom showed me it's okay to go back to college no matter my age. She graduated with her master's degree while I was in high school. My dad has shaped my work ethics. He believes in giving your best effort the first time and making sure you understand the task at hand to minimize the amount of times you must work on something. My late third cousin, George Manning II, instilled in me at a young age the importance of self understanding and having a network based on genuine human connections. My husband, who has always wanted the best for me and has known that I can succeed at whatever I put my mind too.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
I see myself being CEO of an accounting firm and making a beneficial impact on everyone's life that I interact with through the services I offer, community outreach I provide, or my story that I openly share. I see myself inspiring other young people to pursue a CPA license. I want to show people you can shine in your career while putting your family first. I want to be in place where I have the power and ability to help others have a chance in reaching their goals.
What advice would you give to others who are looking to advance and make a difference in their field?
Never think you must do anything alone. Life becomes much easier when you understand it is okay for people to help/assist you. Never believe it is too late to change your life!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time that helps you stay inspired and motivated?
I love traveling and socializing with complete strangers! Learning other people's stories and why our lives brought us together for glimpse moment is truly beautiful. Plus, I love the faces people make when I tell them I am a tax accountant. I am elated to share a little bit of my tax knowledge!
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I am not a traditional student. I returned to Lincoln Land Community College in 2018 at 28 to earn my associates in accounting. Then I transferred to UIS to earn my bachelor's and master's degree. By the time I graduated with my master's degree I already passed 3 of the CPA exams. In May 2022, I earned my master's degree and in December 2022, I became a licensed CPA in Illinois. MarieJoy Roberts, Carol Jessup, Ahmad Jumah, David Saner, and Mohammed Uddin played a pivotal role in my journey of becoming a CPA at UIS. I truly appreciate them.