Julie Lloyd

Program manager, Junior Achievement of Columbia
AGE: 48
JOB DESCRIPTION: I work to increase public awareness and funding for our educational programs and build partnerships with individuals, businesses, schools and organizations. I recruit and train volunteers to teach students — from kindergartners to high school seniors — our programs, which focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work force readiness.
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: Five
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Waukegan, Ill.
EDUCATION: I earned my bachelor’s degree from Columbia College after transferring from Southwest Missouri State University.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I love being involved in the communities where I live and work. In the past six years while working in Columbia, I have been a member of the Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network and Changing the Odds committee, and I recently joined the education committee. I’m also an Art in the Park volunteer, American Heart Association volunteer, Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition board member, Professional Leaders Auxiliary of Assistance League of Mid-Missouri member, Partners in Education volunteer and member of PTSA–Gentry Middle School and Salute to Veterans Corporation–Memorial Day Weekend Celebration.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I have had a wide variety of banking experience during the past 16 years and always focused on helping others in roles such as providing customer service, training, mortgage lending and assisting a regional president. I have supervised a team of more than 20 valet and transportation attendants and managed a Hallmark store. The most rewarding position I have held until now was as a member of a special team of professionals in Boone County known as the Domestic Violence Enforcement Unit. I was a court advocate who assisted domestic violence victims through the legal system.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Coordinating a reception, on behalf of UMB Bank, for the Tuskegee Airmen and Women’s Air Force Service Pilots. We celebrated the men and women for their contributions during World War II. I have had the pleasure of coordinating this event for the past two years. I loved showing these unselfish and humble men and women how much we appreciated their personal sacrifices.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: I admire Aimee Wehmeier, executive director of Services for Independent Living. Aimee is a well-respected businesswoman in our community and across the state as she empowers others with disabilities to live independently. She lives every day with a generous heart and doesn’t apologize for being smart, sincere and a bit sassy in her professional and personal life. I hope everyone has an opportunity to share some time with Aimee. You could certainly learn something about a true success.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I am passionate about working with children, empowering others and contributing my part to make a difference in this world.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: Go back to school to earn an early childhood education certification and a master’s degree in social work. I would love to open a preschool that would allow children from all financial backgrounds to have the same opportunity for learning.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: Playing it safe in a career instead of following my true passion for children, education and social work. Now I have been offered an opportunity to actually combine my strengths and passion to make a difference in this world.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: It is a partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers all working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: I enjoy visiting with my girlfriends, having lunch with my mom and going out on a date with my husband each week.
FAMILY: I have been married to Brian Lloyd for three years. My son, Kyle, is 25 years old and lives in Columbia. My daughter, Katie, is 23 years old. She is married to Coty and lives in Springfield, Mo. I also have two “bonus” sons: Ian, who is 15 years old, and Eric, who is 12 years old. I consider myself very blessed to have my mom now living in Columbia. Oh, yes, I can’t forget our dog named Kitty.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: The gazebo in the town center at Cherry Hill because that is where Brian and I were married in 2007.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Raising my children during some very difficult times.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: Absolutely love to dance.