George Mason University's Costello College of Business and NABA Inc. join forces to develop the business leaders of tomorrow

The Costello College of Business at George Mason University and NABA Inc. today announced a new three-year community partnership grounded in a shared belief: when students, educators, and industry leaders grow together, entire communities—and the businesses that serve them—thrive. The collaboration will strengthen professional development, open new pathways for student success, and deepen connections across the regional and national business community.  

The partnership will also create more points of connection between students, faculty, alumni, and business leaders. NABA Inc. will attend signature Costello events, including the Corporate and Community Partner Luncheon, Patriot Pitch Competition, and the Annual Business Celebration, designed to spark conversation, strengthen networks, and accelerate shared impact. A dedicated concierge service from Costello will support seamless engagement and ongoing collaboration with business faculty and students.    

“Professional development is not a single event—it’s a promise we make to our students and to the business community. By working alongside NABA, we’re expanding access to mentorship, experiences, and networks that help talent flourish. When we invest in people and build community through collaboration, we create the conditions for consistent, long-term success—for our students, our partners, and the region we all share.”  

—Patrick Soleymani, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement at the Costello College of Business

NABA will recognize the Costello College of Business as the “Exclusive Academic Partner for NABA” on its website and in annual conference materials, amplifying the business college’s role in preparing the next generation of leaders. The partnership also expands opportunities for Costello students and faculty to engage with a national community of professionals through a premier presence at the NABA Annual Conference for the next three years.  

“Professional development is not a single event—it’s a promise we make to our students and to the business community,” said Patrick Soleymani, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement at the Costello College of Business. “By working alongside NABA, we’re expanding access to mentorship, experiences, and networks that help talent flourish. When we invest in people and build community through collaboration, we create the conditions for consistent, long-term success—for our students, our partners, and the region we all share.”  

Guylaine Saint Juste, president and CEO of NABA Inc., added, “We are at an inflection point in business and in higher education. Students who are preparing to enter the workforce now are navigating a world that looks nothing like the one most of us trained for. This partnership ensures that they are not navigating it alone. They will be part of a community that invests in them and holds them to the highest standard.”  

The partnership is effective from April 2026 through April 2029.  

NABA Inc. is a leading organization dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for underserved professionals in accounting, finance, data-analysis, AI, and related business professions. 

For more information, please contact: Costello College of Business, Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations: 703-993-1176