Julie Pink, ’88, MBA, grew up in a Greeley household of 15, and when applying to schools thought an accounting degree would be wise, its core knowledge needed by any prospective employer. After receiving scholarships from UNC, Pink decided to enroll in the Monfort College of Business. She moved close to campus and, like many students, worked multiple jobs to afford her college education.

As a student, Pink participated in an accounting internship, although at the time it wasn’t required. She was thankful she pursued the internship as it helped put relevant experience on her resume when applying for professional positions in her final term.

“I went to a smaller firm because I could do taxes,” said Pink. “A lot of the bigger firms put you straight into audit. I enjoyed my tax and business law classes far more than audit.”

That was just the beginning of Pink’s long and successful career. After passing her certified public accountant exam and completing the required work experience for a license, Pink felt she established a good foundation. Wanting to try a different work experience, she joined the Peace Corps becoming an instructor at Masai Technical Training Institute and advisor to business owners in Kenya. The volunteer experience reinforced that investment in education not only enhanced the lives of her students, but often their families. She later earned a Master of Business Administration in International Business from the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of Arizona State University). Since then, Pink has lived and worked in Europe, Asia, Mexico, the Caribbean and across the U.S. managing strategic initiatives primarily for telecom and high-tech manufacturing companies. She has held finance, IT and HR leadership positions including CFO and CIO with a manufacturer in the 5G wireless space that was recently acquired.

“Accounting has been an extremely valuable degree choice for me,” said Pink.

Pink’s success highlights the importance of UNC’s campus-wide emphasis on career readiness and professional experience opportunities. The better prepared a student is at graduation and the more willing they are to try out different opportunities, the better their chances are of entering a field they love and in which they can excel. As a student, Pink was grateful for scholarships and internship opportunities that prepared her for her career. She knew, even then, that she would pay it forward to other students one day.

“The time came, and I thought, ‘Okay, now I will pay it forward,’” said Pink.

Having her career in technical industries, Pink sees first- hand the need to invest in a technology-based workforce. She wanted to create a way to support students interested in pursuing those high-demand careers by establishing a scholarship fund for students to hone technological skills and grow in the hands-on competencies that will enable them to flourish long after they leave UNC.

Wanting to also contribute to Colorado’s economic growth and development while encouraging Colorado companies to hire UNC students, she gave preference to students who display financial need and pursue opportunities at organizations with a presence within the state.

Monfort College of Business student Daniel Garza was chosen as the first recipient of the UNC Alumni Technology Workforce Development Fund. Garza gained valuable experience from working in the university’s Information Management department as a business analyst intern last year. The support from the fund sparked Garza’s ability and excitement to consider additional internships and he has landed another incredible opportunity this summer.

Pink’s story testifies that seemingly moderate support from donors can be life-changing for students. She remembered the impact that her scholarship donors had on her throughout her career, waiting for the right time to establish a fund that provides students with valuable internships. Pink encourages others who feel compelled to contribute to the UNC Alumni Technology Workforce Development Endowment to propel even more students into professional experience opportunities.