Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have a diverse range of nearly 30 student-led groups on campus, offering students opportunities to connect, engage and grow in their personal and professional interests.
Ebenezer Antwi, Class of 2026 operations management major and Fanta Barry, Class of 2026 management information systems major, are co-presidents of the National Association of Black Accountants. Antwi and Barry shared why they joined NABA and what makes their organization unique.
Lerner: When and why did you choose to join this student group?
Antwi & Barry: At the end of our sophomore year, we decided to revive the NABA chapter on campus after noticing a lack of community for Black students in the business school. We saw the value that an organization like NABA could provide academically and professionally.
Lerner: When and where does your student group meet and approximately how many members do you have?
Antwi & Barry: NABA meets twice a month for various events that expose our members to opportunities that exist in the corporate and post-grad world. We have approximately 35 members.
Lerner: What is the mission/goal of your student group?
Antwi & Barry: NABA’s motto is “Lifting as we Climb.” Our mission is to engage, empower, and educate Black business leaders by providing a platform to enhance their skills and elevate their voices.
Lerner: What is your best memory or proudest moment from this student group?
Antwi & Barry: For our community service event, we were able to go to Concord High School and host a panel for the students there about life as a business student. We were also able to attend the 2024 NABA Regional Conference in Washington, D.C. with 21 of our members.
Lerner: What is unique about your student group?
Antwi & Barry: As the only Lerner student group with a focus on Black business students, NABA is helping close the opportunity gap that exists between Black students and their peers. Additionally, our membership serves as a support system for students & helps provide a sense of belonging as we complete our degrees and prepare for life outside of UD.
Lerner: What are your goals for the future of your student group?
Antwi & Barry: NABA hopes to continue growing our membership and presence in the business school and in our campus community overall. We hope to build a network of current students and alumni who can credit NABA as a major source of their professional accomplishments.
Lerner: How has your student group helped you grow, personally or professionally?
Antwi & Barry: As Co-Presidents, we have learned a lot about leadership and communication. Whether it is to our board members or our corporate contacts, NABA has strengthened our abilities in creating clear itineraries, meeting agendas, event schedules for our semester programming, and emails to companies and on campus partners.
Lerner: Does your group have any social media handles?
Antwi & Barry: @udnaba on Instagram