Meet the Scholars
2023-2024
Aisha Adebisi
Hometown
I was born in Miami and raised in South Florida for 13 years before moving to Cypress, Texas.
Hobbies & Sports
I love fashion, so I enjoy creating outfits and shopping. I also love to travel; I have been to Greece and Dubai already.
MSACCY Specialty Track
Tax Compliance & Consulting
What made you interested in accounting?
I grew an interest in accounting because I love numbers, I love how applicable it is to our daily lives, and it is a secure career (every company needs an accountant).
Why Bauer’s MSACCY Program?
I completed my BBA in Accounting at Bauer, which provided me with so many opportunities. Bauer is also one of the best business schools.
How does being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar impact your life?
Being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar recipient is a highlight in my life. This scholarship will prevent me from undertaking more debt for my graduate career. Further, I believe this will open more opportunities and connections for me in the accounting field.
Please tell us something interesting about your journey at Bauer.
I am a PwC Campus Ambassador, which means I help recruit UH students to PwC by telling them about my own experience. During my undergraduate career, I was in the Bauer Honors program, and I was able to talk to other Bauer Honors students about PwC’s Start Internship.
Muhammad Ammar
Hometown
Karachi, Pakistan
Hobbies & Sports
Watching thriller tv shows and playing cricket.
MSACCY Specialty Track
Assurance & Financial Reporting
What made you interested in accounting?
I have always looked up to my father who has been my role model. My father was an accountant and following in his footsteps I decided to pursue accounting. Although initially I got into accounting because of my father but when I started studying it, I realized how much I enjoyed it.
Why Bauer’s MSACCY Program?
I finished my undergraduate in accounting at Bauer, and I saw how Bauer really sets up their students for success in their professional and personal lives and that is why I decided to do my MSACCY from Bauer as well. I was also enrolled in the PPA program at Bauer so pursuing my MSACCY at Bauer would save me time and money to complete my masters.
How does being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar impact your life?
This scholarship will help pay my tuition for the rest of my graduate degree and enables me to focus on my education for the last year of my education. It also helps me as a first-generation student to change the trajectory of not only my life but also the lives of my entire.
Please tell us something interesting about your journey at Bauer.
I’ve had an amazing time at Bauer. I have made some amazing friends and connected with many professionals through different student organizations. During my undergraduate career, I was actively involved in Beta Alpha Psi and that helped me land four internships.
Kendall Castro Parada
Hometown
I was born in El Salvador and grew up there until I was eight years old before a 7-year stint in Los Angeles, and ultimately settled down in Houston with my family.
Hobbies & Sports
I am a diehard Real Madrid fan and love keeping up with the European football (soccer) leagues as well. I also love to run and whenever I have free time I run a 10K. After finishing my master’s degree, I plan to train for a half-marathon.
MSACCY Specialty Track
Assurance & Financial Reporting
What made you interested in accounting?
As a kid I always enjoyed math and wanted to continue using my critical thinking and analytical skills in business. Once I recognized my aptitude for accounting, there was no going back.
Why Bauer’s MSACCY Program?
Bauer's MSACCY was the only choice for me because the quality of Bauer is incredible and the transition from PPA as an undergrad to the MSACCY is a seamless stress-free experience.
How does being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar impact your life?
Being a DFASP recipient has impacted my life because it is an affirmation that I am on the right path and that my hard work pays off.
Please tell us something interesting about your journey at Bauer.
Serving as the Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) President was the hardest but most transformational experience I had at Bauer. I would not be the person who I am today without BAP, and I am deeply grateful to the people within BAP who help get the best out of me.
Victor Chapa
Hometown
Houston, Texas
Hobbies & Sports
During my free time, I enjoy working on car audio. When it comes to sports, I am a BIG Astros fan. I love watching/playing baseball, however now I play Men's Soft-pitch softball on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
MSACCY Specialty Track
Assurance & Financial Reporting
What made you interested in accounting?
What really drove my interest in accounting was when I found out one of my uncles was an accountant for a big 4 firm. Talking to my uncle about his job sparked my interest and led me to take not one but two accounting classes in high school. I really enjoyed the classes and decided to pursue becoming an accountant.
Why Bauer’s MSACCY Program?
My experience obtaining my undergrad from Bauer was unforgettable, everyone I met along the way was very helpful. Also staying in Houston was always something I wanted to do, therefore I decided to continue at Bauer to obtain my MSACCY.
How does being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar impact your life?
Being a DFASP recipient impacts my life in the best ways possible. Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to fully focus and give all my time to the program rather than working to help pay the student loans I was planning on getting. This means, I will be more involved at Bauer events and organizations to help incoming students exactly how I was helped when I was in the position of transferring to Bauer 3 years ago.
Please tell us something interesting about your journey at Bauer.
