Building bridges to the CPA profession: Dr. Brittani Shantel Jackson, CPA and NABA at WMU student chapter recognized with emerging leadership awards
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— Dr. Brittani Shantel Jackson, CPA, assistant professor of accountancy at Western Michigan University, has made it her mission to ensure that every student who dreams of becoming a business leader and specifically, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) has a clear pathway to get there, and that cost is never the barrier standing in their way.
Now, both Jackson and the student organization she advises, NABA at WMU, will be honored for that work. Jackson was named a 2025 Women to Watch – Emerging Leader by the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), the state's leading professional organization for CPAs that has served the profession for more than 120 years.
NABA at Western Michigan University was also selected by MICPA for the Future of Accounting award, recognizing the chapter's transformative impact on expanding opportunities for Black and Diverse students and strengthening the pipeline for future CPAs.
The dual honors spotlight the power of Jackson's approach: combining innovation, leadership and service to shape the future of Michigan's accounting profession.
Creating pathways through NABA Inc.
The NABA Inc. student chapter at WMU's Haworth College of Business inspires students through professional development, scholarships, mentoring, community outreach and conferences that highlight accounting careers and the CPA pathway. Through partnerships with educators and professionals and participation in programs like NABA Inc.'s Accounting Career Awareness Program and Accelerated Career Awareness Program, the chapter expands opportunities for underrepresented students and challenges stereotypes within the profession.
As the chapter's faculty advisor, Jackson has created a vibrant community where students experience what it means to be a professional in the field. Her approach to building belonging through NABA Inc. was featured in the winter 2025 issue of MICPA Connections.
"NABA at WMU creates a safe space for students to take off their masks and be their true selves, while growing and supporting one another," Jackson says.
Through weekly professional and personal development events, regional and national conferences, mentoring and hands-on development opportunities, she has watched students transform. "I have watched students move from feeling uncertain about where they fit in to walking into professional spaces with assurance, purpose and clarity about their goals," Jackson says. "NABA at WMU is beginning to see the accounting profession and CPA pathway not as intimidating or exclusive to one group, but as an attainable, exciting journey that connects to their unique story."
Hosanna Ursule Ndikumana, a sophomore accounting major from Portage, Michigan, and NABA at WMU secretary-elect, echoes this sentiment: "Being part of NABA has been transformative, not just professionally, but personally. So many people have poured into me with guidance, encouragement and opportunity, and I carry that with deep gratitude. It's a space where I've learned to lead with integrity, ask better questions and celebrate others' success as much as my own. I want to make sure my peers get the same support, or even better because we rise higher when we rise together."
Jackson is committed to eliminating financial obstacles for all students. She actively helps students secure scholarships and internships, as well as sponsorship for their attendance at professional development events and national conventions. The result? Students who have real-world learning opportunities and industry connections.
"I don't want cost to ever be the reason a student can't advance in their career," Jackson says. "When students have access to these experiences, they build the networks and skills they need to thrive."
Experience-Driven Learning in action
Jackson's philosophy aligns with WMU Haworth's commitment to Experience-Driven Learning. She built programs that connect students directly to accounting careers, reaching everyone from high school students exploring the field to college students navigating the CPA pathway to entrepreneurs seeking financial expertise.
In her classroom, Jackson developed a grade accountability system that gives students ownership of their academic performance. At the beginning of each semester, students identify their desired grade, and Jackson monitors their progress throughout the term, reaching out personally when students need additional support. She also brings the profession to life by connecting course material to students' interests and aspirations, using companies like Delta Airlines, Fenty Beauty and even Beyoncé's business ventures as real-world examples.
Students consistently praise her approach. Her classes often have crowds of students waiting to talk with her before class begins, and her office hours are well attended by students eager to improve their performance and deepen their understanding of accounting.
A record of excellence
Jackson brings impressive credentials to her work at WMU. She holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from Indiana University, a Master of Science in Accounting from Wayne State University and a bachelor's degree in accounting from Michigan State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant with prior industry experience at PwC Detroit.
Beyond teaching, Jackson serves on the Board Audit Committee for Advia Credit Union, bringing her expertise to the financial services sector while staying connected to the broader business community.
Impact beyond the classroom
"This recognition from MICPA is incredibly meaningful because it reflects both individual and collective impact," Jackson says. "Personally, it's an honor to be recognized for the work I'm so passionate about—creating pathways for students to access opportunities, representation and mentorship. But even more meaningful is seeing NABA at WMU recognized as a chapter, because it validates the hard work and heart our students put into building something bigger than themselves."
That philosophy of collective impact is central to the college's approach to education, Jackson explains.
"At WMU Haworth, we're committed to learning by doing—through conferences, employer collaborations, case studies and leadership development. The success of NABA at WMU is a testament to that philosophy," she says. "Our students aren't just hearing about professional development; they're living it. This dual recognition highlights what happens when students are empowered, supported and given real-world experiences that help them step into their potential and thrive in the profession."
The MICPA recognition celebrates Jackson's holistic approach to preparing the next generation of business leaders and accounting professionals. By combining rigorous academics with hands-on professional experiences, mentorship through NABA Inc. and unwavering support for student success, she is building a pipeline of diverse, well-prepared CPAs who will strengthen Michigan's business community for years to come.
Jackson and the NABA Inc. chapter at Western Michigan University will be honored at the MICPA Celebrate Awards on November 12. Learn more about the honorees. Those interested in supporting NABA at WMU students can contribute to the NABA at WMU Experiential Activities Donor Fund.
Learn more about accountancy at WMU.
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