<p><span class="p-body">A native New Yorker and mother of three, Julia Anelli transferred from the City University of New York's Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-applied-undergraduate-studies.html" target="_blank">NYU SPS Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS)</a> in 2021 to complete a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-leadership-and-management-studies.html" target="_blank">BS in Business Leadership &amp; Management Studies</a> with a concentration in International Business &amp; Global Management.  </span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Julia was recently named a Women's Forum of New York &quot;Salute to Scholars&quot; awardee, honoring her hard work and dedication while balancing family life, work, and her studies. A business professional with extensive relationship management and sales support experience, she works full-time as a wealth associate financial planner at a major financial institution.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Julia's Italian heritage serves as a base for her keen interest in globalization and travel, informing her perspective on financial leadership. While she's particularly interested in the area where her family comes from in Italy, her passion for knowledge extends far and wide, which is what led her to pursue her education at NYU SPS. <br> </span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">She was particularly drawn to NYU SPS's reputation for professional focus and global vision, which, she says, &quot;reflect fundamental elements of my personality.&quot; She was also excited to share the classroom with DAUS students who come from diverse backgrounds.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">When it came to choosing a field of study, Julia was excited to hone her creativity and critical thinking skills. &quot;Business inspires me to create novel ways a company can be more efficient and sustainable. Leadership means being a mentor and a positive example for those on the way up, and I want to be that person for others,&quot; she says.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Her chosen major, Leadership and Management Studies, reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to communication, connection, and collaboration.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">As a nontraditional student, Julia worried about feeling out of place at NYU before she began her studies. However, she quickly found her rhythm and felt like she was exactly where she belonged.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&quot;I have been welcomed and genuinely feel at home within the community. Community college prepared me well to thrive in NYU classes, but I have also had to meet new challenges and fight imposter syndrome. I have explored a broad range of disciplines that have guided my ability to identify and solve problems, collaborate with teams, and expand my technology and research skills.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">While she's enjoyed all of her classes at NYU SPS so far, one stands out as her favorite—Professor Darian Parker's Political Economy class. The class impacted Julia's view of the world and how ethics intersect with business. She says it helped her &quot;gain a new understanding of how our political systems can address social problems and how capitalistic societies can adapt to have more of a social conscience.&quot; Thus, a new passion for environmental and social issues was born.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Receiving the &quot;Salute to Scholars&quot; award from the Women's Forum of New York was a significant milestone in Julia's academic career. Having spent many years as a caretaker and homemaker, not always by choice, Julia's choice to pursue her education was met with real-life challenges.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The award is specific to women over the age of 35 and &quot;helped narrow the gap for me to achieve a higher education by reducing the cost associated with a college like NYU.&quot; She hopes that this award will continue to promote more gender equality in the workforce as well. She shares, &quot;The recognition from the Women's Forum has given me the confidence to move upward and pursue my career in a male-dominated field.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">After graduation, Julia plans to become a Certified Financial Planner and seek senior-level positions in her field. &quot;A solid financial plan empowers people to live a life of financial security. I will use my experiences and expertise to offer a financially healthy life to people, emphasizing the importance of creating a financial plan to help people live out their hopes and dreams,&quot; she shares.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As she seeks out personal growth opportunities, her role as a financial planner will allow her to dedicate her time and skills outside of work to help young people, particularly young girls, build awareness of financial literacy. She is also interested in corporate social responsibility and sustainability and plans to take on a leadership role in the future to help corporations address social issues.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We are grateful to have sat down with Julia, and we can't wait to see where she goes next. Follow in Julia's trailblazing footsteps by pursuing a <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-leadership-and-management-studies.html">BS in Business Leadership &amp; Management Studies</a>&nbsp;at NYU SPS, with options to study full-time or part-time, online or in-person.</span></p>