Sharon Avila ’89 Doctor of Management, was born in Central America and raised in Belize City. She learned about Viterbo from a guest speaker at her Jesuit junior college. The Franciscan values fit with her experience at Pallotti High School, led by the Pallottine Sisters.
Avila felt Viterbo’s hospitality. Fellow student Eric Wallbruch ’92 ensured she was in the right dorm room and helped find her resident assistant. “We still share a remarkable friendship,” Avila said. “He is always the first birthday greeting I receive.” Employee Wayne Wojciechowski truly cared that she was settled into campus life.
“I felt the spirit of St. Francis on campus. Professors cared for their students personally and academically and want them to succeed,” she reflected. “Sister Helen Elsbernd ’65 often checked in, knowing I was far away from home.” Bill Jensen’s business courses were interesting and practical, she remembered. “He stressed integrity and ethics while he challenged and empowered students to prepare them for the business world.”
She listened to Sr. Thea Bowman present at a conference and met her afterward. “She had such presence.”
Avila participated in student government and was a resident assistant. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
She is as an officer–information security specialist on the security control team for U.S. Bank in St. Louis. As an access administrator, she is responsible for the auditing of computer systems and applications to ensure risk management and key controls are maintained and executed in alignment with policies. Her previous positions include project accountant at Alberici Construction, and senior mortgage specialist/underwriter with Wells Fargo Bank.
Avila prioritizes giving back to her community. She is a food pantry volunteer for St. Mary Magdalene, secretary to the Hi-Pointe Neighborhood Association, and an active member with the Belize Association of St. Louis. She has volunteered with the St. Louis Symphony Express Music program and was a member of U.S. Bank’s St. Louis Development Board, and secretary on their Indigenous People Business Resource Group that won Board of the Year during her tenure.
Her parents were K12 educators who prioritized lifelong learning. “They both earned certifications for their respective specializations in the UK.” Her father spoke six languages and shared his passion for classical music. “Our home was filled with laughter, love, and happiness, and I have carried those feelings with me.”
Inspired, Avila earned her MBA and Doctor of Management from Webster University in St. Louis.
Avila enjoys reading, running, and traveling with her mom. She enjoys meeting up with friends and being challenged. “I ran my first half-marathon last fall, and now I constantly train. Running helps me cope with life and it is a great time to pray. I’ve lost count of the medals, but I am still enjoying it,” she shared.
She offers advice to students and young professionals: “Let God guide you and keep God first in your life.” She also encourages students to find a niche and focus on continually developing those skills. “Set goals, be flexible, and when something is not a good fit, step back, pause or detour, but do not stop.”
