Influential Woman · Nonprofit

Julia Walker

Founder- Executive Director, Hope Connection and Community

Arvada, CO 80002

4Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's of Science in Psychology Degree University of Wyoming Degree 2017 Member Arvada Chamber of Commerce Member Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce Member Inspiring Women's Group

Her Story

About Julia

I'm the founder and executive director of Hope, Connection, and Community, an organization that strives to support families in times of need with fill-in-the-gaps type of programming that allows a family to maintain self-sufficiency and independence. My main area of expertise is understanding people - digging into behavior, the mind, understanding the why and what drives situations or choices. I've worked in the mental health field my entire career, including with at-risk youth, abused and neglected children, in residential treatment facilities, as a corrections officer in men's and women's prisons, and in addictions and homelessness. Every experience in my career has built the skills I need to lead and build this nonprofit. I believe my biggest area of development has been lived experience - just doing the job. That lived experience topples any kind of academic textbook you can ever pay to get. I want to make sure our families leave with a connection to someone they can speak to that can help them. If there are areas of services and resources we do not cover, I at a minimum want that sentence to continue - not just 'sorry, we don't do that,' but 'I know someone who does, let me get you in touch with them.' Being able to call organizations partners and collaborate is really a big part of what we do.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Julia

01What do you attribute your success to?

The drive to be the best mom I could ever be for both of my kids. I want my kids to think of me and feel proud. I want to leave a lasting impression on them that I didn't just teach through words but showed through actions.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Never chase a job for a paycheck, always pursue your dreams.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Always remember your why. Always hang on to it. For that, as long as you remember why you're doing it, why you started, will get you through the hard days.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenges we face in the nonprofit sector is funding resources. As funding becomes more and more scarce, nonprofit organizations are forced into competition with each other that can bring an unhealthy sense of separation. Nonprofits are stronger together as collaborators and referring partners, funding is threatening those connections because none of us can survive without funding. As funding grows more limited, nonprofits are facing detrimental cuts to programs and staffing which ultimately brings catastrophic impacts to the families and clients each organization serves.

The biggest opportunity any nonprofit has, no matter what the mission, is to change the lives of others in a meaningful way. That, that is an opportunity to always hold close as we do our work because it matters. If you only ever change the life of one individual, then your work and mission matters. We are honored with the opportunity to connect and build meaningful relationships that aren't always a part of the career package.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

To live and lead with integrity. Doing the right thing is not always the easiest choice to make as we navigate a world full of temptation but it's the only way, for me, to live life.

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