GREAT TEAMS START WITH GREAT PEOPLE.

Meet Diane Nyemba.

What brought you and your family to the US from the Democratic Republic of Congo?

I moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo to reunite with my relatives, search for better opportunities, and for a chance to experience a different culture.

What is your role at MorganFranklin and how would you describe your Sarbanes-Oxley focus in the firm to a child?

I am a Manager in our Accounting & Transactions Services practice. My role is to listen to my clients and advise them on a wide variety of projects, notably compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) requirements.

To a child, I would describe my focus on Sarbanes-Oxley as making sure my clients respect the set of rules that the law has put in place for them. This ensures people with bad intentions do not commit actions that could damage the firm and/or anyone that has an interest in the firm.

Please tell us about your professional background and what led you to pursue a career at MorganFranklin.

I graduated at the top of my class from a business high school and held accounting teaching-assistant positions while attending the University of Maryland College Park (UMD). From there, I graduated with two degrees: Accounting and Information System Management.

After my UMD graduation, I have held positions in internal and external audit, and Information Security. Obtaining my Certified Public License (CPA) has made me a much more capable accountant. Moreover, I have been involved in leadership roles in various organizations (and in the community where I live) that have increased my willingness to bring solutions to challenging situations. Pursuing an opportunity that could help me apply my diverse background and leadership capability, contribute to the growth of the organization, and help clients through challenging situations is what led me to MorganFranklin.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to pursue a career at MorganFranklin?

I would advise them to make their clients the number one priority by always being willing to go above and beyond.

What is your proudest moment at MorganFranklin?

My proudest moment at MorganFranklin was the day I was invited to an important meeting with my client leadership team. After discussions among the leadership team, the decision-maker paused and asked for my advice prior to finalizing the decision. I knew from that moment on that I was a trusted advisor.

How has working at MorganFranklin shaped your plans for the future?

MorganFranklin’s culture has empowered me to deliver high quality services to the fullest of my abilities. MorganFranklin shaped my plans for the future, as it made me realize I am stronger than I previously thought.

If you could switch your role with anyone within MorganFranklin, whose role would you want and why?

Amy Hover – Amy is a Managing Director at MorganFranklin. She not only possesses a strong accounting and client service background, but she is a very well-rounded person with a great ability to empower people at work.

Ola Wright – Ola is a Director in our Strategy & Transformation practice. I worked with her on a project and admired her ability to manage client relationships – and the project team – through challenging situations.

One thing people may not know about you is that you auditioned for Family Feud! What was it about Family Feud that drew you and your family to audition?

Family Feud combines comedy and competition, which are two thing I very much enjoy. I follow Family Feud and Steve Harvey on social media and one day I saw a notification that auditions were available in Atlanta. People who applied needed to make a good case to be selected and luckily my case was great, so my family made it to the auditions. We all enjoy playing games and laughing while doing it and Family Feud was a great bonding experience for us. Not to mention a way to make money while having fun!

If you and your family won Family Feud, what would you do with your winnings?

Unfortunately, we did not win. If we had won, we would have invested the money in philanthropic opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

If you were stranded on a desert island, which three items would you bring with you, other than food and water?

I would take a good knife, a first aid kit, and bug spray.