SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 21 MARCH 6-12, 2023 40 UNDER 40 Sabrena Shipley decided in high school to become her family’s first college graduate and has been setting higher career goals since. After graduating in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, she quickly obtained a master’s degree and a CPA license. “I had to work tirelessly to make those dreams a reality,” she says. The hard work paid off, and since starting a career at Abacus CPAs, Shipley, 25, has been promoted twice, most recently to consultant, and received the inaugural Abacus Ownership Values Award. She then co-facilitated a firmwide retreat emphasizing the value and focus of ownership in the job. She also mentors Abacus employees studying for their CPA exams. “We succeed when we work as a team,” she says. “I want to inspire young leaders; I want them to know they are capable of achieving anything they dedicate themselves to.” To serve the community, she’s on the finance committee of the Girls on the Run nonprofit and a financial adviser to the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority at Missouri State University. Your proudest moment? Graduating from college as a first-generation college student. What about your job would shock people? You do not have to be good at math to be an accountant! Communication and leadership skills go a long way. We interpret and analyze data and client situations more often than is assumed. —Nicole Chilton, Contributing Writer SABRENA SHIPLEY Abacus CPAs LLC At age 19, Micheala Steinmetz-Benton became an academic tutor which led to a lifelong passion in education. After completing a master’s degree in cell and molecular biology, teaching at Kickapoo High School, and pursuing a doctorate in education from Lindenwood University, she returned to where she first got a taste of academic leadership: Ozarks Technical Community College. On the journey, Steinmetz-Benton says she faced adversity, trauma and homelessness, and she uses those experiences to empower other young women. “I had every reason to go astray,” she says. “Yet every time I faltered, someone along the way intervened.” Now, the 33-year-old strives to pay forward the compassion she was shown through her leadership and volunteering. Her active involvement with the Junior League Springfield, Isabel’s House and Court Appointed Special Advocates is a testament to her dedication. Your proudest moment? When I gave birth to my son. I love him more than anything and consider him my greatest motivation to keep making the world a better place. Your professional aha moment? Everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging and when you meet students where they are, share some laughter and treat them with kindness and understanding, you can positively impact their lives. Favorite book? “Educated,” by Tara Westover. —Nicole Chilton, Contributing Writer MICHEALA STEINMETZ-BENTON Ozarks Technical Community College HEATHER MOSLEY celebrates FORward VISion It’s hard to stand out in a crowded space, but your forward vision has you in the spotlight—and it’s time to celebrate! FORVIS is proud to recognize Manager Carly Taft and all of Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 2023 class honorees. ASSURANCE / TAX / ADVISORY forvis.com FORVIS is a trademark of FORVIS, LLP, registration of which is pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
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