Angela DeFrank

Angela DeFrank is a Senior Accounting Specialist Officer for PNC Bank and a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA). She attended the University of Pittsburgh where she studied Accounting and Business Information Systems.

Are you from Southwestern PA? If so, where are you from?

Yes, I grew up in the South Hills area. It’s a running joke that I’ll never leave.

Can you tell us a little bit about your family?
I am the oldest of five children and blessed with caring and loving parents, Eugene and Cynthia. Six years ago, I lost my sister, Celeste, who had various disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. My other sister, Caroline, is my best friend and works at the University of Pittsburgh. My brother, Dante is a junior at Penn State and my other brother, Geno, is a junior at Bishop Canevin High School. Growing up with a sister with disabilities opened our lives up to a lot of challenges, but it also gave us so many insights that made us a stronger and closer-knit family. We love supporting one another when it comes to our individual activities and sports, and we love enjoying pasta together as a family on Steeler Sundays.

How did you choose the career you’re in today?
From the early days of attending “Take Your Child to Work Day” with my dad, I always wanted to be an accountant just like him. I studied Accounting and Business Information Systems at the University of Pittsburgh and ended up in a more risk and control-based field of accounting at PNC.

What do you love most about your job?
I love the close attention to detail, problem solving and communication with business partners that my role requires. My favorite part is when I discover a gap, create a project plan to fix it and then implement the change.

What is something people might not know about you?
I’m pretty much an open book, but some may not know that I love to read. My favorite genre is historical fiction with a little romantic twist.

What are some of your hobbies or favorite things to do outside of work?
I enjoy exercising, specifically running and yoga. I also love hanging out with my family, friends and boyfriend.

Why do you think it’s so important to give back to your community? From an early age, my parents and my Catholic Education fostered a commitment and love of giving back to my community. They also helped me recognizing that I have the ability to truly make a difference in someone else’s life. I think even on your worst days it’s important to know that someone has it worse than you and either your time, donation or a simple smile could go a long way. Our communities rely on people realizing that we need to help one another to make a stronger tomorrow.

Why do you volunteer with United Way?
I volunteer with United Way because of their reach to many different groups and organizations across the greater Pittsburgh area. I have a variety of interests and I find that United Way does a terrific job in targeting those most in need. I really feel a sense of community from the individuals working at United Way to the diverse volunteers I have met from other companies. It’s like we’re all in this together to help make a difference, and if we’re having fun while doing it, what could be better?

What is your favorite United Way memory?
My favorite United Way memory was the Games for Good at Highmark Stadium a few years back. It was my first United Way event, which focused on health and fitness in elementary age children. They also learned how to work together to “win” events, which is so important for kids to learn at a young age. During the event, I recognized that one of the kids in my group was rather shy and not as engaged as some of the others. I immediately took this kid under my wing and by the end of the event he was having such a fun time, it was special. Overall, this event brought together some of favorites interests: helping others and the importance of physical activity.