University of North Texas 
Student Profiles
Alaina Garcia
I am a third-year accounting student at the University of North Texas, pursuing the
B.S./M.S. program with a specialization in taxation. In January 2026, I will begin
the master’s portion of my degree by completing an internship with KHA Accountants.
I was drawn to accounting because I have always enjoyed the structure in working with
numbers. After my internship, I plan to continue my degree and obtain my CPA license
to begin a full-time career in tax accounting. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading,
jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with my dog. I also play the violin in the Mariachi
Águilas de UNT, where I have the opportunity to travel around the Dallas-Fort Worth
and perform for a variety of audiences.
Anthony Aguilar
Hello, my name is Anthony Aguilar and I am in my fourth year at UNT. During my time
here I have been blessed to develop a plethora of skills including leadership, time
management, and communication through ASP and officer positions in Sigma Nu Fraternity.
I found my passion for accounting by tutoring friends in the introductory accounting
courses. I am graduating from the BS/MS program Spring 2025, where I will then get
my CPA license and start auditing for a public accounting firm.
Christopher Pregmon
An Illinois native; I came to North Texas as a jazz bass major before switching to
BS/MS in accounting. I settled upon accounting because I enjoy problem-solving. During
my time at UNT, I have served as a Supplemental Instructor, and as Treasurer of the
Professional Accounting Student Society. I enjoy cheering for the Mean Green, chances
are you will see me in the student section.
Cristiana Bordianu
Hello, I’m Cristiana Bordianu, and I’ll be graduating in the Fall of 2026 with a BS/MS
Accounting degree. Throughout my journey at UNT, I’ve been fortunate to learn many
valuable skills such as networking, teamwork, and effective communication through
various projects and interactions with students and employers.
Thanks to ASP, I’ve been able to learn more about which path in accounting I should pursue, which ultimately led me to pick audit. I have connected with many great scholars, guests, and professors. It has truly been an honor to be part of the program, gain many resources, and belong to a strong accounting community.
As I continue my accounting career, I’m thrilled to be doing my first audit internship at Weaver in the Spring of 2026.
Devin Conne
Hello, my name is Devin. I am a BS/MS student in the accounting program here at UNT.
I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and have lived in Texas since June 2020.
I am a first-generation college student and a recipient of the Deloitte Foundation
Accounting Scholars Award. Currently, I have a year-round internship at Peterbilt
that I started in October 2023 where I am honing my accounting literacy and developing
applicable real-world skills. In the near future, I plan on specializing in Audit
and Data Analytics for the MS portion of the program and obtaining my CPA license.
I plan to begin the MS portion of my degree in the Spring 2025 semester.
Elena Sevy
My name is Elena Sevy, and I am currently pursuing a BS/MS accounting degree, set
to graduate in Spring 2028. I am in my third year of college and have developed a
passion for the field since the very first accounting class I took. Through my first
audit internship with CapinCrouse, I know audit is the right path for me, as I love
the attention to detail and problem-solving skills auditors utilize. Upon graduation,
I plan to obtain my CPA license and start full-time work in public accounting. Until
then, I will continue as a member of the Accounting Scholars Program and will keep
finding opportunities to grow my professional skills to continue developing as a strong,
high achieving accountant.
Gracie Giddens
Hello! My name is Gracie Giddens, and I'm a second year student at the University
of North Texas, working on my BS/MS in Accounting. I'm set to graduate in Spring 2027.
I've been lucky enough to intern at two firms already, getting hands-on experience
in both tax and auditing. Those internships really helped me figure out my path, and
I'm now planning to specialize in auditing. My biggest goal is to pass the CPA exam
as fast as I can while wrapping up my masters degree!
