A Job That Checks All the Boxes
Kinsley Fraser first came to the NC Triad in 2012 as a recipient of the University of North Carolina – Greensboro (UNCG) Guarantee Scholarship. The program offers full-ride scholarships to high-achieving students from low-income families in North Carolina. Kinsley then went on to pursue an MBA at the Bryan School of Business and Economics, earning two degrees from UNCG, debt-free.
Kinsley always thought she would want to leave the region after school – but that was before she interned for VF Corporation. “I immediately fell in love with the company culture, the flexibility and the focus on purpose-driven work,” she said. “All the boxes were checked.”
VF is a manufacturer of apparel and footwear, with an impressive roster of brands including Vans, North Face, Timberland, Dickies, JanSport, Kipling and many more. The company was established in 1899 with headquarters in Pennsylvania, which relocated to Greensboro in 1998. VF recently moved its headquarters to Denver, CO, but maintains a significant presence in the Greensboro area. Kinsley was hired full-time after graduation as a member of the HR Analytics and Insights team in Greensboro.
Beyond VF’s company culture, Kinsley credits her decision to stay in the Triad with the area’s low cost of living and the network of people she has created there. “I’ve been to a number of big cities and have felt prohibited by the cost,” she said. “In the Triad, there is very little cost involved with going out and having a good time.”
I live a 12-minute drive from work and nearly everything else is within walking distance.
HR Analyst | VF Corporation
Kinsley recently moved to downtown Greensboro – a decision she says has changed everything. “I live a 12-minute drive from work and nearly everything else is within walking distance, which is super convenient,” she said. “LeBauer Park is maybe a mile from my house and lots of events and fun activities take place there.” Kinsley also has a puppy, which makes proximity to parks important, and plays kickball through Greensboro Parks & Recreation and volleyball at Pinetop Sport Club.
Kinsley is a member of SynerG, Greensboro’s young professionals’ organization. Through SynerG, she attends monthly networking events – held at local breweries, bars, museums and other venues – to connect with peers across different sectors and careers. “Greensboro is taking strides to make the city a great place for young professionals,” she said.
Kinsley also mentors scholarship recipients of the Guarantee program, who come from low-income families like herself. “I love the mentoring aspect,” she said. “Often, we are the first people in our families to go to college, so it’s helpful to have that extra support and someone to talk to.” To-date, Kinsley has mentored four students – one each year since she graduated.
On the weekends, Kinsley can be found chasing down live music. “There is a ton of live music in the Greensboro area,” she said. Other local favorites for Kinsley include Jake’s, Bearded Goat, Joymongers, Little Brother, Boxcar, Dram & Draught, Horigan’s and Cheesecakes by Alex.
