✊ Black History Month: Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future | | February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and leadership of Black trailblazers who have shaped our communities, professions, and pathways forward.
At DFW-ABA, this month also reinforces our mission to uplift the next generation through scholarships, mentorship, professional development, and community engagement. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we are committed to creating access and opportunity for those who follow.
Throughout the month, we invite you to reflect, learn, and celebrate the impact of Black excellence in business and accounting. Thank you for being part of an organization that champions progress, representation, and collective success.
Together, we continue to make history.
“You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines... you make progress by implementing ideas.” – Shirley Chisholm | |
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💘💘 Valentine’s Day: Celebrating Connection & Community | | This Valentine’s Day, we are celebrating more than chocolates and roses. We are celebrating connection, mentorship, and the relationships that strengthen our community year-round.
From professional partnerships and friendships to mentors who open doors and peers who inspire growth, DFW-ABA thrives because of the people who show up for one another.
Take a moment this week to thank someone who has supported your journey, whether it is a colleague, a board member, a volunteer, or a fellow member. Small gestures go a long way in building a network rooted in encouragement and excellence.
Happy Valentine’s Day from DFW-ABA. We are grateful for each of you and the role you play in shaping our community. | |
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Upcoming General Body Meeting
| | 📅 Date: February 19, 2026
We're excited to host our first CPE Event of 2026, hosted by Brenda Williams. She will be giving a rundown on emotional intelligence strategies, and how to employ them in your day-to-day. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just joined, this is your time to plug in.
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💼 VITA Kickoff Recap: Ready to Serve Our Community | | DFW-ABA members and volunteers tly came together at the VITA kickoff training session on January 17th, joining community organizers in preparing to serve individuals and families through free, high-quality tax preparation this filing season.
Professionals and students alike dedicated part of their Saturday to sharpening technical skills, reviewing intake and quality-control procedures, and getting ready to make a meaningful impact in the community. The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to volunteerism and service.
We are proud of everyone who represented DFW-ABA and answered the call to give back. Your willingness to show up, learn, and support neighbors in need is what keeps this work moving forward.
We look forward to seeing our members in action throughout the VITA season as knowledge turns into impact.
For more information or to sign-up for VITA during the year, please contact community.affairs@dfwaba.org | |
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NOW OPEN: Scholarship Applications | | The DFW-ABA Scholarship Application is now live!
We’re awarding scholarships to students who show leadership, academic commitment, and community involvement. The scholarship is made possible through the contributions of individuals, groups, and organizations that share the DFW-ABA’s desire to close financial barriers to education.
📅 Deadline: July 19, 2026
If you are interested in applying, please use the link the below. | | |
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Keep Your Profile Updated – Help Us Serve You Better! | Stay connected and help us improve our programming! By updating your profile on the DFW-ABA website, you ensure that we can tailor events, resources, and opportunities that align with your interests and professional goals. Your updated information also plays a key role in helping us track organizational metrics and enhance our outreach efforts. Take a moment to log in and update your details today - thank you for being an active part of our community! | | |
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📣 Board Openings | Help Shape the Future of DFW-ABA | | | We are currently seeking dedicated and mission-aligned leaders to join the DFW-ABA Board of Directors. These roles are critical to the continued strength, sustainability, and growth of the organization. Each position offers hands-on leadership experience, the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, and the chance to directly impact students and professionals across the DFW community. Secretary: The Secretary plays a vital role in ensuring organizational continuity and clarity. This position supports accurate record-keeping, documentation, and communication that allow the board to operate effectively and transparently. Assistant Treasurer: The Assistant Treasurer supports financial oversight, accountability, and reporting. This role is ideal for individuals interested in nonprofit finance, budgeting, and governance, and provides meaningful exposure to fiscal leadership. Student Care Co-Director: The Student Care Co-Director helps champion the student experience across programs and initiatives. This role centers student voice, engagement, and support, ensuring students feel seen, prepared, and empowered throughout their journey with DFW-ABA.