Joaquin Littlefield
My name is Joaquin Littlefield, and I am a senior at the University of North Texas
pursuing a BS/MS in Accounting with a concentration in Audit. I plan to graduate with
my master’s degree in December 2027 and sit for the CPA exam in Summer 2027. This
past summer, I interned at a local accounting firm auditing school districts in northeast
Texas, which solidified my interest in audit. At UNT, I’ve been fortunate to grow
both personally and professionally. I participated in the Honors Global Cohort, spending
a month in Dublin studying Irish history, and the next year studied operations management
in Amsterdam. These opportunities challenged me to adapt to new cultures and perspectives,
helping me develop into a more well-rounded person and professional. On campus, I
am also a member of PASS, where I’ve connected with peers and accounting professionals.
I have always valued hard work, attention to detail, and positivity, and I look forward
to carrying these qualities into my career. My next goal is to secure an audit internship
with a public accounting firm in Spring 2027!
John Truong
My name is John Truong, a student in the Accounting Scholars Program at the University
of North Texas. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
and currently serve as a supplemental instruction leader for Honors Managerial Accounting.
I am involved in student organizations, including the Student Government Association
and the Student Alumni Association, which have allowed me to bring the impact of accounting
to students and our local communities. Additionally, my volunteer work at local non-profit
organizations, including the North Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, has further
fueled my interest in non-profit auditing. Looking forward, I am committed to pursuing
professional certifications, including the CPA, and working in an environment that
values integrity, continuous learning, and data analytics. I am excited to leverage
the resources provided by the Accounting Scholars Program to build a successful career
and make a positive impact with accounting both now and in the future.
Kristie Tran
Hello! My name is Kristie Tran, and I am currently a junior and expect to graduate
with my B.S./M.S. in Accounting in May 2028. In my earlier semesters, I was heavily
involved in UNT Serves! as a volunteer and Asian Student Association as Board Advisor
and House Leader. Currently, I am juggling working at Sycamore Library on campus,
being a member of Beta Alpha Psi and the Accounting Scholars Program, and excelling
as a full-time student.
As of right now, I am most looking forward to interning with Ryan LLC as a Sales and Use Tax Intern during Spring 2026 and cannot wait to get some hands-on experience. Upon my graduation, I hope to obtain my CPA license within one year before starting full-time as an accountant.
Outside of being a professional and a student, I like to hang out with my cat Maple, crochet, read rom-com stories, and spend time with my loved ones.
Leslie Vela
My name is Leslie Vela, and I am a first-generation student attending the University
of North Texas. As a first-generation student, I am dedicated to becoming successful
to make my parents' sacrifices worth it. I am pursuing a BS in Accounting and a Master
of Science in Taxation and Data Analytics. I will begin my MS classes in the Spring
2025 semester.
In order to be involved on campus and prepare for my career, I am a member of Beta Alpha Psi where I engage with industry professionals and peers on a weekly basis. I am currently refining my leadership skills in my current employment as a T3 ambassador where I actively contribute to development sessions, facilitate scholar events, and foster a supportive community. Additionally, I am a tutor in the UNT Learning Center where I assist students with financial and managerial accounting coursework. All in all, I am a diligent student eager to join the world of accounting and become a CPA.
Maresa Blanchard
Hi, my name is Maresa Blanchard, and I am a Senior BS/MS Accounting student at the
University of North Texas, expecting to graduate with my bachelor’s in May 2026 and
my master’s in December 2027. I am concentrating in Audit and Data Analytics and plan
to pursue an audit/assurance internship in the DFW area for Spring 2027. I also intend
to begin sitting for the CPA exam in Summer 2027.
Besides the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program, I serve as Treasurer for the Professional Accounting Student Society (PASS) and Vice President for the Asian Student Association (ASA) here at UNT. Being involved in these organizations has helped me grow as a leader and allowed me to build strong connections with peers and professionals.
Outside of school, I enjoy attending sporting events and concerts, building LEGOs, and spending quality time with my friends, family, and pets. I’m excited to finish my time at UNT strong and begin a career where I can keep learning and growing to make an impact in the accounting field!
