GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2020 - 8

Feature

Introducing Julie
A Q&A with GRCA's new Director of Membership
Q: Could you give everyone a brief
background on yourself and some
of your previous work?
A: I am passionate about fostering
mutually beneficial partnerships that
drive innovation and improve society.
For the past six years, I have served
as Executive Director of BCA Study
Abroad, a global education nonprofit
founded in 1962 that offers experiential
and immersive study abroad programs
for U.S. college students. My
experience with BCA, coupled with
studying organizational development
and leadership, equipped me with a
deeper understanding of the challenges
and rewards of operating a small business in a competitive
marketplace. It also enabled me to collaborate with colleagues and
partners around the world and opened opportunities to connect
to cultures and learn from diverse viewpoints, which is important
to me personally and essential in today's connected world. Prior to
global education, I served colleges and universities in Washington
State and North Carolina, mostly within the recruitment and
communications departments. I started my career in magazine and
book publishing and worked as an account executive for a Pacific
Northwest marketing agency prior to entering higher education.
Q: What was your overall impression of the Berks County
business community before accepting this position?
A: I believe there is tremendous strength and value in the
collaborative model of the GRCA, particularly in the collective
energy and engagement of key stakeholders, partners and affiliates
dedicated to empowering and growing the Berks County economy.
There is great momentum - even in these challenging times - with
important projects underway in both downtown Reading and in
the Rebuild Berks initiative. From the Reopening Certification
Program offered through Rebuild Berks, to Alvernia University's
Reading CollegeTowne project, I am very excited to be on a team
that is focused on creating opportunities and advancing the diversity
of businesses in Berks County.
Q: What are a few of the goals you have for yourself as the
new Director of Membership of GRCA?

8  COMMERCE QUARTERLY SUMMER 2020

A: Of course, when starting a new position, it's important to listen,
learn and connect, so initially that will be a main goal, however,
in this time of COVID, the Rebuilding Berks plan is a priority,
and I will be reaching out and supporting members through this
challenging time, ensuring they are connected and aware of the
programs in place to help them rebuild and rebound.
Q: How do you plan on connecting with membership while
working from home?
A: Through a lot of Facetime with virtual meetings or coffee hours
and connecting the old-fashioned way-with phone calls-as well
as joining GRCA sponsored events, trainings, virtual chats and
celebrations.
Q: OK, now for a few fun questions. Tell everyone a fun fact
about yourself or something people may be surprised to
learn about you.
A: When I was interning with the PA Department of Education,
I discovered the PA Rails-to-Trails Conservancy office nearby. I
always appreciated the Rail-Trail system and later got to know the
director, who gave me the opportunity to write the first guidebook
to the PA Rail-Trails. There have been many editions since then, but
I enjoyed "blazing the trail" with him.
Q: What shows have you been binging and/or books have
you been reading recently?
A: I enjoy watching docuseries and recently completed "Lost Cities
with Albert Lin" and "Year Million," which is about life in the near
and distant future. I like to catch up on classics that slipped by
and recently completed "East of Eden," and I enjoy contemporary
fiction and non-fiction such as "I Know Where the Crawdads Sing."
Q: What are your favorite things to do or hobbies?
A: I enjoy being with family and friends, and I like to spend time
with my young horse, a 5-year-old Spotted Saddle Horse gelding
named Tito. We are currently training for lower mileage endurance
(50 miles or less). I started riding at age 12 and was active in 4-H
before I got into competitive trail and endurance riding after college
with my Mustang mare. After many years, it has been fun to get
back in the saddle and connect to the horse world again. In addition
to horseback riding, I enjoy riding bike with my boys on the PA
rail-trails.
Contact Julie Larison at JLarison@greaterreading.org
or 610-898-7785.
GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRCA Commerce Quarterly Summer 2020
