Mariam Oyeyemi
The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business is proud to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting students and their unique experiences on campus. Today we are highlighting Mariam Oyeyemi, a double major in Accounting and Finance and Goolsby Leadership Academy student.
Mariam Oyeyemi Headshot
Who are your Black heroes and why? What impact have they made on your life?
This might sound a little cliche but in my personal life, it would be my mum. My mum is my biggest supporter and challenger. My mum is my role model because she is a source of resilience to me, and her strength is rooted in a rich cultural heritage and history of overcoming adversity. Her guidance has helped me to find a profound understanding in my identity and the importance of embracing diversity. She believes I can do anything if I set my mind to it. She encourages me to think about my reasons and make sure they are not excuses.
Professionally, it would be Ms. Washington Wylie, the first African American woman to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In the U.S. there is a limited amount of CPAS that are both women and Black. Ms. Wylie getting her CPA certification is motivating and empowering for me as someone who aspires to be a CPA. To know that in the profession I chose, there is someone who looks like me, and who has done it before, is reassuring.
Who are some black students, staff and faculty that have impacted or inspired you and your experience on campus?
Throughout my experience as a UTA student, the faculty that have most impacted me are from the Department of New Maverick Orientation, Dr. Relius Johnson, and Ms. Nailah Boyo. The joy they find in their cultural heritage and just being themselves instills a sense of pride in anyone regardless of their background and that is encouraging. The strides they have made towards me as a student in making sure that I understand that I matter so I belong helps to contribute to the long-lasting legacy of empowerment for me and other students.
Looking ahead toward your career, how do you envision impacting the business community?
I want to be able to just be myself unashamedly, in the way God has created me. In the business community, being authentic is better than not. I want to be able to build relationships with people in the business community in a way that promotes mutual understanding and pride in cultural heritages. People are far more attracted to genuine people and the only way we can be genuine is if we embrace people the way they are, with their culture, experiences, and backgrounds. We are all made up of intricacies, we have a lot to show and that's a beautiful thing.
What impact do you hope to have on Black History?
I would just like to continue the legacy of Black History. Encourage people to talk about the rich cultural heritage, achievements, and struggles of the Black community but not with a saviorism complex or a victim mentality because that's not who we are. Ultimately, my goal is to foster a more equitable and appreciative society that acknowledges and values the significant impact of all individuals.
What motivates you to earn your business degree?
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be an accountant. I like to say I have an achiever's mindset so whatever I start I want to finish it. I also recognize that a lot of small businesses don't succeed due to financial problems, dishonesty, or fraudulent spending of funds. In the long run, I want to be able to use my degree to help business owners be successful in an inexpensive way.
What do you hope will be part of UTA’s BHM experience next year?
I can't speak for the whole of UTA but for the College of Business, I would love to see maybe a panel of faculty or UTA alums on the reality of being Black in the Business world.
What is the most fulfilling part of being black on campus?
UTA is diverse and the people I am surrounded by don't make me feel like I am committing a crime by being black. I love the growth and open mindset that we have to talk about various cultures.
A fun fact about you:
I enjoy talking to people about anything, which sometimes makes me seem not like an introvert!
Outside of school, there are only 3 places you can find me (School, church, or the gym)!
I used to be a referee for soccer matches!