Leading the Way: Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Accounting and Finance

Guylaine Saint Juste is a highly respected accounting professional and business leader with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a chartered global management accountant (CGMA). Before joining NABA, Saint Juste served as the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Society of Louisiana CPAs, where she led the organization’s strategic planning and growth initiatives. She also held several leadership positions at the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), where she played a key role in the development of the organization’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) is one of the most dynamic chapters of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA), a leading organization that represents the interests of African Americans and other minorities in the accounting, finance, and business professions. Under the leadership of Guylaine Saint Juste, the President and CEO of NABA, the Detroit Chapter of NABA has become a vital resource for African American accounting professionals and students in the Detroit metropolitan area. This article will explore the relationship between the Detroit Chapter of NABA and Guylaine Saint Juste, and how their partnership has contributed to the success of the organization and the advancement of African American accounting professionals.

In 2021, Saint Juste became the President and CEO of NABA, becoming the first woman to lead the organization in its 50-year history. Since taking on this role, Saint Juste has been committed to advancing NABA’s mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in the accounting and finance professions. She has also been dedicated to providing resources and support to NABA’s local chapters, including the Detroit Chapter of NABA.

The Detroit Chapter of NABA was founded in 1974 and has been an active and influential presence in the Detroit community ever since. The chapter’s mission is to promote the professional and personal growth of African American accounting professionals and students in the Detroit metropolitan area. The chapter achieves this mission by offering a wide range of programs and services, including professional development seminars, networking events, and mentoring opportunities.

Under the leadership of Guylaine Saint Juste, the Detroit Chapter of NABA has continued to thrive and expand its reach. In 2019, Saint Juste visited the Detroit Chapter of NABA to meet with its members and learn about the chapter’s activities and initiatives. During her visit, she spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession and shared her vision for NABA’s future.

Saint Juste’s visit to the Detroit Chapter of NABA was a significant moment for the chapter and its members. Her presence highlighted the importance of the chapter’s work and the impact it has on the African American accounting community. It also demonstrated NABA’s commitment to supporting its local chapters and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

Since Saint Juste’s visit, the Detroit Chapter of NABA has continued to grow and expand its reach. The chapter has launched several new initiatives, including a mentoring program for college students and a scholarship program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in accounting and finance. The chapter has also hosted several successful networking events and professional development seminars, bringing together African American accounting professionals from across the Detroit metropolitan area.

The partnership between the Detroit Chapter of NABA and Guylaine Saint Juste has been instrumental in the chapter’s success. Saint Juste’s leadership and support have helped to strengthen the chapter’s programs and initiatives, while also raising its profile within the accounting and finance professions. The Detroit Chapter of NABA, in turn, has been a vital resource for African American accounting professionals and students in Detroit.

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