Natalie Rahija
Hello, my name is Natalie Rahija, and I am in the graduate portion of the tax side
of the BS/MS Accounting Program. I love UNT deeply and am involved heavily with on-campus
activities. In terms of accounting, I have served as the President of the Professional
Accounting Student Society and am an active member of ASP since my freshman year.
Outside of accounting, volunteerism and leadership development are my core focuses;
I am currently a Graduate Assistant for the Career Center and their Career Ambassador
Program.
As I finish up my time at UNT, I intend to continue growing as a person through my peers and professors so that one day I can volunteer to provide tax services to underserved communities.
Nghia Dang
Hello, my name is Nghia Dang and I am currently pursuing a BS/MS degree in accounting.
As a first-generation student, navigating higher education without a roadmap has taught
me resilience, independence, and adaptability. I initially chose accounting for its
stability and potential, but over time, I've developed a genuine passion for accounting.
Now, I am aiming to become a CPA after graduation. I know this path won’t be easy
but I’m excited to continue learning and pushing myself as I move forward on this
path.
Peter Richards
My name is Peter Richards and I am in the BS/MS Accounting Program at UNT. I’ve always
been a logical and analytical thinker, so accounting naturally clicked with me from
the very beginning. I am currently involved with PASS, the Professional Accounting
Student Society, and have recently started as an Accounting Supplemental Instructor
for students in Accounting Principles I (ACCT 2010). At the moment, I plan to graduate
from the master's portion in May 2028 with a concentration in Taxation and Data Analytics.
Ultimately, I aspire to be CPA and eventually make my way into the luxury fashion/goods
sector of the corporate market. A little fun fact about me is that both of my parents
are British which means I hold dual citizenship (United States and United Kingdom/Great
Britain).
Philip Kim
Hi! My name is Philip Kim, and I am currently pursuing a BS/MS degree in Accounting
with a focus on taxation. I have had various leadership experiences in my time here
on campus as both the President and Special Projects director of our school’s local
chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. I have also had the privilege of participating as an active
member of ASP as part of the Don & Donna Millican Accounting Scholar’s program as
well as UNT ALPFA. As an aspiring CPA, I am expected to graduate May 2026 and can’t
wait to start my career at the Deloitte Dallas office once I’ve finished my education
here at UNT.
I cannot express enough gratitude to the countless set of hands I have shared this journey with, and all the mentors and faculty members who have been so generous in offering me their guidance throughout the years.
Rebekah Beard
Hi, my name is Rebekah Beard, and I’m a junior at the University of North Texas pursuing
a BS/MS in Accounting. As the first person in my family to pursue accountancy, I cherish
the hard work ethic my family has instilled in me and their unwavering support. Throughout
school, I strive to help my peers grow into well-rounded professionals and transfer
my passion for uplifting others into the workplace. For summer 2023, I’ve had the
opportunity to intern with Ernst and Young and learn about their values, mission,
and opportunities within a Big Four firm. My internship experience has taught me new
skills like technical accounting while strengthening others, such as utilizing software
systems and applying concepts learned from class. In the near future, I plan on specializing
in audit and completing the CPA exam while trying to find a great company to work
with that aligns with my values.
Renee Wilhite
My name is Renee Wilhite and I am in the BS/MS Accounting Program at UNT. Numbers
have always come naturally to me and I loved the idea of specializing, so accounting
just made sense. I am involved with PASS, the Professional Accounting Student Society,
and was an Accounting Supplemental Instructor for a year and a half. I plan to graduate
from the master's portion in December 2025 with a concentration in taxation. I aspire
to be both a CPA and CMA. A fun fact is, I am active in Scouts and try to go camping
monthly.
Riddhi Prajapati
My name is Riddhi Prajapati. I am a student at UNT, where I am pursuing a BS/MS in
Accounting. Being the eldest member of my family to study in the United States, I
am an international student from South Africa. Being a member of Beta Alpha PSI and
the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Program has given me leadership, communication,
and professional abilities. My goal is to become a certified public accountant (CPA),
grow in the accounting industry, and acquire an excellent opportunity with one of
the Big Four auditing firms.
