Barbara Janulis Pays It Forward Through Decades of Leadership on Posse’s Board
Barbara Janulis was raised in a household grounded in discipline, education, and opportunity—the daughter of a chemical engineer and a public school teacher. Born in Brooklyn and raised on Staten Island, she began her education in public school before transitioning to a Lutheran school and eventually joining the honors track at Susan E. Wagner High School. There, she found both academic challenge and a close-knit community.
“It felt like my own Posse at that time,” she recalls—a formative experience that would later deepen her connection to Posse.
Barbara and her sister both went on to attend Duke University, a path shaped by strong academic preparation and access to resources she would later recognize as far from universal.
“We all had these amazing opportunities,” she said. “Test prep, support—we had a leg up. The Posse model really resonated with me because I saw the disparity firsthand between my honors program and other students at my high school.”
Initially on a pre-med track, Barbara pivoted to economics after confronting the rigor of organic chemistry. She later earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and launched a career on Wall Street, with roles at firms including Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns. Her entry into finance was influenced by an early internship at Salomon Brothers, secured through a college interview connection.
“At the time, there were only a handful of women,” Barbara reflects. “You had to learn how to navigate spaces that weren’t necessarily built for you.”
Her connection to Posse grew organically through professional relationships, including colleagues and fellow Duke alumni. After attending a Posse gala, she became more deeply involved, co-planning the 2005 gala alongside Posse Founder and President Deborah Bial. Soon after, she was invited to join the Posse board.
“The board was so much fun—we’d throw a Koosh ball across the room when someone wanted to speak,” she said. “It was unlike any other boardroom I had ever experienced.” For Barbara, it was a rare blend of meaningful work and genuine camaraderie.
Now, more than two decades later, her commitment remains strong. “Posse grabs you—it’s incredibly enriching to stay involved,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand how many lives it has changed, and it’s an honor to be part of that.”
She points to Posse Scholars and alumni as the organization’s most powerful ambassadors. “The Scholars really sell you,” Barbara said. “Whether it’s newly selected students or Ubben Fellows, they’re remarkable—their presence, their confidence, their leadership.”
Barbara is equally inspired by Posse’s continued evolution, including initiatives like PosseNEXT, which supports alumni through mentorship and professional development. “It’s about investing in these incredible individuals as they step into their next chapter,” she explains.
Reflecting on her own journey, Barbara encourages students to embrace the full college experience. “Take advantage of everything—not just academics,” she advises. “Build relationships with classmates and professors. Explore beyond your major. Those experiences matter just as much.”
For Barbara, her enduring dedication to Posse is rooted in both its proven impact and its future potential. “It’s such a positive program,” she said. “There’s something powerful about supporting something that truly works. You join for what it’s already done—and stay for what’s still to come.”
