From Client to Colleague: Latisha McKellar's Journey with the Small Business Development Center

​Success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable. This is the case for 37-year-old Latisha McKellar, originally from Bronx, NY. Throughout her professional career of 15 years in accounting and customer service, Latisha decided to establish her tax firm with her mom as a silent partner in 2019. With the assistance from a business advisor within the Small Business Development Center, Latisha and her mom were able to launch the business. Latisha quickly realized a limitation in her potential growth due to not having her CPA certification. She decided to change gears and head back to school to pursue a degree in higher education.

Latisha decided to further her education at SUNY Brockport within the School of Business Management, while raising her four children. When a student work study position became available at the Small Business Development Center within SUNY Brockport, Latisha knew this would be opportunity for her to give back by serving within the Center. She applies her expertise and fosters growth and management of the Small Business Development Center’s social media presence as well as connects with Small Business Development Center clients in sharing their success stories on a media platform.  Latisha’s diverse background enriches the SUNY Brockport community as well as the small business community by offering a perspective steeped in resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering pursuit of educational opportunities amid adversity.

This CPA credential and her pursuit for high education stands as a pivotal milestone in the advancement of her career goals, equipping her with the knowledge, credibility, and leadership acumen necessary to thrive in the competitive realm of accounting and finance. As Latisha embarks on this transformative journey, she is beyond prepared to confront challenges, broaden her horizons, and emerge as a more skilled, accomplished, and impactful professional.