Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 52 years of service and empowerment with NABA St. Louis Chapter Gala. Don’t miss out!
Engage, Empower, Educate, Enhance, and Elevate â âLifting as We Climbâ
St. Louis, Missouri, September 16, 2024 â The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Inc. St. Louis Chapter is excited to announce the return of its annual gala, marking 52 years of service in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. The celebration promises to be a memorable evening, taking place on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the St. Louis Convention Center, Americaâs Center.
The event will begin with a networking reception for students and corporate sponsors from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by an inspiring program from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., featuring a keynote address by Steven Harris, Managing Partner at RubinBrownÂź LLP, one of the nationâs leading accounting firms.
The evening will continue with dinner, awards, and a musical celebration, offering attendees the opportunity to reflect on and honor NABA’s achievements over the past five decades. “As part of the evening’s festivities, we will also highlight our community outreach initiatives and student scholarship program, showcasing the significant contributions that have strengthened the community over the years,” said Jeremiah Hathorn, CPA, President of NABA Inc. St. Louis Chapter.
Established in New York City in 1969, NABA has expanded to over 200 professional and student chapters nationwide. The St. Louis Chapter organized in 1972 to serve as a local resource for minorities and has proudly awarded scholarships to more than 350 students over the years. On a national scale, NABA has distributed over $11 million in scholarships since the scholarship program’s inception. The gala will celebrate and spotlight several of NABA Inc. St. Louis’ most impactful programs, including the Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP), the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, the Financial Empowerment Program, and the Annual CFO Panel.
NABA Gala
The Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP)
In 1980, the St. Louis Chapter launched the Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP), a cornerstone of the organization. This week-long summer residency, in collaboration with local colleges and universities, provides minority high school students with hands-on experiences in accounting, finance, auditing, and entrepreneurship. In 2024, 34 students from 19 area high schools participated in the ACAP residency at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). The program has awarded over $380,000 in scholarships to NABA student members across several institutions over the years, including the University of Missouri, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Harris-Stowe State University, and St. Louis Community College.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
In 1991, NABA Inc. St. Louis established the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program in partnership with the IRS and CareSTL Health, offering free tax preparation services to low-to-moderate-income earners, the elderly, and disabled taxpayers. In 2024, this impactful program processed over $500,000 in tax returns, resulting in nearly $100,000 in savings for clients.
The Financial Empowerment Program
This program enhances financial education for all residents of St. Louis and the surrounding communities by helping individuals set and achieve financial goals while addressing immediate and long-term financial management.
Annual CFO Panel
In 2023, the St. Louis Chapter launched its CFO Panel in collaboration with UMSL and St. Louis Community College (STLCC). This successful event, set to return this year, provided high school and college students with valuable networking opportunities with top CFOs from leading St. Louis companies. Moderated by student chapters, the panel attracted over 50 attendees, highlighting its significant impact on connecting students with industry professionals.
For additional information on the gala, interview requests, or to attend the event as a member of the media, please contact Ollie Dowell, media representative, at 314-265-5537.
How to Attend: Tickets for the gala are available for purchase on the NABA St. Louis Chapterâs website at https://community.nabainc.org/stlouis/home. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, and interested parties are encouraged to contact the organization directly at 314-567-2014.
Contact: Ollie Dowell
Phone: 314-265-5537
Email: ollie@olliedowell-pr.com
#NABAStLouis, #CommunityImpact, #StudentScholarships
