The Bennett Thrasher Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bennett Thrasher, a full-service accounting and advisory firm, has made an investment in NABA Inc., a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to engaging, empowering, and educating aspiring students and business leaders in accounting, IT, finance, business, and entrepreneurship. The contribution represents a shared commitment to expanding NABA Inc.’s proven programs focused on developing a diverse and comprehensive talent pipeline to shape the future of accounting and business.
“At NABA Inc., our mantra is ‘lifting as we climb,’ and that starts by reaching high school students early, helping them see what’s possible, and putting them on a path to thrive,” said Guylaine Saint Juste, president and CEO, NABA Inc. “We appreciate this inaugural investment from the Bennett Thrasher Foundation to advance our mission of building the next generation of diverse business leaders in the accounting profession.”
“At Bennett Thrasher, we believe investing firsthand in the development of future leaders is essential to the growth of our profession,” said Jeff Call, managing partner and CEO, Bennett Thrasher. “NABA Inc. has a strong track record of creating meaningful pathways for young talent, and we’re proud to join them in this mission.”
Durran Dunn, partner in the Risk Advisory Services practice at Bennett Thrasher, is actively contributing to making business, especially accounting, more dynamic and appealing through his leadership as national treasurer and finance chair on NABA, Inc.’s board of directors. His passion for NABA, Inc.’s mission inspired him to foster a stronger relationship between the organization and Bennett Thrasher to make the profession and business more inclusive.
“Despite progress, only 1% of CPAs are Black and less than 2% are from underrepresented minorities,” said Dunn. “Addressing that gap takes more than recruitment — it requires sustained mentorship, support, and pathways to advancement. This investment will support NABA Inc.’s impactful programs that introduce students to the many offerings of business and help them thrive once they’re in.”
The investment will directly support NABA Inc.’s flagship initiatives, including:
- Pathway to College (PTC) -Aims to motivate high school students to consider careers in accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship by offering mentorship, scholarships, and professional development opportunities. In 2025, the program expects to reach 450 participants — 150 more than in 2024.
- Accelerated/AccountingCareer Awareness Program (ACAP) – Guided by NABA Inc.’s “5 E’s” ethos — Engage, Empower, Educate, Enhance, and Elevate — ACAP helps college students develop their roadmap to career leadership and long-term success. The program includes a one-week on-campus residency at universities nationwide that offer accounting and finance curricula, along with year-round learning and mentoring. Impacting over 7,000 students to date, the program is projected to reach 1,000 active participants in 2025.
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Tags: contribution, DEI, investment, opportunity, talent pipeline
