Each year, Your Part-Time Controller, LLC (YPTC) attends and sponsors the NABA, Inc. Convention and Expo. For the second year in a row, YPTC offered an additional $2,500 scholarship to a non-traditional student pursuing a future in the accounting and finance sector. 

This year’s recipient is Asia Kalanzi, a second-year student at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. Asia’s eligibility for the scholarship was based on several factors, including her active NABA membership, enrollment at an accredited college or university, and overall academic excellence. 

YPTC takes a holistic approach when sourcing scholarship candidates, guided by a desire to invest in emerging talent and foster diversity in the field of accounting.  

“We are so pleased to offer this scholarship again this year, reaffirming our commitment to fostering inclusivity in the accounting and finance community,” says YPTC CEO Jennifer Alleva. “We’re thrilled to recognize Asia’s hard work, determination, and resilience with this award. Her progress is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the impact she’ll make as she builds her future in accounting.” 

YPTC spoke with Asia about what’s motivated her to pursue her degree, what this scholarship means to her, and her post-graduation goals. In her own words, here’s what she shared: 

YPTC: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Asia Kalanzi: I’m a 28-year-old mother to a fun, rambunctious soon-to-be 6-year-old. I’m currently in my second year at Ivy Tech Community College, where I serve as the Student Government Association President, a Student Representative on the State Board of Trustees, and the Lead Mentor for our campus’s peer-to-peer mentorship program. 

I grew up in a small town in Indiana, where life wasn’t always easy. For much of my childhood, I shared a bedroom with my three sisters, and my family moved often due to financial hardship. Even though we didn’t have much, we had faith, and that faith in Jesus carried us through our toughest storms. 

At 21, I got married and became a mom. I spent a few years as a stay-at-home mother, but deep down, I knew I wanted more. I eventually found the courage to start over, moving back home with my mom and sisters and rebuilding my life one step at a time. 

YPTC: What was your educational journey like?
AK: This is actually my third time trying college. My family always valued education, but no one really knew how to navigate higher education. My mom earned her nursing degree from Brown Mackie, but when she became sick during my sophomore year, we lost almost everything she worked for. 

After that, I tried to continue school on my own, but when I became pregnant, I decided to focus on my family instead. Years later, after losing my grandmother, I was reminded that life is too short to give up on your dreams. Her passing inspired me to return to college, and this time, I’m calling it my revenge tour. I’m coming back for everything I once believed I wasn’t worthy of. 

YPTC: What were your initial aspirations, and what steps did you take to get where you are today?
AK: In high school, I took an accounting class and loved it, but I let doubt and outside opinions lead me away from it. When I first went to college, I double-majored in Business Administration and Theater Arts, thinking I’d become a stage manager. Later, I switched to Business Administration and Applied Politics, aiming to be a campaign manager. 

Eventually, I came across a TikTok of a Black woman sharing how her accounting career changed her life. She spoke about the evolving field and the shortage of accountants, and it reignited something in me. It reminded me of what high-school Asia once dreamed of. That moment pushed me back toward accounting, and this time, I made the decision for her. 

YPTC: What does it mean to you to win this scholarship?
AK: When I found out I’d won this scholarship, I was in a dark place, and honestly, I believe it was divine timing. I had spent the summer working a third-shift job to save money for the school year, but I was burnt out and still short of my goal. My leadership roles on campus were picking up, and I didn’t know how I was going to balance everything. 

Then, one morning, I checked my email, and there it was. I called my family, and we were cheering like I’d just won the lottery. It wasn’t millions, but it felt like the jackpot. This scholarship gave me more than financial relief; it gave me peace of mind. I could finally focus on my studies and my daughter instead of working nonstop just to get by. 

YPTC: What are your goals for the future?
AK: My goal is to transfer to a four-year university, earn my bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and become a CPA. I also plan to start my own bookkeeping business to build my skills and support myself through school. 

Beyond that, I want to utilize what I’ve learned to give back and help others understand the importance of financial literacy and the power it holds. 

To learn more about YPTC and our culture, click here. 

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