Welcome to Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In today's episode, I'm thrilled to have Dr. Stephani Mason join us. Dr. Mason, an associate professor of accounting at DePaul University, is renowned for her impactful work on diversity and representation in academia and beyond. Today, we dive into the transformative impact of PhD programs on career paths and the vital role of researchers in non-academic settings and into the raison d'être of The PhD Project - pomoting diversity in faculty in the accounting/economics space. Join us as Dr. Mason shares insights on preparing individuals to utilize their talents for the public good, the importance of evidence-based decision-making, and the power of mentorship through initiatives like The PhD Project. Listen in to learn how this groundbreaking project has been diversifying corporate America and academia for 30 years, helping underrepresented minorities pursue PhDs in business disciplines. Whether you're interested in educational equity, the PhD journey, or the transformative power of diversity, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration! Dr. Stephani Mason is an Associate Professor of Accounting at DePaul University, where she teaches advanced-level undergraduate and graduate courses in accounting and valuation. She earned her Ph.D. in accounting at Rutgers University, her MBA in finance and accounting at the University of Chicago, and her BS in accounting at North Carolina A&T State University. With over a decade working in investment management at JP Morgan Investment Management, the JP Morgan Private Bank, and US Trust, she conducts academic research on accounting/auditing standards, financial regulation, as well as diversity in the accounting and finance industries. Mason serves as a member of The PhD Project Advisory Council (PAC-15), the Black Alliance of Colleges and Employers (BACE) board of directors, the AICPA National Accreditation Commission, Business Valuation Task Force, and Financial Instruments Advisory Group, and the American Accounting Association Meetings Committee and Diversity Initiative. In addition, she is a long-term committee member of the Canadian Academic Accounting Association, British Accounting and Finance Association, European Accounting Association, and Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand; is an editorial board member of five academic journals, and founded the WonderWomen of Diversity, a group that hosts discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the academic and corporate settings. What we covered in the interview: Broadening Horizons Beyond Academia: Dr. Mason discussed the critical need for researchers in non-academic roles, highlighting examples from the medical field and public policy institutions, showing how PhDs can solve complex real-world problems.Diversity and Representation: Emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making, Dr. Mason brings attention to how representation in academia and various professions can close the gap between students' aspirations and career paths, enriching education for all.Supportive Communities and Mentorship: The PhD Project, celebrating its 30th anniversary, provides a supportive network for underrepresented individuals. Mentorship, coaching, and events help individuals navigate their academic journeys and promote diversity in both academia and corporate America.🔗See the resources section below for links! This episode’s resources: Website: PhDproject.orgFacebook: Facebook.com/thePhDprojectLinkedin: Linkedin.com/company/thephdproject  Thank you, Dr. Stephani Mason! If you enjoyed this conversation with Stephani, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:Send Dr. Stephani Mason a thank you message on Linkedin!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!