Student Profiles

Alaina Garcia

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.

Alena Abraham

Hi, my name is Alena Abraham! As an aspiring CPA, I’m currently pursuing my BS/MS in Accounting here at UNT and am expected to graduate in Spring 2027. I’ve always been drawn to accounting because of its logic and structure, and it has provided such a fascinating look into how a business operates from the inside out.

During my time at UNT, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an Ambassador for the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, and I am an active member of the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program. One of my favorite aspects of UNT and ASP has been the incredible mentorship I’ve received throughout my academic journey, which has inspired me to step up as a leader and mentor to others. Professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to complete two audit internships with PwC and EY, which further solidified my passion for public accounting and gave me real-world insight into the industry.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, taking long walk with friends, and finding new coffee shops to try!

Brayden Walker

Hello, I’m Brayden Walker and I am in my third year of the BS/MS accounting program here at UNT.

Ever since I was little, I have always had a passion for numbers and organization, and UNT has really provided me with opportunities to grow that passion. This includes managing budgets for 7 rec sports organizations, as well as being a part of both PASS and ASP. I have been a member of the President’s List for every semester I have been in college and a recipient of the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Award.

Looking forward, I plan to use the skills I have acquired through all these responsibilities, as well as the connections I have gained along the way, to be accepted for an internship for auditing in 2027-2028, as well as earn my CPA.

Brooke Bowen

Hello, my name is Brooke Bowen, and I have recently started the graduate portion of the BS/MS Accounting Program. I expect to graduate in December 2027, with a focus on audit and data analytics.

While focusing on my classes, I work on campus as a resident assistant and a supplemental instructor. I also served as an officer in the Professional Accounting Student Society (PASS) for the past two years. I enjoy meeting new accounting students and helping them build confidence both professionally and academically. Through my experience as an RA, I have developed strong leadership skills by fostering a supportive community for first-year students in the residence halls.

My goal is to begin studying for the CPA exam during the MS portion of my program, and I plan to pursue a career in public accounting, where I can continue to grow and challenge myself professionally.

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.

Dannya Velazquez

Hello, my name is Dannya Velazquez. I am a Senior in the combined Bachelor’s/Master’s in Accounting program at the University of North Texas and expect to graduate in Spring 2028. I am actively involved in the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program, Beta Alpha Psi, the Professional Accounting Student Society, and ALPFA. Through these organizations, I have made many valuable connections and developed my professional skills.

During my free time, I enjoy giving back to my community by volunteering at local cleanup events, the UNT Food Pantry, and Mission Arlington. I also enjoy spending time learning new arts and crafts, reading, and spending time with my sisters.

In Spring 2027, I will begin pursuing a Master of Science in Taxation and Data Analytics while also starting a tax internship with Baker Tilly. I am passionate about building a career in tax and sitting for the CPA exam.

Ekaterina Kazarinova

Hi, my name is Ekaterina Kazarinova, and I am a student in the BS/MS Accounting Program with a concentration in Audit and Data Analytics at UNT, projected to graduate in May 2028. Besides attending classes, I am an active member of the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program, where I have had the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day experiences of diverse accounting professionals and to understand the importance of ethical decision-making in upholding the integrity of the field. Also, I was a Service Committee Co-Head in the Talons of UNT, an organization that promotes the school’s spirit, service, and traditions. Through my involvement with Talons, I strengthened my collaboration and adaptability skills while contributing to initiatives that benefited the UNT community. I look forward to my Winter 2027 audit internship at Grant Thornton and pursuing a CPA license.

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.

Ezrael Garcia

Ezrael Garcia I am a second-year accounting student at the University of North Texas, pursuing my B.S/M.S in Accounting with a graduation date set for the Spring of 2029. Over my time at the university, I completed the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida, and have maintained my status as a Hispanic Scholarship Fund scholar. In the Fall 2025 semester, I attended the Deloitte National Leadership Conference, which expanded my knowledge of the accounting profession and ultimately led me to change my major. I continue to seek internship opportunities wherever they arise and, upon graduation, plan to obtain my CPA certification. In the meantime, I will continue to expand my leadership skills with ASP, grow my network, and engage in meaningful opportunities.

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

Hello! My name is John Truong, a student in the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program at the University of North Texas. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Tax Accounting and currently serve as a supplemental instruction leader for Honors Managerial Accounting. I am involved in the Student Government Association, which has allowed me to bring the impact of accounting to students and our local communities. Additionally, my volunteer work in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has strengthened my pursuit of tax. 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 Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program to build a successful career and make a positive impact with accounting both now and in the future.

Krishna Smith

Hello, my name is Krishna Smith, and I am a Junior BS/MS Accounting student at the University of North Texas, expecting to graduate with my bachelor's degree in December 2027 and my master's degree in May 2029. I am concentrating in Tax and Data Analytics and plan to pursue a tax internship in the DFW area for Spring 2028. I also intend to begin sitting for the CPA exam in Winter 2028.

Besides the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program, I serve as the Special Projects Director for Beta Alpha Psi and the Co-Accounting Officer for the Student Investment Group here at UNT. Through my involvement in these organizations, I have been able to cultivate my soft and technical skills while also learning what it means to be a leader.

Apart from school, I enjoy reading the Bible, going on nature walks, and spending quality time with my friends and family. I am looking forward to continually learning and growing in both my accounting knowledge and in life, where I will hopefully be able to give back to underprivileged communities through public accounting and volunteer work.

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.

Laurent Ogwoka

Hello! My name is Laurent Ogwoka, and I am in the BS/MS Accounting program expecting to graduate in May 2028. I am a first-generation student from Kenya and was drawn to accounting because everything clicks together like a puzzle! I am also a Residential Assistant and involved with Beta Alpha Psi and NABA. Outside of school, I am very passionate in almost every sport there is, and a big wrestling fanatic! I am looking forward to my internship with Baker Tilly this upcoming Spring and to continuing my journey towards becoming a CPA!

Mallory Nelson

Hello, my name is Mallory Nelson, and I am a student in the BS/MS accounting program at UNT. My experience at UNT and in ASP has helped me develop invaluable soft skills and learn more about the accounting industry.

I initially chose accounting because I liked seeing how individual transactions would eventually flow to the financial statements. I have had the opportunity to complete a tax internship, and through this experience I have decided to pursue my master's in taxation. I am looking forward to an upcoming tax internship with Baker Tilly in Spring of 2028. Once I graduate, I plan to sit for the CPA exam. I hope to stay in public accounting and eventually focus on tax planning and advising.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading and spending time with friends.

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!

Mitchell Cappon

Hello, my name is Mitchell Cappon. I am a senior in the BS/MS Accounting program and am scheduled to graduate in Spring 2028. In the Spring 2027 semester, I will complete an audit internship with CCK Strategies LLC in Frisco, where I aim to strengthen my competencies in financial reporting, assurance, and analytical evaluation. I am an active member of the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program. After graduation, I plan to apply my academic training and internship experience to pursue a career in public accounting with a focus on audit.

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).

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.

Shyam Sundar

Hi, my name is Shyam Sundar and I am a senior in the BS/MS Accounting program. I am currently a member of the Professional Accounting Student Society and the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program on campus, where I’ve learned so many real-world skills that have helped mold my accounting journey. Outside of campus, I interned remotely for a year at an accounting firm serving small companies based in California. My goals are to obtain a CPA and eventually work my way up to become a CFO. In my free time, I like to play and watch sports, play video games with my friends, read books, and walk my dog.

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.