by Aron Smith
Nine Jackson State University students have been selected for the prestigious Deloitte HBCU Emerging Leaders Program. Among them, three JSU College of Business students emerged victorious at the Deloitte Emerging Leaders Program Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Their outstanding performance earned them top honors in the competition and the esteemed $10,000 Deloitte HBCU Emerging Leaders Scholarship.
Fidelis Ikem, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business, shared his immense pride in the students’ achievements. “Participation in these programs gives our students confidence, knowing that their education is comparable to any other college institution. It also provides them with invaluable real-world exposure,” he said.
JSU students – Alethia Chatfield, Antonio Handy, Caliyah Sharpe, Kaiden Ivey, Kamela Little, Khadari Johnson, Kyle Bruce, and Rikayla Jackson – joined 200 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, showcasing their exceptional skills and dedication as they competed.
The intense competition challenged students through multiple interview rounds, testing quick thinking, problem-solving abilities, and professional insight.
Kamela Little, a graduate accounting major and one of the winning students, shared her excitement about the achievement. “It means so much to me personally and professionally. There were moments when I doubted myself, but I kept pushing forward,” she said.
The program offers financial rewards and creates pathways to promising career opportunities.
Little, who will soon join Deloitte this summer as a tax consultant, added, “The competition tested our ability to think on our feet, and it was a great validation of our skills. This experience has boosted my confidence, showing me that I am ready to start my professional career with Deloitte,” she explained.
Another winner, Alethia Chatfield, who recently graduated with a degree in accounting from JSU, also triumphed in the competition and described her victory as surreal. “This experience was transformative. It not only tested my abilities but also gave me a sense of belonging in the corporate world. It reaffirmed that I was on the right path,” she remarked.
One of the competition challenges Chatfield encountered was being positioned in real-world business scenarios. She started a summer internship at Deloitte on Monday, June 3, and shared that she is determined to make a significant impact.
“It’s encouraging to know that I’ll have the chance to give back to JSU and inspire upcoming professionals,” Chatfield said, eager to contribute to the legacy of JSU and the broader professional community.
JSU junior accounting major Kaiden Ivey, the third and final winner, emphasized the importance of embracing new opportunities.
“I’m so glad the College of Business has put us in a position to have these experiences,” she said.
Ivey also highlighted the critical support from his mentors and the JSU community. He particularly mentioned Kevin Wilkerson, a JSU alumnus and Deloitte partner, who provided unwavering encouragement.
“Wilkerson pushed us to ensure we represented ourselves and Jackson State. It was extra encouragement to show that HBCUs can achieve these opportunities,” Ivey said.
Ivey’s journey continues with a summer internship in tax at Deloitte, marking her second year with the company. “Last year’s experience as a discovery intern was amazing, and I’m excited to dive deeper into the tax sector this year,” she said.
The success of these students not only brings pride to JSU but also inspires their peers, as this achievement aims to motivate more students to participate in similar programs and competitions.
“Our commitment to our students goes beyond the classroom. We want to see them succeed and will continue to provide opportunities for them to excel,” Ikem concluded.