Alliance Member Spotlight: Pamina Barkow’03, EMBA’16

When you think of unwavering commitment and infectious enthusiasm for UC Irvine, one name shines through: Pamina Barkow '03, EMBA '16. A beloved UC Irvine Foundation Trustee and proud two-time alumna, Pamina is more than just a leader—she’s a force of nature whose passion for her alma mater is both inspiring and deeply personal. Her appointment as the new UCI-OC Alliance Co-chair, alongside Eloy Ortiz Oakley, marks an exciting new chapter for the Alliance.

Pamina’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and giving back. As a Chilean immigrant and former scholarship recipient, she knows firsthand the challenges that many UC Irvine students face. Her journey from navigating college as a first-generation student to becoming the Co-founder and CEO of PI Medical Partners is a testament to her grit and determination. It also fuels her deep empathy and drive to uplift others who are walking a similar path.

In 2023, Pamina pledged a transformative $1 million gift to support aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, with a heartfelt focus on single parents and underrepresented students. She reflects, “Affording college would have been impossible for me without support, and UC Irvine made it possible. Through scholarships and financial aid, they opened doors I never imagined. Being able to give back to my alma mater now is a profound source of pride and gratitude.” Her guiding philosophy is simple yet profound.

Beyond her professional and philanthropic achievements, Pamina is a role model in the most personal sense within her own family. She takes her role as a mother, daughter and wife to heart, weaving her values of service, education, and compassion into the fabric of her family life. A dedicated mother to her daughters, Pamina has always prioritized their growth not just academically, but as empathetic, engaged citizens. She brings her family along whenever possible, whether it is volunteering at community events, attending UC Irvine functions, or supporting causes close to her heart. Her mother, husband, and daughters are often by her side, sharing the joy of giving back. For Pamina, leadership begins at home, and her ability to inspire those closest to her speaks volumes about the authenticity of her character.

But Pamina doesn’t just give much needed financial resources, she shows up!  Whether she’s mentoring students, speaking at events, or serving on multiple boards including the Campuswide Honors Collegium, UC Irvine Healthy Family Centers, and the Paul Merage Dean’s Advisory Board. She brings warmth, wisdom and a hands-on approach that resonates with everyone she meets. Her keynote addresses at the Women’s Business Leadership Summit and the Paul Merage School of Business commencement are remembered not just for their insight, but for their heart.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, she received the Lauds & Laurels Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2025, she was named NHBWA Woman of the Year. These honors reflect what the UC Irvine community already knows: Pamina Barkow is the embodiment of the Anteater spirit. Her energy is contagious, her compassion genuine, and her legacy already profound is just getting started.