Robin Asbell
Hello! I’m Robin Asbell, an Accounting Bachelor/Master senior at UNT. I was recently
admitted into UNT’s Toulouse Graduate School and will start my master’s in Spring
2026, concentrating in Audit and Data Analytics. I will also intern with Forvis Mazars
that semester to get a real-world understanding of audit. I am a member and mentor
in the Accounting Scholars Program. Additionally, I held three officer positions in
Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, including Vice President. In my officer duties,
I gained practice with making event budgets, using Excel, running meetings, and working
with a team. Outside of school, I like to crochet, read, and, from time-to-time, play
the ukulele. My future goals are to gain more experience in public accounting, ace
the CPA exam, and finish school strong. I aim to keep up my 3.9 GPA and take all that
I learned with me into my future career.
Sabrina Parkin
My name is Sabrina Parkin, and I am a student in the BS/MS Accounting program at UNT.
I am a member of the Accounting Scholars Program. Through UNT, I have had the opportunity
to garner leadership, communication, and collaboration opportunities. I started at
UNT as a math major before I dabbled in some business courses and found my passion
in accounting. I have plans to obtain my CPA after graduation and have the desire
to gain as many certifications as possible. I am excited to join the professional
world of accounting.
Sara Cullens
Hello, my name is Sara Cullens, and I am a fourth-generation accounting student in
my senior year of the BS/MS program at the University of North Texas. In my time here,
I have taken part in two wonderful accounting organizations, the Don and Donna Millican
Accounting Scholars program and Beta Alpha Psi. Both have supported my accounting
goals by presenting the various pathways to success and connecting me with accounting
professionals and peers to help guide me. My future goals include obtaining my MS
in Tax and Data Analytics and begin working towards my CPA license.
Vanessa Tello Rubio
I'm Vanessa Tello Rubio and in May 2026, I'll finish both my bachelor's and master's
degrees in accounting. Along with joining the Audit and Assurance service line, I
intend to obtain my CPA license. As a first-generation student, I aspire to be a high
achiever in the work field, with my intrinsic motivation guiding me toward success.
Skills that I bring to the table are attention to detail, analytic skills, excellent
communication, reliability, and confidence. Furthermore, Summer of 2023 I finished
a Discovery 1 internship with Deloitte where I gained knowledge of all the many different
accounting service lines. We worked on an M&A case simulation and enhanced my skills
beyond the classroom. I plan to continue my career journey with Deloitte to become
a Discovery 2 intern and dig deeper into Auditing for the Summer of 2024. Lastly,
I’m a Supplemental Instructor for Managerial Accounting and involved in many organizations
such as the Accounting Scholars Program, Women of Business, and Emerald Eagle Scholars.
I'm thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been given so far, can’t wait to learn
more and see what the future holds for me.
Walton Downs
Hello, my name is Walton Downs. I am currently pursuing a BS/MS in Accounting, with
an expected graduation date in Spring 2028. Upon graduation, I plan to obtain my CPA
and utilize it to further my accounting career. During my time at UNT, I’ve enjoyed
attending meetings at multiple business organizations such as PASS and Beta Alpha
Psi. These meetings have significantly contributed to my professional network and
strengthened my desire to pursue a career in accounting. In addition, earning the
rank of Eagle Scout helped me develop leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and
a desire to help others. I look forward to utilizing these qualities throughout my
accounting career.
Zach Ziebold
Hi, my name is Zach Ziebold, and I am a senior in the BS/MS program. I plan to pursue
the audit track when I begin the MS portion of my degree in Summer 2025. Accounting
has always been something I have enjoyed because of how organized and structured it
is. I love working with numbers and problem-solving. I am currently an intern at a
private equity firm, working as a part of their trust accounting team. During the
MS portion of my degree, I intend to begin working toward my CPA, and I hope to finish
the four exam sections before I graduate.