Ida Yarbrough: Leading by example. (ReachOut).

Perhaps more than most, CalCPA member Ida Yarbrough, a Los Angeles-based CPA, has been part of the student outreach solution for years--decades, really.

Ida leads by example. Instead of looking out for Number One, as our society dictates, Ida looks out for others. Instead of being objective and distant, she is passionately and whole-heartedly concerned about the well-being of others. Instead of using her time to pursue financial rewards, she spends unreasonable amounts of time and resources serving those around her in pursuit of true wealth.

Ida is truly a leader in our profession. While others sit around talking about how to get more students into accounting, Ida has been out there for years actively bringing them in. For decades, she has been a mentor and friend to many young people--particularly those in the accounting profession from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Ida has been the leading force in the organization and operation of the National Association of Black Accountants' Accounting Careers Awareness Program for years. In fact, she is responsible for bringing the program to Los Angeles.

ACAP offers a week-long summer residency during which students attend classes on careers in accounting and business, personal development and college preparation; and tour college campuses as well as local companies and CPA firms.

In short, ACAP offers students educational enrichment experiences and practical help needed for college preparation and an accounting career.

As the volunteer executive director for ACAP, Ida and other board members spend the year speaking at high schools, guiding the application process, planning program activities, participating in public relations activities, networking with Big Five firms, fundraising and more. It's a lot of work, but it's paid off. Many young people have chosen to join the accounting profession because of Ida's energy and example.

Ida has served in a number of leadership positions in professional organizations. She makes significant contributions in her church and the various communities in which she finds herself. She is actively involved in the political process in Los Angeles and California and is very effective in getting others involved as well.

James H. Macklin, CPA, is an accounting professor at California State University Northridge, where he is the faculty adviser for Beta Alpha Psi. Macklin has long served on ACAP'S board or directors.