Alex Nunley (she/her) has always known the value of hard work. She successfully balanced full-time collegiate and professional responsibilities, working toward her degree during the week and putting in 40 hours across weekend shifts at a local money services business.

While in school, Alex was one of the few Black students who majored in accounting. Now, as a partner at Moss Adams, she’s proud to share her journey and inspire the next generation of talent seeking to begin theirs.

Alex’s story of limitless opportunity, inspired by the people in her life who persevered through their challenges, exemplifies the theme of this year’s Black History Month celebration: African Americans and Labor.

What inspired your ‘limitless’ perspective on personal growth?

The people in my life helped me develop the perspective I’ve needed to face challenges and make it to where I am now.

For example, my maternal grandmother graduated from a four-year university during the 1940s. My maternal great-grandmother, an artist, maintained a career in advertising, and her work appeared in Vogue, Mademoiselle, and several local publications. My paternal grandparents acquired and managed over a dozen rental homes across Portland.

Both sides of my family have a history of resilience through the barriers of gender or race in their time, so I was raised to see my future as limitless, too. My dad instilled a growth mindset in me early on, and it’s the reason I always strive to be better in my personal and professional life. That perspective shows up in how I serve my clients, contribute to the firm’s goals, and support our people in owning their careers.

Can you share any takeaways from your dad’s influence that contributed most to your personal and professional development?

My dad knew me better than myself, so he challenged me to think differently. He taught me to get everyone’s perspective, so I always seek other people’s input even if I feel I’ve already made up my mind. He also helped me realize how much I loved accounting.

In high school, I worked as a hostess at a local restaurant and he told me I needed to file my tax return or “Uncle Sam’s going to get you.” He took me to the post office to get the paperwork, then we went home so I could fill it out while he watched March Madness. When I got to the end, I realized I didn’t have to file. I told him, “I’m just a kid. I don’t make enough money.” And his response was, “Well, now you know.” He started laughing because he thought it was so funny. He loved playing those kinds of jokes on me, but it helped me realize I might enjoy taxes.

That’s hilarious! How does that connect with your passion to help the next generation of talent seek opportunities in the accounting industry?

My dad was big on helping me understand the opportunities I’ve had that others may not have in common. Whenever my dad had the chance to teach me Black history, he did. He’d talk to me about our history as Black people in this country, including what we were and weren’t allowed to do. He reinforced the sacrifices my grandparents made for us.

Black History Month is important to celebrate because Black history is important to know. My dad made sure I understood why things are how they are. He wanted me to celebrate the people who paved roads for us. As I’ve gone through my career, I’ve been motivated to help students find their way into the accounting industry.

I think students determine what they want to do by what they see in their family and other adults they’ve met, so I believe it’s important to expose upcoming talent to this industry as early as possible to show them that a career in accounting is an option. I enjoy being involved in our firm’s recruiting efforts, especially initiatives that target underrepresented talented such as the Guide Pilot Steer program, because it gives me the opportunity to introduce the accounting industry and Moss Adams to young students who may not have considered it.

When the firm is more inclusive, Moss Adams and our people are more likely to succeed.

Can you expand on the role inclusion plays in our firm’s culture of possible?

As we attract talent from different communities and geographical areas, efforts to further our culture of belonging make a difference. When I was in school, I was one of few Black students pursuing accounting as a major. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, so it wasn’t rare that I was one of a few—it’s been that way since kindergarten.

Black professionals are historically underrepresented in the accounting industry, but relationships and mentorships made a difference for me. In college, my friend’s mom helped me get a job that exposed me to the accounting industry.

At Moss Adams, the folks in our Portland location have tight-knit relationships. I’ve known some of the partners in my office since I was 23 years old. Now, I’m a partner along with them. I truly believe that authentic relationships will grow our people, and that’s one of the most important things we can invest in as a firm.

Now that you’re a leader in your office and across the firm, how do you inspire your growth mindset in upcoming talent?

Sometimes, I struggle to consider myself a mentor or leader for others at Moss Adams and I don’t stop to think about what I’ve already achieved. Fortunately, my colleagues and coaches remind me now and then that my path to partner as a Black woman could motivate others on their journey.

And then, I notice a student’s energy changing while meeting me. It reminds me that the younger generation gets inspired to see people with their experiences doing well in our industry. If everyone supports the Black business resource group (BRG) and other BRGs in their efforts, we can make Moss Adams inclusive and comfortable for everyone. That’s what’s important.

People first, right?