As Director of Fundraising and Events, Julia develops new and nurtures existing partnerships with key stakeholders in space exploration and education among aerospace corporations, technology companies, government, higher education, individuals, and nonprofit organizations. Her role includes planning internal and collaborative events that serve to honor the legacy of the fallen astronauts and their families as well as to inspire future generations to pursue careers in space technology and aerospace.  

Julia works with the philanthropic sector, private foundations, individuals, industry, and media to advance shared goals. She has a passion for showing the ways in which all of us can have a heroic impact on the AMF mission and be an integral part of supporting historical moments in space exploration. Julia remembers visiting the Space Mirror Memorial and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1991 as a child, just five years after the Challenger tragedy. She thanks her parents for teaching her at a young age about the sacrifice and courage of the fallen astronauts and for fostering a love for the pursuit of space exploration.  

Julia graduated from Lake Forest College with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Science in 2001. Her career spans nearly twenty years in the areas of public affairs, state government, development, fundraising, nonprofit management, and event planning in Chicago, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, Washington DC, and Melbourne.  

Since 2014, Julia and her family have called the Space Coast of Florida home. Together with her husband Kevin, they have a blended family of six children and enjoy attending kids' sports activities, fine arts performances, science fair competitions, and spending time with their four grandchildren. Julia and her husband are active in the Space Coast community and love supporting running events, charity benefits, and enjoying its beautiful beaches.