MCC Business Alumna to Speak to Students at 2026 Commencement

Middlesex Community College is proud to name Victoria Makumbi the 2026 Distinguished Alum. The Tax and Financial Senior Accountant at The Kraft Group and Affiliates, she will speak to the graduating class during the commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 21.

“I am deeply honored and genuinely excited,” Victoria said. “I hope that my story inspires at least one student to believe in themselves and to never give up on their goals. It's like a church sermon, not every word is meant for every person, but sometimes you hear that one thing that lights a fire in you and gives you hope. If I can be that for even one person, it means everything.”

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From Uganda, Victoria grew up in Lowell. In her experience, she enjoyed MCC’s strong curriculum, variety of options and opportunities, and supportive faculty and staff. After graduating with an associate degree in business administration, Victoria transferred to UMass Lowell to earn a bachelor’s in the field followed by a master’s in accounting.

“MCC gave me two things that proved essential – a strong academic foundation and a supportive network,” Victoria said. “Those two elements made it possible to pursue additional degrees and build the career I have today. It wasn't just about what I learned in the classroom – it was about knowing that people were in my corner. The faculty and staff made it easy to navigate a career path, schedule classes that worked for my life, and feel career ready.”

A particular moment of pride for Victoria during her time at Middlesex was her induction into Phi Theta Kappa, MCC’s honors society. While the recognition of her hard work opened her up to receiving more networking opportunities, Victoria was just as proud to have her mom and sisters come to the ceremony.

Many of the courses Victoria took at Middlesex helped her stand out in her career. In business professor Dr. James Dottin’s Principles of Marketing class, she learned how to relate the theoretical knowledge she was learning to practical real-life experiences. From Dr. Dottin, she also found an additional source of motivation.

“It meant a great deal to have a Black professor in the classroom and to see that representation of success and what I, too, could achieve if I applied myself,” Victoria said. “He was enthusiastic about teaching, made the classroom genuinely engaging, and it was clear that he was invested in every student's success.”

Before joining The Kraft Group and Affiliates, Victoria worked in the FSO Indirect Tax practice of Ernst & Young. She also developed an expertise in individual tax preparation, as well as small business tax preparation and consultation, at Accountax Associates LLC.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Victoria is passionate about fundraising for various charities. She also volunteers with the Boston Boys and Girls Club Friends Council and helps to mentor youth to prepare them for their careers. A long-standing member of the National Association of Black Accountants, she also serves on the Board of Trustees of The Merrimack Repertory Theatre.

Because the college gave her such a positive and supportive start to her academic and professional journey, Victoria recommends other students choose Middlesex as theirs. From the professors to the variety of course and pathway options, Victoria believes MCC provides opportunity for students.

“Looking back, I genuinely believe that the sequence of steps starting at MCC and building from there paved the way for every opportunity and milestone that followed,” she said. “For graduates, take a moment to sit in this achievement and let it sink in. But remember the degree you receive today is not the finish line. It is the starting line. The discipline and determination that carried you here is exactly what will carry you forward.”