Shoot for the Moon, with Julius Robinson

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is Julius Robinson. As Julius explains, he came from pretty meager beginnings, raised by a single mother of four kids, living in one of the traditionally low-income areas of Los Angeles. When he was a college student, Julius made a commitment to himself to shine a proverbial light over his shoulders so that others wouldn’t stumble on the potholes and rocks in the path he was taking. As he continues through life, Julius has come to understand that the beacon of light he’s creating needs to be amplified by the people following him. Doing so creates opportunities where people and communities can manifest themselves.

Julius is Managing Director and Head of MUFG Union Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Group for the Americas. He is responsible for company-wide CSR strategy and programs in the United States, Latin America, and Canada, including charitable giving, community outreach, environmental, and Chief Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance officer, directing resources and investments, Supplier Diversity and Environmental Stewardship Policy & Risk. Julius is an integral part of the bank’s government relations & affairs activities; he Chair’s the MUFG Union Bank Foundation, the nonprofit entity that acts as the agent for the bank’s charitable contributions. He plays a key role in the bank’s overall Community Development strategy in organizing the bank’s cross-functional resources to benefit of low and moderate income and minority majority communities.

Julius joined the bank in 1997 and has more than 43 years of banking experience. He has held position of management and progressive responsibilities with several major financial institutions including San Diego Trust & Savings Bank, Crocker Bank, Union Bank, Chase Manhattan, Home Savings of America, GMAC Mortgage prior to his 25-year career with MUFG Union Bank. Julius has comprehensive knowledge of Credit Analysis & Underwriting Risk, Residential Mortgage Origination, Commercial and Consumer Lending, Private Equity Investment, Community Reinvestment Act Compliance, Philanthropy, Supplier Diversity, Environmental & Social Risk Governance, Community Relations, and Governmental Affairs.

Julius is well known for his community involvement as: Chairman of  the Board of Students Rising Above.org; Museum of African Diaspora (MoAD), Board Secretary; SF Jazz.org, Board of Trustees; Western Regional Minority Supplier Diversity Council (WRMSDC), Corporate Advisory Board;  Operation HOPE Regional Committee; California State University Monterey Bay School of Business, Corporate Advisory Board; USC Latino Alumni Assoc, Corporate Advisory Council; L.A. Latino Chamber, Corporate Advisory Board; and former Committee co-chair of the Bay Area Council’s Workforce for the Future: Boys and Men of Color Initiative.

Julius received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Diplomacy with a minor in Economics from the United States International University, San Diego & Mexico. He completed the post-graduate program with Pacific Coast Banking School at University of Washington, Seattle. In addition, he holds a Certificate of Practice in Corporate Community Involvement from Boston College Carroll School of Management.

Julius has received numerous awards and recognitions for his professional accomplishments and community work. These include Senatorial, Congressional, State and City proclamations, awards and recognitions from nonprofit, NGO, and professional organizations.

Julius has two adult sons. He enjoys sports of all kinds but particularly basketball, football, and tennis.  He is an avid runner and enjoys general fitness including hiking in the East Bay Regional Park hills near his home. Other favorite pastimes include live music of various genres, and he is an avid art and wine collector.

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