How GFOA Black Caucus Is Empowering HBCU Students Through Its Learning Series

For students exploring what a future in government might look like, access to comprehensive conversations can matter just as much as access to internships or job postings. Hearing how professionals found their footing in public service—how they built expertise, navigated challenges, and stepped into leadership—helps bring clarity to a field that can feel distant, even though its impact is everywhere. Through the GFOA Black Caucus, those conversations are becoming more intentional, visible, and accessible to HBCU students. 

The Black Caucus Listen and Learn Series was created with that purpose at its core. Rather than a regular panel, it is a space built for dialogue, where HBCU students can connect with local government practitioners who speak openly about their paths in public finance. Each session delves into career choices, pivotal moments, and lessons learned along the way, providing students with a grounded understanding of what a career in public service entails and how their own strengths can be leveraged in meaningful work. 

Through these conversations, students get a comprehensive perspective on how public finance leaders think and adapt to the realities of their states and cities’ financial operations.  

The upcoming session carries that mission forward, featuring senior municipal finance leader, Nicholas Sarpy, Chief Financial Officer of City of Little Rock, Arkansas, whose experience spans multiple cities and levels of government. Through this conversation, students will have a deeper understanding of how skills in accounting, budgeting, and management can grow into long‑term leadership and a meaningful impact on public service. 

HBCU students interested in government, public service, or public finance are encouraged to join the GFOA Black Caucus Listen and Learn Series and be part of these discussions. Registration is free, and students are encouraged to RSVP here for our next series.  

Take advantage of these series to build connections and institutional knowledge that can help shape your future in public finance.