Aava Farokhien is a Senior Accounting Major at Illinois State University in Normal, IL. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2026. In her scholarship application, she shared, “My mom was always my inspiration growing up, I looked up to my mom and knew how hardworking she was. She made sacrifices for me so that I would be comfortable and get what I needed.” Aava serves as the President of the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance at ISU. She is also involved at ISU in Women in Business. She stated, “Being in these two groups also helps to empower women in these industries and I love that I can make a difference and step up to take charge to make an overall positive impact for our future.” 
Daci Hier is a Senior Accounting & Psychology Major at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL and is scheduled to graduate in May 2026. In her application, Daci said, “Accounting makes me feel confident and intelligent. In addition, I come from a rural community and many farmers rely on accountants. I like that with accounting I can help the people in my community that I care about.” She also shared, " During my junior year, my mother was diagnosed with stage-two breast cancer and this impacted my college choice. I chose Augustana College because it was close enough to be able to commute to help my family. Like Donna, I multitask as I focus on my family and being professional as I am a full-time student. Donna has shown women in accounting that you can be more than just a mother, and more than just an accountant. Life is about prioritizing the people you love while pursuing a career that you love."
Our sincere congratulations to Aava and Daci.