Emory Triumphs at the National Diversity Case Competition – Recounting the Journey
Some trips start with a smooth takeoff. Ours? Not so much.
A flat tire nearly made us miss our flight, and once in the air, a medical emergency unfolded with no doctors on board. Fortunately, our teammate Jacob Katz – certified EMT – stepped in to save a life. By the time we landed in Indianapolis, greeted by -5 degree temperatures and a thick blanket of snow, one thing was clear: this was going to be a weekend to remember.
This year marked Emory’s first time competing in the National Diversity Case Competition (NDCC)—the largest diversity-focused case competition in the US, hosted by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. With over 35 top universities represented, each team had already proven themselves at their home institutions to earn a place at the national stage. The NDCC sits at the intersection of business and diversity, challenging participants to tackle real-world issues through an inclusive lens.
The Challenge: Bridging the Accounting Gap
Sponsored by Grant Thornton, this year’s case focused on engaging first-generation and underrepresented minority high school students in accounting and guiding them toward careers in the field. Our team—Emma Adams 27BBA, Jacob Katz, and I (Aziz Hajji 25BBA), was right away drawn to the complexity of the challenge—especially in today’s climate, where diversity initiatives face increasing resistance, and many programs struggle with unclear paths to success.
Our approach was simple: learn first, then strategize.
To truly understand the issue, we sought insights from senior accountants, diversity recruiters, high school teachers, and students. One of the most impactful conversations we had was with Dr. Carol Henderson, Emory’s Chief Diversity Officer, who shared her experience designing and implementing successful diversity programs. We also gained valuable insights from Durran Dunn, Partner at Bennett Thrasher, World Champion U.S. track and field athlete, and a leader within the National Association of Black Accountants.
Additionally, we engaged in discussions with Grant Thornton’s diversity recruiters—special thanks to Zach Balian—and Florence Holland the former lead of pipeline initiatives at the AICPA to learn from past successes and failures.
Armed with this research, we decided to flip the narrative: instead of focusing solely on bringing underrepresented students into accounting, we aimed to bring accounting to them—acknowledging the barriers to exposure and designing a practical, scalable implementation plan.
Competition Days: A Test of Strategy and Nerve
After settling into our hotel, we had the chance to connect with teams from across the country and attend a networking panel featuring executives from EY, Grant Thornton, AbbVie, GE, and Nucor. These discussions expanded our perspective on business dynamics and challenges across different industries, and of course, the evening of our first day concluded with a final round of fine-tuning our pitch.
The competition started the next morning and consisted of two rounds. In the first, teams were placed into brackets of five, each competing for a spot in the final round. Presenting in front of senior executives from Grant Thornton and other sponsors, we secured first place in our bracket—beating the IU host team.
With a shot at the championship, the pressure was on. As team captain, my job was to keep us sharp and energized before we stepped onto the final stage. Our team was fourth to present in front of an audience of 100+ people in a massive amphitheater. For 15 minutes, we delivered our solution, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session with a panel of senior judges.
One hour later, at the awards ceremony, we were crowned this year’s champions, ranking first in the Nation. Walking onto the podium to collect our trophy and $8,000 check was a surreal moment—one that made every late-night prep session and strategic pivot worth it.
What Set Us Apart?
Reflecting on our success, three key factors made our team stand out:
1. We did our homework and more – Our thorough research allowed us to acquire a better understanding of the problem. We talked to experts, gathered real data, and built a rock-solid strategy.
2. We were a real team – I built this team not just with the goal of winning, but to ensure we’d enjoy the experience. That chemistry led to endless laughs and really made all the difference.
3. We thought differently – Instead of taking the conventional approach, we challenged the status quo, capturing the judges’ attention with a fresh, standout solution.
A Special Win for Me
Beyond the competition, the weekend had an extra personal significance. My twin brother, Fares Hajji, a junior at Kelley, was there to cheer us on. Winning in his home turf gave me bragging rights for a while.
Of course, no championship celebration would be complete without a visit to IU’s iconic Upstairs Pub, where we joined fellow competitors, judges, and new friends for a well-earned night of fun.
A huge thanks to Shruti, whose support gave us a shot at this victory. This was more than just a competition—it was a testament to the power of preparation, teamwork, and bold ideas.
Thank you as well to Indiana University and the Kelley School of Business for hosting the event and the outstanding organization!
Here’s to more challenges, more wins, and more unforgettable experiences ahead.
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