Dr. Julie Dent

I attribute my success to a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and service. I began my career as a preschool and elementary school teacher, and that early passion for nurturing young minds carried me through every role that followed, from Administrative Director of the Harris Green Preschool Program to Executive and Educational Director of the Audrey Johnson Learning Center, where I partnered with NYU to bring innovative literacy programs to young children. I never stopped learning myself, earning my associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees, and later receiving an honorary doctorate. Beyond education, my work as a Commissioner with the New York City Board of Elections, my time chairing my local Community Board, and my advocacy for survivors of domestic violence all shaped the leader I became. Even in retirement, I continue serving on hospital and NAACP boards and leading my mentorship organization, because I believe success is something you build through consistent dedication to others.

The best advice I ever received came from my late mother, who taught me that if you want to see change, you must become part of the solution. Watching her advocate for better schools, housing, and resources in our Brooklyn community, and seeing how she opened our home to anyone in need, showed me that complaining is never enough; real change requires action and compassion. I also learned a great deal from educator Janie Whitfield, whose resilience after losing her son inspired her to found the Trey Whitfield School, and from my own teacher, Ms. Boyce, who showed me what a dedicated educator could mean to a young person's life. My faith, rooted in a family where my grandfather served as a minister, taught me humility and the importance of serving others before myself. And watching my son, Christopher Dent, a retired NYPD officer who now coaches and mentors youth, reminds me that these values continue to live on in the next generation.

I encourage young women to remain lifelong learners, because education is one of life's greatest gifts, but it extends far beyond the classroom. Success isn't measured only by personal accomplishments; it's measured by the lives you influence along the way, whether that means mentoring a child, supporting a struggling family, volunteering in your community, or simply offering kindness to someone in need. I want every young woman to never stop believing in her ability to make a difference. With perseverance, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others, you have the power to leave your community stronger than you found it.

Throughout my career, I've tried to embrace change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, whether that meant leading educational reform, advocating for underserved communities, or expanding access to resources for families. Working with children from diverse backgrounds, supporting survivors of domestic violence, navigating public service, and leading nonprofit initiatives all required resilience, patience, and the willingness to make difficult decisions, but each challenge deepened my commitment to helping others reach their fullest potential. Retirement hasn't ended my service; it has simply opened new doors. Today I continue mentoring young women, serving on community boards, officiating marriages, and promoting health and wellness, because purpose isn't defined by a job title but by a continued willingness to serve.

At the heart of everything I do is an unwavering belief in service. Whether I'm educating children, mentoring young women, supporting families, or advocating for vulnerable populations, I believe leadership begins with compassion. That belief led me to establish Chris Jewel Women Empowerment Group, LLC, named in honor of my son Christopher and myself, where I help young people pursue paths that align with their strengths, whether through higher education, skilled trades, or entrepreneurship, while emphasizing integrity and confidence. Health and wellness are also central to my mission, which is why I organize community fitness and nutrition workshops. My generosity carries into my annual community outreach as well, including school supply drives, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas gifts for families in need; since my brother's passing in 2021, I've dedicated this outreach to the apartment building where he lived, in his honor. Earlier in my career, I devoted countless hours to counseling survivors of domestic violence, providing emotional support, court advocacy, and housing assistance, because I believe everyone deserves the chance to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.