Donor Experience Team

Sharon Horinka ‘11, Associate Director of Annual Giving and Donor

As Associate Director, Sharon plays a pivotal role in shaping UNC Charlotte’s fundraising landscape with over 15 years of experience in Annual Giving. She spearheads innovative initiatives that nurture a culture of philanthropy, leveraging data-driven insights to oversee the Donor Experience Officer program. A proud 49er alumna (Class of 2011), Sharon’s unwavering love for her alma mater is evident in her drive towards meaningful change at UNC Charlotte.

Katie McMurray, Leadership Gift Officer

Katie McMurray is a passionate member of the UNC Charlotte community, where she thrives in her role as a Donor Experience Officer. In her role, she supports Alumni of the College of Humanities and Earth and Social Sciences, the Cato College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, the Atkins Library, and the Levine Scholars Program.

Initially drawn to Charlotte by its appealing weather, Katie first landed a position at Davidson, but after visiting UNC Charlotte and meeting the people, she knew this was where she truly wanted to be. “It was no contest,” she says, crediting the welcoming and tight-knit community for making her feel at home from day one. Her favorite part of working here is, without a doubt, the people—Katie and her husband, Brad Yeckley, who also works on campus, feel like they’ve joined a family.

Outside of the office, Katie enjoys exploring Charlotte’s diverse restaurant and coffee shop scene, as well as reading and traveling with her husband and their rescue pup, Glinny.A fun fact about Katie? She competed for the title of Miss Ohio (America) while in college, earning over $12,000 in scholarships. Reflecting on her pageant days, she humorously adds that the swimsuit competition was well worth it!

As she looks toward the future of UNC Charlotte, Katie is excited about the university’s growth, especially its increasing integration with the City of Charlotte. With the University climbing the ranks (#81 in US News and World Report) and on the cusp of becoming an R1 research institution, Katie is eager to witness its continued rise.

Katie is also deeply committed to promoting the power of philanthropy at UNC Charlotte. She believes giving is both inspirational and aspirational. With nearly 40% of 49er students being first-generation college students, she’s passionate about showing donors how their support creates a lasting impact on students and inspires them to give back in the future.

Imani Brown, Donor Experience Officer

Imani Brown is a dedicated Donor Experience Officer at UNC Charlotte, where she focuses on building meaningful connections with alumni and donors connected to the Belk College of Business, the College of Arts + Architecture, the Graduate School, and the Honors Program.

Originally from Washington DC, she was drawn to Charlotte’s vibrant growth, culture, and opportunities, and found her professional home at UNC Charlotte, which she believes embodies those same qualities. Imani loves the collaborative and supportive environment of her team, which makes her work all the more rewarding.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time (and long walks!) with her husky, Summer, and teaching students and adults piano performance, holding a degree in music from Salem College, Class of 2019. As she looks to the future, Imani is excited about UNC Charlotte’s rise as a leader in research, recognizing its importance to both the university and the greater Charlotte region. 

“Support can take many forms—whether it’s through time, expertise, or donations, every contribution helps us achieve our goals at UNC Charlotte. Consider me your guide to ensure your support has the greatest impact, long walks optional!”

Kobe Brown ‘23, Donor Experience Officer

Kobe Brown is a proud Charlotte alumnus and a dedicated Donor Experience Officer, representing the Lee College of Engineering, Klein College of Science, College of Computing and Informatics, and Student Affairs. 

Kobe’s journey with UNC Charlotte began when he fell in love with both the city and the campus atmosphere. As a former Charlotte 49ers student-athlete, he wanted a university where he could thrive academically and enjoy a well-rounded experience outside of sports. What truly sealed the deal for Kobe was the strong sense of community—a quality that inspired him to pursue a career in higher education at his alma mater.

In his current role, Kobe finds the most fulfillment in the relationships he builds. He is grateful to be part of an amazing, supportive team and loves connecting with current students and alumni. Listening to their stories and helping them find ways to stay connected to the university is what drives him every day.

Outside of work, Kobe is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys working out and playing basketball. He’s also a self-proclaimed foodie, always on the lookout for new restaurants to try—so feel free to send him any recommendations!

Looking toward the future, Kobe is excited about the innovative changes on the horizon for UNC Charlotte. Having seen the campus evolve over the past 20 years, he’s eager to witness its continued progress and growth. He believes that the university’s success is fueled by the support of the entire community, and that when alumni, students, and donors come together, they create a powerful force that propels UNC Charlotte to new heights.

