Texas State accounting students attend prestigious AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Three accounting students from Texas State University's McCoy College of Business attended the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop (ASLW), October 15-17, in Oklahoma City.

The students who took part in the highly selective workshop at the Okana Resort in Oklahoma City joined about 100 peers from across the country for three days of professional development. The students from McCoy College included Korrie Jolivet, a graduate student in accounting and information technology; Jessica Martinez-Williams, a senior accounting student; and Luis Angulo, a senior accounting and finance student.

The national program is designed to broaden students' understanding of the accounting and finance professions, highlight career pathways and CPA licensure options, and connect them with professionals and mentors from around the country.

The AICPA Foundation and event sponsors covered transportation, hotel, training, and meals for student attendees.

ASLW introduces students to the opportunities in accounting and finance while helping them develop strategies, build a personal brand, and define their career aspirations.

Experts from across the profession shared their own academic and career journeys and answered questions about licensure.

"I'm hoping that it will give me inspiration on the different avenues I can take in accounting," Martinez-Williams said before attending the event. "My favorite part of going to conferences like this is that you meet professionals with diverse backgrounds. I'm hoping I can meet those professionals and learn more about their journey in the profession."

Students also had a chance to engage in one-on-one conversations with professionals during a concurrent Accounting Pipeline Diversity Symposium, where many developed long-term mentoring relationships.

Dr. Carolyn Conn, clinical associate professor of accounting at McCoy College, quoted Jolivet, one of the participants as saying it was transformative. Conn emphasized that Jolivet's one word is the best way to describe the impact for these students.

“Our students were able to meet and talk with nationally recognized leaders in the accounting profession and to obtain advice about their careers,” she said. "They also had discussions with other students from all parts of the country and learned they had so much in common as they strategized about academic and career success."

For Jolivet, the invitation to attend the workshop was both surprising and validating. Once she was at the event, the sessions and conversations quickly became the highlight of her experience.

"I enjoyed the networking and the presentations by professionals," she said. "Hearing their stories and insights was truly transformative and inspiring."

The workshop also challenged her to think differently about risk, resilience, and her long-term goals.

"This experience has motivated me to aim higher and embrace failure as part of growth," she said. "It reminded me that mistakes are an essential part of learning, and even setbacks can introduce new direction and strength on the path towards my goals. I'm now more determined to pursue certifications like the CPA and CISA, and to explore the full range of opportunities in accounting and IT. I want to be courageous in my career path, including working with nonprofits, mentoring others, and starting my own business."

Martinez-Williams said she was excited to attend the event and explore the venue's offerings, including a waterpark. She said she first heard about the opportunity from another Texas State student.

"I originally heard about the opportunity from Chelsea Jackson after she attended the event last fall," she said. "During the NABA Day event this past spring, I got the opportunity to speak with the organization's director of diversity and inclusion, Crystal Cooke, and learn more about the conference, which pushed me to take advantage of the opportunity."

For Angulo, the acceptance email was a memorable family moment. However, he admits he wrestled with self-doubt before applying.

"It's one of those things where it's such a great opportunity, you can't pass it up," he said. "You have to give yourself a shot regardless of what your perception of yourself is. I reached out to the faculty, and they all said that thought I would be an amazing candidate. So they reassured me a little bit."

Opportunities such as these demonstrate how McCoy College enables accounting students to develop the skills, connections, and confidence that distinguish them in the field.

"The selection of three Texas State students for the highly competitive AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop highlights the strength of McCoy College's accounting program and the deep engagement of our faculty in preparing students for professional success," said Dr. Mina Pizzini, chair of the Department of Accounting. “Our curriculum and mentoring culture produce graduates who stand out on a national stage and enter the profession well prepared.” ✯