Anyah Cork

• Workforce Development Associate – Indiana CPA Society
• INCPAS Scholar Indianapolis 2016–17
• Attended Purdue University and majored in general management

We have shared several stories about our INCPAS Scholars throughout the years. Many of them have now graduated college and are entering the profession. This issue’s featured Scholar is particularly special to us—meet Anyah Cork, a former INCPAS Scholar and our current workforce development associate! A truly “full circle” moment, and we are so proud of her.

INCPAS: What was your biggest takeaway from the INCPAS Scholars program?

Anyah: It has had a profound and lasting impact on my personal and professional development. I was immersed in an environment that emphasized a higher level of professionalism at the high school level. This experience not only shaped my understanding of workplace expectations, but also equipped me with essential skills to navigate various professional settings. 

Another valuable takeaway was the emphasis on networking and building connections. I learned the importance of forging relationships with peers, mentors and industry professionals. The opportunities I had to engage with local surrounding colleges and companies allowed me to strengthen my communication skills and gain confidence in approaching new contacts. Overall, the program has elevated my commitment to professionalism and a proactive approach to networking. As a high school student, I was able to gain these skills early and use them in my professional career. 

INCPAS: You participated in the Business Opportunities Program (BOP) at Purdue. How did you learn about it and how did it support your college experience? 

Anyah: I learned about BOP from Darren Henry, who I met while I was in the Scholars program. Darren shared more about BOP with my mom and me at an event, and the rest is history! BOP set me up for success my entire college journey. It was extremely hands-on my freshman year and made the transition from high school to college smooth. 

BOP alumni supported us through study sessions, interview practice, mentorship, etc. I will forever cherish how Darren was supportive and in our corner for all four years. I took some challenging courses, but BOP’s support and resources were endless. This program is very near and dear to my heart, and I 100% believe it is so successful because it was built on a firm and solid foundation with success for underrepresented students at the forefront. 

INCPAS: In the fall of 2020, you were a junior at Purdue University. In a CPA IN Perspective Scholars Ask the Alumni article, you shared that you wanted to bring new, innovative ideas and analytical skills to your future organization. And now—full circle!—you are the workforce development associate at INCPAS.  How do you plan to do that at INCPAS?

Anyah: It amazes me how things truly do come full circle! I have such a passion for the diversity and student initiatives I focus on and am blessed to have a manager that shares those same passions. In my role, there is a blank canvas for innovative ideas to flow. I do have something very exciting in the works that will be implemented on college campuses in the next school year! 

Graduation day with BOP at Purdue	Anyah’s family

INCPAS: What initiatives do you focus on as workforce development associate at INCPAS?

Anyah: I focus on our workforce development initiatives. Every day looks different, but my days typically consist of providing resources and support to our high school and college students, and also to educators. I play an active role with our Scholars program and, as a former scholar, I am able to really relate with the students and pour into them all that was poured into me! 

INCPAS: What are you most excited about in this new role?

Anyah: So many things! I am primarily excited about the endless relationship-building. Connecting with other organizations and leaders is a major part of my role, and building on those professional relationships is something I really value. We are all better when we come together. 

INCPAS: Do you have any advice for students who are trying to figure out their career path?

Anyah: It is okay to not know right away what you want to do. You never want to rush into something because of the pressure from peers who may already know. We all move at different paces, and everything always works out for our good! Your happiness should come first. Know your worth and don’t settle for the dollar. Choose what will make you love going to work and have a space where you are able to use your gifts and talents to their full potential. 

INCPAS: What are your long-term professional goals?

Anyah: My long-term professional goal is to change the culture of Corporate America. I am a firm believer in providing a safe and nurturing space for others. That should extend in our workplaces as well; we all have heard the stories of how “cutthroat” Corporate America can be, and I don’t believe that should be the case. I have many ideas on how I want to improve the overall workplace environment and culture that will be revealed some day.

INCPAS Scholars is an award-winning, free program that encourages high school students to consider becoming a CPA. The only program of its kind, INCPAS Scholars introduces students to the profession by pairing them with practicing CPAs, touring CPA firms and businesses that employ CPAs, and participating in events to immerse them in the profession. You can support the program at incpas.org/Scholars. 

Want to get involved as an INCPAS Scholars mentor? 
Contact Ali Tonini, CAE, INCPAS VP – Pipeline & Outreach, for more information.