Member Spotlight: Diana Muyibi, Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Diana Muyibi is a graduate student studying at State University of New York (SUNY), Old Westbury and also a proud past recipient of the ACFE’s Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship.  

Diana is in the Master of Science in forensic accounting program and is expected to graduate this spring. Currently, she is a member of the Long Island Chapter of the ACFE, the National Association of Black Accountants and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and she participates as a volunteer for the Justice for Fraud Victims Project at SUNY Old Westbury along with other programs. 

How did you hear about the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship and what made you decide to apply?  

I was initially informed about the ACFE and the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship by my professor, Dr. David Glodstein, CFE, CPA, who played a major role in motivating and encouraging me to apply for the scholarship. After enrolling in fraud examination and white-collar crime courses with him, I decided to change my major from the M.S. in accounting program at SUNY Old Westbury to forensic accounting. The course material was very engaging, and my professor was a key proponent of my desire to delve deeply into the theories and components of fraud examination, deterrence and detection. 

To this day, I am still enthused after being selected as a recipient of the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship. It was the first scholarship that I had ever applied for, and being selected as the top recipient was an accomplishment that I will never forget and will forever be grateful for. I celebrated the great news with Dr. Glodstein, my classmates, SUNY Old Westbury’s school of business, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office in Long Island and my wonderful family, who continue to motivate me and my passion for the forensic accounting and fraud examination profession. 

How did you become passionate about fighting fraud?

 I became passionate about fighting fraud after learning about who the victims of fraud are and understanding how fraud and financial accounting scandals impact us all. It is important to note that there are both direct and indirect victims of fraud. Indirect victims of fraud include the families of perpetrators who rely on the financial responsibilities associated with ill-gotten gains. As I reflected on my childhood experiences, I realized that I too had been a victim of fraud; protecting potential victims from these experiences is what fuels my desire for this profession. Participating in the Justice for Fraud Victim’s Project at SUNY Old Westbury, reaching out to local underrepresented communities and small businesses that may have been impacted by fraud, has been a fulfilling experience. It is important that I continue to dedicate my assistance to this initiative because not only will it aid in spreading awareness of the importance of fraud detection and prevention, but it will also prevent people from experiencing the harsh impacts of fraud and the same financial hardships that I did in my childhood. 

How do you balance your volunteer work with your graduate program and anti-fraud work?  

Time management is an important skill I have developed with balancing the demands from my graduate program and anti-fraud work. As a member of the ACFE’s Long Island Chapter, the National Association of Black Accountants and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, I participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and TCE program, where I gave tax preparation assistance to demographic groups who may be vulnerable to tax fraud. As previously mentioned, I am also a volunteer in the Justice for Fraud Victim's Project at SUNY Old Westbury. In conjunction with the applied learning aspect of my graduate program in forensic accounting and my anti-fraud work, these programs have allowed me to participate in organizations that provide experiential based learning when confronting real world complications that are associated with fraud investigation and white-collar crime. 
 

What are some things you hope to accomplish in the anti-fraud field? 

I am currently studying for the CFE exam and am looking forward to obtaining my credential and engaging as an expert witness in the months to come. This would signify a major short-term accomplishment for me in the anti-fraud field. Long-term and over the span of my career, I aim toward becoming a skilled pioneer in this profession and plan on mentoring, motivating and inspiring future fraud fighters who are interested in developing skills related to the anti-fraud profession. For this to be possible, it is important that I continue to develop and utilize accounting, auditing and investigative techniques to become a dynamic and experienced leader in this profession.   
 

What advice do you have for students who are interested in applying for the scholarship?

For current students who are interested in applying for the ACFE’s Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship, I would recommend that they build relationships with their professors and members of their community who are dedicated to the anti-fraud profession. These people have years of experience offering guidance to past graduates and professionals who have gone on to be pioneers in their respective fields. These connections will provide students with opportunities to expand their own network and position themselves for success in their prospective anti-fraud careers.  
 

The anti-fraud profession is a very rewarding career path, and it can be extremely fulfilling to those who are passionate about assisting both their community and businesses that may have been impacted by fraud. The ACFE’s Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship offers great benefits that assist students with covering tuition and fees. As an added incentive, the scholarship also awards a one-year ACFE Student Membership that provides students with the ability to expand their network and directly engage with professionals in the anti-fraud field. Being recognized by the ACFE Foundation has been an honor and a great privilege and, as a member, I will forever be motivated by its service to the global community and anti-fraud professionals around the world. 

Through the Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship, the ACFE Foundation supports the education of students who have an interest in pursuing a career in fraud examination. The scholarship provides an opportunity for students to advance their education and anti-fraud career paths through the generosity of individuals like you. To help support the ACFE Foundation, donate today.