CONFDNT Person of the Week

Today’s CONFDNT person of the week is Shiyiheeim Nartey-Tokoli

"Shiyiheeim Nartey-Tokoli also self-proclaimed "Thecoolaccountant" has dreams of one day being a Mogul, but for now he's focused on taking over Wall St. A recent graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh Shiyiheeim double majored in Accounting and Business Administration with a minor in Finance. While he's on his quest to take over Wall St. he also wants to focus on lifting as he climbs as well. "As a member of NABA (National Association of Black Accountants), I believe it's only right to help others enter the doors that have been opened for me. I believe that's what a truly Confident person does, they help others become great as well." Shiyiheeim says that NABA has always inspired him to do this, whether it's been by helping others get involved in the Finance Board during his time as VP of Finance at SUNY Plattsburgh, or by helping others join the professional organizations he's apart of such as INROADS.

“When I was a sophomore I had dreams of interning at the Big 4 Accounting firm Ernst & Young. One of NABA's past members Isaiah Scott had interned there previously so he helped land an interview with the recruiter. Meeting with the recruiter was great but I was told my 3.1 GPA wasn't good enough so I didn't get the internship. 2 semesters later Isaiah helped me get another interview with the same recruiter, this time I had a 3.4 GPA however I still didn't get the internship. Although I was sad, the only thing I could focus on was how nice Isaiah was for rooting for me (a stranger) as strong as he did."

"It's funny though because I stayed in contact with the recruiter and this past summer I was able to connect her with a student from SUNY Plattsburgh who was able to secure a full-time internship for Summer of 2020. Even though you miss out on opportunities doesn't mean you can't help someone else obtain them."

When discussing Shiyiheeim's post-college life, he mentioned how important it's been for him to be confident in himself and his capabilities. "My entire senior year I prayed to end up with a full-time job after graduating, that was my only wish. Luckily for me, I ended up with 4 offers (Boeing and Johnson & Johnson being some of them) but I ended up turning those down for an internship at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Although my parents were upset at the decision I was confident that it was the right one for me. I was also confident in my abilities and knew that even if it was the wrong move I'd be able to make lemonade out of lemons. "

"Looking back at all I've done I don't regret any decision I've made. I feel like becoming a Forbes Under 30 Scholar has truly been a testament to how hard work and never settling when it comes to your goals will help you enter the spaces you desire to be in."