GFOA Scholarship Spotlight: Julie Solorio O’Guinn

Julie Solorio O’Guinn was born and raised in Riverside, California, to a Latino laborer and a Caucasian mother who worked as a technician and secretary. At 21, she briefly lived in Monterey County, California, before settling in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. As a single mother at 30, Julie was determined to complete her college degree to provide a better life for her son. 

She pursued her education at St. Louis Community College, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Webster University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management, business, and human resources. Julie’s academic and professional journey shaped her resilience, work ethic, and commitment to lifelong learning. She is now pursuing a master’s in public administration, strengthening her connection to her work in local government. 

Julie has served as Director of Finance and Administration at Duckett Creek Sanitary District for nine years, with prior roles in finance for the cities of Frontenac, Ladue, and Crystal Lake Park. Her leadership extends to the Missouri GFOA, where she has held state and chapter board positions for over a decade. Beyond work, Julie is an advocate for Latina women in government finance, women returning to complete their education, inclusivity, an avid singer, and the first in her family to pursue higher education. 

Grateful for this scholarship, Julie plans to deepen her expertise in leadership and inspire women to pursue their dreams and lead in local government.