From the leadership team of a national nonprofit to online financial empowerment platforms and the lecture halls of San Jacinto College, Baseemah “Bee” Nance, CPA, is redefining what it means to be a changemaker in accounting, education, and wealth building. A proud INROADS alumna and visionary with many passions, Bee is on a mission to simplify financial literacy, empower communities of color, and inspire the next generation of changemakers through her work as a Certified Public Accountant, professor, author, and founder.

With over 15 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and financial management, Bee brings depth, leadership, and innovation to every organization she serves. Bee is currently the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) of The Better Angels Society, a nonprofit that supports excellence in American history documentaries in ways that advance civic engagement and educate generations of students and lifelong learners.

But Bee’s work doesn’t stop at being a CFAO. She is the founder of Rebalanced Accounting, a newly launched community built to support and uplift accounting students and professionals of color. As a licensed CPA since 2017, Bee understands the hurdles that exist in entering and staying in the profession—and she’s actively creating the support she once needed.

“I’m working on building a community for accounting students of color,” Bee says. “There’s still a gap in the support needed to enter and stay in this industry.”

Bee's passion for financial education and community impact also led her to launch The Rising Sunny, a social enterprise dedicated to helping families build generational wealth through tools and strategies that prepare them to manage, save, and invest wisely. Its flagship product is Bee’s debut book, Sunny Gets Money, a rhythmic, fun-filled storybook that teaches kids about financial literacy through storytelling as you follow 9-year-old Sunny through the ups and downs of managing, saving, sharing, and spending money. It’s more than a children’s book—it’s a tool to start lifelong conversations about money and responsibility.

Bee is also a content creator with a YouTube channel titled “Professor Nance – The Accounting Translator” where she teaches accounting and supports future CPAs by creating content that current generations of accounting students can relate to and absorb in a fun, entertaining way. Whether it’s through music, relatable storytelling, or clear breakdowns of tough concepts, Bee is creating pathways for future CPAs to not only survive their education but thrive in it.

In 2004, Bee’s professional journey began with INROADS as an HR Intern at Deloitte while studying at North Carolina A&T State University. INROADS became a pivotal experience, helping her overcome challenges in securing internship opportunities and providing her with exposure to the accounting profession.

“I remember interviewing for a few different opportunities and not landing anything,” she recalls. “I felt discouraged and overlooked, but then I got the opportunity to join INROADS. It was transformative. I was treated like any other intern at the firm and enjoyed a summer filled with camaraderie and life lessons that continue to impact my journey to this day.”

Although her path after graduation took some unexpected turns, Bee credits INROADS for giving her the professional footing to build a career aligned with her purpose. “Every bump on the road was to get me where I needed to go—and my internship with INROADS started it all.”

Bee’s professional accomplishments include becoming a licensed CPA in 2017 and earning several prestigious accolades: the 2020 Top 50 Women in Accounting by Practice Ignition, a 40 Under 40 Black CPA Award, and the 2023 Young Leader Award by the Texas Women’s Foundation. Each recognition underscores the heart and dedication she brings to every endeavor.

Bee’s advice to INROADS students and young professionals is rooted in resilience and self-advocacy:

“Don’t give up. Everyone’s journey doesn’t look the same. What you love now may change—and that’s okay. When you’re interviewing, remember it’s a two-way street. Be respectful, empathetic, but also assertive in advocating for your career.”

She adds, “Listen more than you talk. Surround yourself with people at different levels so you can constantly learn.”

Whether she’s singing, baking, strumming the guitar, or spontaneously speaking French or Spanish just for fun, Bee believes in living life to the fullest. She currently resides in Houston, Texas, with her husband Joseph and their two sons, Sunny and Amir.

Bee Nance is proof that when you follow your passion and lead with purpose, you create a legacy that transcends numbers—and transforms lives.