Student Spotlight: Stephany Boateng

Sponsored by Wittler Orthodontics

Westfield High School senior Stephany Boateng knew she liked math and business, but didn’t know what career path she could pursue in the future. She researched accounting and figured it sounded interesting, so she signed up for an accounting class. That’s when she realized this was the career for her.

“I’ve known Stephany for the past two years, having served as her instructor in both accounting fundamentals and accounting capstone at Westfield High School,” says Traci Selig, CPA. “I am a new teacher, but I have been a CPA since 2005. I have had the privilege of observing Stephany’s exceptional academic progress and commitment to learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. She consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance in my accounting courses, achieving top grades. Her strong analytical skills, critical thinking abilities and attention to detail are evident in her academic work.”

Boateng credits Selig for informing her about the INCPAS Scholars program, which supports high-potential, underrepresented U.S. racial/ethnic minority high school students with an interest in accounting and business. According to INCPAS, the accounting profession has been slow to close the race gap within it, and minorities are still greatly underrepresented. The INCPAS Scholars program started in 2012 and has assisted 246 students during that time.

The yearlong program provides mentorship and career awareness programs, career and college prep events, college visits to Indiana University and Purdue University, corporate visits, and the opportunity to establish long-lasting relationships with some of the most respected certified public accountants in Indiana. Boateng also received $500 to help with her college expenses, and a written reference for university admissions and scholarship applications.

“Stephany was selected by the Indiana CPA Society as an INCPA Scholar, a program designed to mentor students in accounting while promoting equity and inclusion,” Selig says. “As a CPA I believe this is extremely important. A diverse CPA profession better reflects the communities it serves, enhancing trust and credibility. In addition to being committed to her studies, Stephany is an active member of our community. Stephany’s leadership experience as president of the Black Student Union demonstrates her ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups, manage projects and advocate for important causes.”

In the future, Boateng plans to attend either Indiana University in Bloomington or Cincinnati University, and pursue a master’s degree in accounting. She says it’s very exciting to get a recommendation from someone in the field that she is interested in, and adds that it feels good to have the opportunity to participate.