The MACPA was a corporate partner for the National Association of Black Accountants 34th Annual Convention, which brought more than 1,800 professionals and students from around the country to Detroit in June.

Veronica Hyman-Pillot of the IRS, right, speaks with an attendee at the NABA Convention.

Held at the Detroit    Marriott Renaissance Center from June 14 to 18, the convention theme was “Achieving Excellence Through Leadership.” It featured seminars, workshops, training sessions and networking activities.

“The MACPA provided an unparalleled contribution to the NABA for this event,” said Gail Sparks Pitts, MACPA Board secretary and NABA Lansing chapter founder and past president. “MACPA members and staff provided fabulous resources and support which helped make this event a success.”

The partnership between NABA and the MACPA forges a stronger tie between the associations as they both strive to encourage diversity within the accounting profession. Along with sponsoring the convention, the MACPA exhibit booth highlighted various diversity initiatives. The MACPA staff spoke with national NABA members about the state of the profession across the country and shared the Association’s efforts to serve its diverse membership and reach out to the community.

Ralph Thomas, Executive Director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs and convention attendee, MACPA staff members Jean Jernigan and Nicole Shepard and MACPA Board Secretary Gail Sparks Pitts at the NABA Convention.

The Detroit chapter of NABA, spearheaded by MACPA Board member Carla Sledge, hosted the event. Detroit chapter members, with the assistance of Lansing chapter members worked with its parent association to draw record numbers to the convention. The vitality of Detroit was exemplified by the large number of attendees. The Detroit event drew more participants than past conventions in New York and Boston.

“I’m so excited that the MACPA was able to partner with NABA for their 34th Annual Convention,” said Peggy Dzierzawksi, MACPA president and CEO. “This partnership reflects the priority our board has placed on highlighting the importance of diversity within the profession.”

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