My journey at Bauer has been interesting since I transferred to the college in Fall of 2021. At the time, I didn’t know anyone and after the first week I felt very welcomed by all the students in my classes. I also joined an organization (Beta Alpha Psi) to grow my network and meet new people. Through Beta Alpha Psi, I met people who would soon become really good friends of mine. I went from knowing no one at Bauer, to feeling comfortable and having a friend group in less than a week. Bauer students, faculty, and staff have been very welcoming and that is a key factor in my decision to continue my MSACCY in Bauer.
Rodney Cosme
Hometown
Houston, Texas
Hobbies & Sports
Traveling, listening to music, going to concerts, watching basketball, and spending time with friends and family.
MSACCY Specialty Track
Assurance & Financial Reporting
What made you interested in accounting?
I became interested in accounting as I saw it as a way of telling a business’s story, through posting transactions to preparing financial statements and what they mean for investors. Accounting is the language of business.
Why Bauer’s MSACCY Program?
The accounting department professors and staff are truly caring and genuinely want their students to succeed in school and in their careers.
How does being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar impact your life?
The Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program provides me with a chance to pursue furthering my education after being impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please tell us something interesting about your journey at Bauer.
My experience here at Bauer has enriched my educational experience from the professors in the classroom to my peers.
Damaris Maldonado
Hometown
Pearland, Tx
Hobbies & Sports
My hobbies include working out and binge-watching good shows!
MSACCY Specialty Track
Assurance & Financial Reporting
What made you interested in accounting?
My interest in accounting was my curiosity as a child in understanding the language of a business.
Why Bauer’s MSACCY Program?
I chose the MSACCY Program because it provides a focus on assurance and financial reporting for my master’s degree. After graduation, I plan to work in audit, and I believe this program will tremendously further my knowledge of the field. Receiving my bachelor's degree at UH, I had a great experience with the professors as they were always willing to go that extra mile to help students succeed in their course. Choosing Bauer’s MSACCY Program was something I did not think twice about as I knew this was the perfect program for my master’s studies that will positively impact my career.
How does being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar impact your life?
Being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar tremendously impacts my life by allowing me to focus on school without the financial stress. As a first-generation graduate student receiving this support, I am motivated even more knowing others believe in me.
Please tell us something interesting about your journey at Bauer.
My journey at Bauer has been everything I imagined and more. As an undergraduate student, I was a member of the Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) organization where I was able to build great relationships and meet life-long friends. I am also a student in the Professional Program in Accountancy (PPA). The support and resources that Bauer provides have been a great aid throughout my academic career. The professors that helped me become fascinated with accounting are professors I will always cherish.
Brian Martinez
Hometown
Rosharon, Texas
Hobbies & Sports
Soccer, running, and fishing.
MSACCY Specialty Track
Business Advisory & Internal Audit
What made you interested in accounting?
Job opportunities and stability
Why Bauer’s MSACCY Program?
Houston is the 4th largest city in the United States, and the University of Houston is in the heart of it all.
How does being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar impact your life?
Being selected as a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar has made a huge impact on my life and I am grateful for this opportunity. As a first-generation graduate, receiving this award allows me to pursue my dream of becoming a CPA.
Please tell us something interesting about your journey at Bauer.
Although I wasn’t initially sure I wanted to study accounting, I gradually became acquainted with the amazing professors and students at the University of Houston who led me to pursue a degree in accounting. I’m proud to call Houston my home away from home and love everything the university has to offer. The university has opened many doors for me through programs like the Emerging Leaders Academic Success Program (ELASP), Professional Program in Accountancy (PPA), and Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA). My mentors and classmates have taught me what it means to be a part of something bigger than oneself and I would not have the opportunity to be part of the DFASP without the Bauer College of Business.
Amy Nguyen
Hometown
a small town in South Vietnam; Houston, TX
Hobbies & Sports
I love cooking, going to the gym, and spending quality time with friends and family.
MSACCY Specialty Track
Tax Compliance & Consulting
What made you interested in accounting?
I became passionate about accounting because I enjoy working with numbers and data. Accounting offers a wide range of career opportunities, including auditing, tax planning, consulting, financial analysis, and more. The diversity of roles within the field can be attractive to individuals seeking different paths.
Why Bauer’s MSACCY Program?
Bauer’s MSACCY program is the best choice since I will have opportunities to gain skills and knowledge of accounting concepts from UH professors.
How does being a Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholar impact your life?
The scholarship provides financial support for my education, which alleviates the financial burden of tuition. As a result, I can focus more on my studies and skill development, enhance my academic performance, and make my educational dreams become a reality.
Please tell us something interesting about your journey at Bauer.
During my time at Bauer, I served as the recording secretary in Beta Alpha Psi. I also volunteered to be a tax preparer at BakerRipley and interned with three Big 4 firms. Participating in multiple activities gave me a lot of opportunities to connect to professionals from numerous organizations.