If you had met Julia in 1998, she was a partner in a downtown Seattle law firm.  Her story of going from a lawyer to a social justice advocate is a story in itself; but, she was greatly affected by the illness of one of her sister’s who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  Her illness really affected Julia, who found herself saying, “If I only had 6 months to live, do I like what I’m doing?  Do I like the legacy I’m leaving behind?”  After a great deal of soul searching, Julia decided to take a two-year sabbatical and moved to Africa.  She decided to do something that tugged at her heart-strings – human rights and social justice issues affecting women and children.

Julia has now traveled to almost 70 countries across six continents.  She has slept in townships where people live in tin sheds and cardboard boxes; mud huts without running water or electricity; and war zones where she’s heard, gun shots, mortar shells and Blackhawk helicopters.  As Julia often says in her presentations, “I’ve seen child slaves, child prostitutes, child soldiers, child brides, children dying of curable diseases like dysentery, and children without parents raising other children.  As you can imagine, my life-style and priorities have changed dramatically over the years."

In addition to providing legal advice to dozens of nonprofits across six continents, Julia has helped change laws and constitutions, establish businesses, raise funds for dozens of projects, and raise awareness about the causes of poverty and extremism in the developing world.  Whereas she used to live full time overseas, her journey has shifted.

"My advocacy isn’t simply about educating kids in Afghanistan.  I have become a voice for some 75 million kids, mostly poor, vulnerable who aren’t in school in the developing world.  My goal is to see that all of these kids have an opportunity to attend school.  To do this, we need to ensure that President Obama upholds his pledge of a $2 billion contribution to establish a Global Fund for Education. At home, we need to convey to Congress and the Obama administration the importance of educating kids in the developing world and fund effective programs."

An advocate at heart, Julia has spoken almost 500 times across the nation, helping to build bridges of understanding between our countries and advocate for change.  She is a powerful voice for those otherwise not heard.  Last year she was a recipient of A Fund for Women’s Fabulous Firsts Award for “Women who Led the Way.”  In 2007, she was a presenter at the Aspen Institute’s Ideas Festival.  She was the recipient of the Smith College Rally Day Award in 2006.  And in 2004, she received the Thomas C. Wales Foundation Award for courageous civic engagement, leadership and passionate citizenship, and she also was honored on the Hallmark Channel.

"Seattle woman builds a future for girls amid war in Afghanistan" January 3rd, 2010 By Hal Bernton Seattle Times staff reporter Building a future for girls amid war
"In northern Afghanistan, Julia Bolz of Seattle is achieving what was once unthinkable: opening school doors to girls. These students are part of the first generation of Afghan girls to get an education. Students at Coe Elementary in Seattle raised nearly $4,000 to help build the school, and their fundraising efforts continue.

“Medalists Offer Life Lessons,” (Smith Alumnae Quarterly, Summer 2006).

“The Freelance Volunteer,” by Carson Jones (Leadership Link Fall/Winter 2005-2006).

“Afghan Advocate Receives Award,” by Seattle Times Staff (The Seattle Times, Jan. 17, 2005).

“Bright Lights make the World a Better Place,” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Dec. 25, 2004).

“Building a New Career,” by S. Daker (Northwestern University, Spring 2004).

“Building Bridges – How a Local Woman Acted Globally to Aid the Women of Afghanistan,” by C. Larson (The Clipper, Jan. 30, 2004).