Kylar Maldonado ‘25, M’26 has had a non-traditional college journey, but he’s made the most of his short time as a Barney student. Coming in as a junior, Kylar began his UHart journey this past fall and plans to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in accounting in May 2025. He already has a summer internship lined up, as an Embark Scholar intern at KPMG.
At 23 years old, Kylar went back to school with a dream: to create EquallyAccounted, a small accounting firm focused on providing financial literacy to marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ and BIPOC sex workers. He created a business plan for the firm in Professor Aydin Oksoy’s Business Plan Competition, which is part of the Principles of Entrepreneurship course. “With such a ‘taboo’ idea, I was worried about how it might be perceived,” he says. “But I tied for third place against 56 other business plans.”
Kylar says the experience taught him some important lessons. “I learned I should not be afraid to stand up for those that are shown so much shame. I should have pride in what I hope to achieve, no matter the audience, especially trying to erase stigma within a highly conservative environment. I also realized how I could further my thought process for the construction of my company, and what truly is involved with the creation itself.” He feels as though this helped him meet people who understood his goal and gave him confidence for his future career.
Outside the classroom, Kylar serves as secretary of the Commuter Student Association, member of the Helping Hawks Student Scholars, an Honors Program Ambassador, and a member of STRIDE. He says the organizations and clubs have allowed him to step out of his comfort zone, especially as a new transfer student. “I knew this would help me meet new people, contribute to the community, and enjoy my time on campus,” he says. “As a commuter, it’s tough when you have long periods of time between classes and don’t live on campus to create a ‘family’ at a new university.”
Kylar says this sense of community is specifically strong within the Barney School of Business. “I am able to create bonds with people not only in Barney, but outside of it—people who contribute to the success of all types of industries. As a non-traditional student, I was worried about being seen as an outsider. I struggle with dyslexia, anxiety, and depression. I am hard of hearing. I am a first-generation student. No one handed me a guide on how to do this. When I came to UHart and Barney, faculty members gave me the open lines of communication and understanding that I truly needed.”
At Barney, Kylar has been able to take advantage of resources like Career Ready events, such as Mocktail and professional development dinners. He’s also been able to meet alumni that were in his shoes years ago. “Barney has been able to connect me with small business entrepreneurs, thriving CFOs, networks of accountants, local firms, and more. The professors I have met through Barney always have a problem-solving process in their minds, while also correlating it with real-world situations. They don't promise you that everything will be perfect. They are real and honest with how things may not go your way. But how you get through it will build you not only as an entrepreneur, but as a person.”
Kylar says Christine Ye, Associate Professor of Marketing and Barney Honors Program Coordinator, has been especially helpful in pointing him toward ways to get involved on campus. Seeing how passionate Kylar was about his EquallyAccounted project, Ye invited him to apply for the Undergrad Colloquium. The Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion has also encouraged him to be his best self: “They’ve pointed me in directions of what clubs are available, vouched for me to become part of E-Boards, volunteering opportunities, and so much more. I can’t say enough. The individuals I have encountered thus far have each had a unique impact on my career at UHart, and this is only the beginning!”
Once he graduates with his bachelors, Kylar will start studying for his CPA exams while pursuing his Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation. He plans to gain experience at an accounting firm such as KPMG, and to gain technical and client-based skills. And it’s all in pursuit of his dream, EquallyAccounted, which he developed right here at Barney.
Kylar Maldonado ‘25, M’26, Barney School of BusinessOne piece of advice to incoming Barney students is: Plant both feet on the ground, stand proud in what you represent and where you would like to go, and the resources will be there for you. You may be the first one to ask for said resources, but trust me, you’ll pave the way for those after you.