Thirteen University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) students from UHD’s National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) chapter joined more than 800 students at the 54th Annual NABA Convention and Expo from June 2-6. The annual event, hosted in Las Vegas, included student and faculty members from institutions nationwide, including Howard University, Georgia State, and University of Texas at Austin. Students participated in mock interviews, attended specialized breakout sessions, and connected with student-led and professional chapters.
“The NABA convention is a fantastic opportunity for students to immerse themselves in cutting-edge information, methodologies, and advancements in their fields of study,” said Zoe Smith, Assistant Director of Marilyn Davies College of Business Career Center and new Faculty Advisor for NABA. “It provides diverse perspectives, allowing them to hear from and interact with experts from companies they aspire to join.”
The convention’s career expo proved particularly valuable for students seeking internships. “I had the chance to speak directly with recruiters from the Big Four and other top accounting firms,” said Malik Mustafaa, President of NABA and graduate student at MDCOB. " I left the convention with new connections, internship offers, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
From expert-led sessions to high-impact networking and career building, the NABA convention and expo served as a valuable experience for MDCOB students.
Desiree Rahming, Accounting major and Vice President of UHD NABA says, “Attending the 2025 NABA National Convention and Expo in Las Vegas was one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey.”
Are you interested in joining UHD’s NABA? The professional organization is open to any and all interested Marilyn Davies College of Business students.
“It’s not just about building your resume, it’s about building your network, your confidence, and your community,” said Mustafaa. “Through NABA, I’ve gained mentorship, internship opportunities, and leadership experience that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else.”