From Scholarship Recipient to Changemaker: How Columbia Shaped Grace Wu-Pi’s Journey

Grace Wu-Pi BS’00 knows firsthand how Columbia Engineering’s alumni network can shape a student’s journey and career path. 

As a first-generation student whose family emigrated from Shanghai, Wu-Pi pursued a degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at Columbia on the Weinig Scholarship, funded by alumnus Sheldon Weinig MS'53, EngScD'55. That experience influenced Wu-Pi to establish the Grace and Jerry Pi Family Scholarship Fund in 2017 to financially support students from underrepresented groups. Ever since graduating in 2000, Wu-Pi has been actively involved with Columbia as a Board of Director on the Columbia Alumni Association and also a member of the Alumnae Legacy Circle and Engineering Development Council. 

Wu-Pi’s commitment to giving back extends into her career as co-founder of Pi Capital Partners with her husband, Jerry Pi. Pi Capital is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and one of the largest private Asian-American real estate families in New York City. Deeply engaged in civic efforts, Pi Capital builds affordable housing, charter schools, commercial retail, and participates in many community-based projects. They are native New Yorkers and live in Sutton Place with their three children, Lianna, Selina, and Jameson. 

Wu-Pi joined her fellow alumni at Reunion Weekend, May 29 - June 1 to celebrate her 25th reunion. We caught up with her to take a look back at the meaningful Columbia connections that have made a lasting impact on her life and career.

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Looking back at your time at Columbia, what stands out as something that was especially meaningful? 

The friendships that I've made, the world-class education that I had, and the camaraderie of it all. There were some very difficult late nights, but we were working through it all together. 

Engineering was probably one of the hardest things I've done. But looking back on it, we were in it together, and some of my friends today helped me through those years. 

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Do you still keep in touch with your classmates? 

Some I've met and reconnected with through volunteer opportunities at Columbia. But there was one instance that made me rediscover how deep the Columbia network is. 

When I was in investment banking at JPMorgan London and attending the London Business School for my part-time Masters in Finance, I didn't have many friends (or time for that matter!). So I reached out to the Columbia London Alumni Club, looking for a community. I met so many wonderful people there, and it really brought back this shared, common experience of our time on campus. Through that, I realized this is a real international network. 

What inspired you to create the Grace and Jerry Pi scholarship fund?

I was the first in my family to attend college, and if it were not for the grants and scholarships I had received, Columbia would not have been a possibility. I have the greatest appreciation and gratitude for what Columbia Engineering has meant for me professionally and personally. 

I was a recipient of the Sheldon Weinig scholarship, which really impacted me personally because Weinig not only provided the scholarship, but also met with students at annual lunches. Years later, when my husband and I had the opportunity to pay it forward, I mentioned to the Alumni and Development team about this scholarship that I had received. They said, “Would you like to meet him?” I nearly fell off my chair – I didn't know that that would be a possibility! Turns out that Sheldon Weinig, or “Shelley”, as they call him affectionately, lives around the corner from me. I reached out, and we sat down for dinner with his wife, Mary, and my husband. 

That’s what really inspired us to create our foundation and pay it forward. And if you're in a position where you can do so and make an impactful change, it feels very rewarding to be able to.

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Why do you believe it's important for alumni to support Columbia and the future generation of engineers?

Attending Columbia is one of my greatest accomplishments and achievements. My four years taught me so much about collaborative work, engaging in constructive discussions, and personal growth. The diverse set of viewpoints provided me with a very eye-opening experience. 

How has your personal background or life experiences shaped your perspective as a leader and professional in your field?

I think representation and having a seat at the table is very important. Whether it be in my first job in finance – as one of the few Asian women leaders in banking – or now in real estate development and construction I hope my story stands out as one that is inspiring to other Asian American women.

I hope to cultivate the next generation of minority women in my line of work., It’s interesting to note that my career has come full circle as I now work with many engineers. 

Any advice for the Class of 2025–our newest cohort of alumni?

Be enthusiastic. Bring energy to your first job and be a lifelong learner. Just by being positive and energetic, you will gain a lot of great experience. I’ve also learned to live with so much gratitude and appreciation for the Columbia University education. The administration, faculty, and alumni with the New York City backdrop provide the ultimate living and learning experience.