Honoring the legacy of Mary T. Washington Wylie to empower the future
By Karen Williams, Guest Writer
In a recent celebration of the legacy of Mary T. Washington Wylie, the first Black female CPA in the United States, Governors State University’s (GovState) College of Business (COB) invited guests for a moment of reflection, gratitude, and purpose.
Hosted by the Accounting, Finance, and Economics Club (AFE), the event welcomed special guests including Angela Spencer, Wylie’s granddaughter, and Manal Ahmed of the Illinois CPA Society.
It was a night full of insightful perspectives on mentorship, professional growth, and representation in the accounting field. Some students also shared their experiences as recipients of the prestigious Mary T. Washington Wylie Scholarship.
Jaylon Garner and Grace Ahouissoussi spoke about the life-changing opportunities that resulted from the scholarship, including stories of mentorship, growth, and pride to walk a path paved by pioneers, like Wylie.
The Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program is currently accepting applicants for its next class of students. The award-winning program prepares students for success in accounting internships through training, resources, and mentors.
Upon completing the program, employers interview the participants for a variety of paid internships.
The deadline to apply is November 3. Click here for more information and to apply to the program.
Karen Williams is Manager of Marketing, Communications, and Outreach in COB at GovState.