Students are welcome and highly encouraged to apply. Serving on the board provides unparalleled exposure to governance, nonprofit leadership, and professional development in a supportive and values-driven environment. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please reach out to info@dfwaba.org. |
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🎓 Student Achievement Spotlight | | We’re thrilled to spotlight Jessica Rodriguez Reyes, one of our standout scholarship recipients from last year. Jessica is currently advancing her education as a first-gen college student at UNT. She is majoring in the MS Accounting & Data Analytics program. Her interest in accounting began when her father introduced her to various tools within the profession: how to use QuickBooks, managing business invoices, and recording receivables. She has carried that interest through college, as she has completed multiple internships so far. As she continues on her path toward CPA licensure and professional growth, we’re proud to have played a part in her journey. Jessica embodies the excellence, resilience, and leadership our scholarship program aims to encourage. One fun fact about Jessica is she recently went skydiving for the first time and hiked three mountains last year. 🪂⛰️ Please join us in congratulating Jessica on all she has accomplished and in cheering her on for what’s next! 🚀 | |
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👋 Meet-a-Member: Issifu Abubakar | | My Background and Journey to DFW-ABA I’m a licensed CPA with a professional background in accounting, tax, Merger and Acquisitions and advisory services. My career started as head of accounts and finance with Dangote Cement in Ghana, working with listed companies and now small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong interest in helping business owners not only stay compliant, but also grow strategically. I moved to DFW as a graduate student at the University of Dallas in Irving. I was drawn to the DFW-ABA because of its mission to connect, empower, and elevate African and minority interests. The sense of community, collaboration, and shared ambition really resonated with me. I’d choose the ability to instantly simplify complex information. People are often overwhelmed by numbers, regulations, and technical language. Being able to break down complexity into clear, actionable insight on demand would make an even bigger impact for clients and colleagues alike, whether in leadership, collaboration, or customer relationships comes down to connection. Being able to meet people exactly where they are would make every conversation more meaningful, and every project more effective. Show up with curiosity and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. The DFW-ABA community is full of people who genuinely want to see each other win. The more you engage, whether through events, volunteering, or simply reaching out the more value you’ll gain and the more impact you’ll make. I work with other members who constantly come to my office for advice on their CPA exams and other professional opportunities. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, staying current on business and economic trends, and spending time reflecting or planning future goals. I also value quality time with family and friends. How Friends Would Describe Me Focused, dependable, and thoughtful. |
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📚 SUPPORT NEEDED: Black Children’s Book Week | | Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy is hosting Black Children’s Book Week from February 23-27.
Throughout the week, scholars will take part in read-aloud experiences as community guests and volunteer readers visit classrooms to share meaningful and engaging stories. The goal is to expose students to a diverse range of voices while fostering a love for reading and learning.
To support this initiative, the school is collecting gently used Black-focused children’s books or encouraging supporters to purchase a new title through their Amazon Wishlist. Donations will help ensure guest readers have a wide and inclusive selection of books to choose from.
Please provide any donations in advance of the Book Week so the school is adequately prepared.
Thank you for helping uplift young readers and invest in the power of stories within our community. | |
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| This is our special space dedicated to celebrating, highlighting, and encouraging our members who are accomplishing a victory in their personal and professional lives. No success is too big or small - we are here to highlight and congratulate our members' success. Whether it's landing a new job, re-learning to tie your shoes, learning new sleep strategies, earning a certification, launching a successful project, or making an impact in the community, we are here to applaud your achievements. Join us in recognizing the continued efforts and dedication of our outstanding members. Keep striving for greatness and inspiring others with your incredible journeys! |
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| Let's congratulate Shalisa Smith for being accepted into the South 4 cohort of @The Talent Development Impact Lab.
This prestigious program is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders of color, focusing on entrepreneurship, leadership development, and building generational wealth. | |
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| Let's give a shout-out to Regina L Brown for her book, Level Up. The book is a devotional vision planning journal, where she leans into her experience of motivating people to achieve self-fulfilment and development.
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| Let's congratulate I'Keem Bolds for starting as a Real Estate Private Equity Intern with Project Destined. | | |
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| Not a Member Yet? Join Us Today! Discover the benefits of becoming a member. As a member, you’ll connect with our network of corporate partners and unlock a world of opportunities tailored just for you. Click and Join Us and start exploring all the advantages membership has to offer. | | |
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Call for 2026 CPE Speakers 📢 | | 📢 We’re looking for 2026 CPE Speakers! Do you have expertise in accounting, finance, technology, leadership, or business strategy? Share your knowledge and inspire professionals across the DFW community. Presenting a session helps expand your brand, connect with diverse peers, and advance the profession.
Potential topics range from tax updates and digital assets to leadership, project management, and fraud prevention. But you’re welcome to pitch your own too!
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Use Your Kroger Plus to Assist Our Growth! | | |
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Join Our Journey - Get Involved Today | | Your skills, passion, and perspectives are what make our community vibrant and strong. As we continue to grow and innovate, we invite you to bring your unique talents to one of our committees. Whether you're looking to make a difference, develop new skills, or connect with fellow members, there's a place for you. Explore our committees and find where you can best contribute to our collective success. Together, we can achieve incredible things. Dive in and make an impact. Join a committee today! | | |
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