Further solidifying the alliance between the two organizations, IMA’s Director of Technical Accounting Activities Linda Devonish-Mills, CMA, CPA, CAE, recently attended the Eastern Regional Student Leadership Conference of NABA (the National Association of Black Accountants). The meeting was held in Norfolk, Va., on October 5-7 and attracted more than 600 students from across the Eastern seaboard.

NABA is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for black professionals in the accounting, finance, and related-business professions. Representing more than 200,000 black professionals in these fields, NABA advances people, careers, and its mission by providing education, resources, and meaningful career connections to both professional and student members. Earlier this year, IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) and NABA signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging mutual support of each other’s organizations.

NABA hosts four regional student leadership conferences every year. These conferences aim to provide students with interview opportunities for internships and full-time positions as well as interactive sessions on topics such as interviewing skills, dressing for success, communication skills, and transitioning from college student to business professional.

As a representative of IMA, Devonish-Mills participated as an exhibitor at the conference. She also served on a panel that discussed the advantages of earning advanced certifications. As a panelist, she described the benefits of IMA membership and the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) certification, noting especially how students can take the CMA exam while still in school.

Commenting on the experience, Devonish-Mills said, “It was a privilege to be able to participate in this NABA conference and to have the opportunity to speak with so many aspiring and enthusiastic students. Many of them were eager to learn more about CMA certification and the many offerings that IMA provides to its student members.”

At the conference, Devonish-Mills also met with faculty members, whom she said were receptive to learning about the many programs that IMA offers to them as well, including the IMA Higher Education Endorsement Program, the IMA Accounting Honor Society for their students, and numerous research and scholarship opportunities.

Devonish-Mills said she is confident that the relationship between the two organizations will continue to grow, including participation by NABA-sponsored students at future IMA Student Leadership Conferences. She also would like to see other opportunities to attend additional regional NABA conferences, which will provide additional chances to increase awareness among students about IMA and the CMA.

For more information on NABA, please visit http://www.nabainc.org/. Additional inquiries related to IMA and NABA can be directed to Linda Devonish-Mills at lmills@imanet.org.