The Leventhal School of Accounting at the University of Southern California successfully hosted its inaugural "Accounting Without Walls" Diversity Festival on March 21, drawing nearly 700 attendees to USC Alumni Park. The event was a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion within USC, the Leventhal School, and the accounting industry at large.
The festival was supported by an impressive roster of corporate sponsors, including the NFL, Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, CohnReznick, Grant Thornton, CLA LLP, Vasquez & Associates, and CBIZ. These partnerships underscored the industry's commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment.
A highlight of the event was a flea market featuring minority-owned local businesses, providing a platform for these entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services. The festival also featured electrifying performances by USC student cultural groups, including Trojan Men, Reverse Osmosis, Spade A, and Grupo Folklorico, adding a dynamic element to the celebration.
In a collaborative effort, all Leventhal Accounting student organizations, including the USC chapters of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Association of Latinx Professionals For America (ALPFA), Accounting Society, and National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), partnered with local charities to set up activities such as letter-writing, bookmark making, and tie-dye shirt making. All items created during these activities were donated to local charities, including St. Jude, Children International, and Alexandria House.
The festival opened with welcome remarks from Dean William Holder of the Leventhal School, Dean Geoff Garrett of the Marshall School, and USC Provost Andrew Guzman. The keynote speakers, Ms. Kathy Johnson, the first African American Chair of the California Society of CPAs, and Ms. Stacie King, Managing Director of Deloitte, delivered inspiring messages on diversity and breaking down barriers in corporate America.
The event also honored Professor Michael Paranal, the Chief Diversity Officer of Leventhal, along with Ms. Erica Ramirez and Ms. Kimberly Carbajal of the Leventhal School, for their exceptional efforts in organizing this successful DEI festival. Their contributions were recognized by the State of California, with special acknowledgment from Hon. Fiona Ma, the Golden State's Treasurer and a CPA herself.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were the delicious food curated by the Montebello Foodhall incubator BLV MRKT, and music provided by local Los Angeles DJ Notion.
The "Accounting Without Walls" Diversity Festival not only celebrated the rich diversity of the USC community but also set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable industry.
For more information, please contact: Leventhal School of Accounting, University of Southern California (email: acc100@marshall.usc.edu)