Ranessa is a dynamic and driven junior at UNC Charlotte, majoring in Finance with minors in Economics and Management Information Systems. Originally from Queens, NY, Ranessa now calls Charlotte home and is deeply involved in campus life. She recently co-founded a student organization, “Niners for Social Impact,” helped launch “CLT HACK,” and joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 
Ranessa’s leadership roles extend to being a Program Coordinator for the Campus Activities Board (CAB), a student leader for the National Society of Leadership & Success and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and serving on the board for the Caribbean Student Association. She is also a proud member of the National Association of Black Accountants and a Student Donor Experience Officer.
While UNC Charlotte initially attracted Ranessa for its affordability and proximity to home, she quickly realized that it offered much more than just convenience. As a student in one of the country’s largest financial hubs, she has found endless opportunities and appreciates the diversity and beauty of the campus. “My experience here has been amazing,” she says.

A fun fact about Ranessa? She graduated from high school a year early, finishing at the top of her class as number 5 out of 257 students.

Outside of academics, Ranessa has a passion for cooking and baking, particularly pasta dishes and layered cakes. She also enjoys music, dancing, and playing various instruments, as well as traveling and late-night drives.

After graduation, Ranessa plans to pursue her MBA in Finance and Economics and eventually open her own investment banking practice. Her UNC Charlotte experience has been “Lively, Evolving, and Unique,” and she hopes to continue building connections between students and alumni. As a first-generation college student, she understands the importance of alumni support and wants to bridge the gap between current students and those who came before them, emphasizing the crucial role these networks play in shaping the future.

Gracyn Dwyer is a dedicated senior and early-entry graduate student at UNC Charlotte, pursuing a degree in Exercise Science and Health Systems Management, while also working toward her Master of Health Administration (MHA). Originally from Wilmington, NC, Gracyn was immediately drawn to UNC Charlotte’s beautiful campus, diverse community, and the welcoming spirit she felt from the moment she set foot on campus. As a student who thrives on learning about different cultures and connecting with others, she found her home at Charlotte, where her passion for health and education continues to grow.

Gracyn is highly involved on campus, serving as President of the Exercise Science Student Organization (ExSO) and participating in the Health Systems Management Association (HSMTA). She is also part of the University Honors Program and is completing her capstone within the Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences (APHCS) departmental honors program. Her campus involvement reflects her dedication to research, health, and the well-being of the student body, while her love for diversity and inclusion fosters meaningful connections with the broader university community.

A fun fact about Gracyn? She graduated from the same high school as none other than Michael Jordan!

Outside of academics, Gracyn is passionate about health and wellness, with a particular focus on weightlifting and bodybuilding—practices she’s been dedicated to for over three years. She strongly believes in holistic health and prioritizing what feels best for both body and mind.

Looking ahead, Gracyn is preparing to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy (OT), with the goal of working in an outpatient setting and serving her community. Her experience at UNC Charlotte has been “Transformative, Engaging, and Spirited,” and she is excited to continue advocating for health and wellness.

Gracyn wishes more alumni and parents understood the profound impact of supporting UNC Charlotte. “As someone who has paid for two-thirds of my college education with scholarships—many of them donor-sponsored—I’ve seen firsthand how alumni and parental support can change lives. Your contributions, whether big or small, truly make a difference.”

Kirti Tallapaneni is a dedicated sophomore at UNC Charlotte, majoring in Business Analytics and Management Information Systems, with a minor in Data Science. Since moving to Cary, NC in 2017, Kirti has also lived in several other states, including New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and India, making her adaptable to new environments. At UNC Charlotte, she is actively involved as an ambassador for the Women in Business Initiative, an associate for Beta Alpha Psi, and a member of the Association for Information Systems.

Kirti was drawn to UNC Charlotte’s exceptional business program, which offers a comprehensive understanding of both the managerial and technical sides of business. Despite being located in a metropolitan city, she appreciates the tight-knit community the university fosters, which made her feel right at home.

Outside of academics, Kirti is passionate about fitness. This year, she has made incredible progress in her health and fitness journey, even setting her sights on participating in the next 49er Gold Rush 5K, a feat she never imagined herself attempting last year. She also enjoys exploring Charlotte, a city she hopes to stay in post-graduation due to its many opportunities and vibrant lifestyle.

Reflecting on her time at UNC Charlotte, Kirti describes it as “challenging, rewarding, and motivating.” She emphasizes that while the transition from high school to university was tough, the knowledge and experiences she’s gained have been invaluable.

Kirti wants alumni and parents to know that even small donations can make a significant impact, going toward scholarships and campus initiatives that enrich the student experience. These contributions ensure that future students have access to the same, if not better, opportunities to develop the skills they need for success.