Meet Julie Bowditch

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julie Bowditch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julie below.

Julie, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

First, I inherited a strong work ethic from my dad. I reflected recently to my brother that it was not until our father retired a few years back that I finally realized what a labor of love going to work had been for him for decades. He seldom missed a day or even an hour of work. When he did, it was either planned and communicated well in advance, or something dire had occurred. What’s more, I can’t recall him complaining about his professional obligations. Once he retired, it became clear how much he relishes his newfound freedom – although I would venture a guess that he still gets up just as early as ever! I was privileged to learn organically that showing up, honoring your commitments, and giving one hundred percent is non-negotiable.

Secondly, it helps a lot to love what you do. It might be cliché, but it does not feel like work when you genuinely enjoy it. I made it a goal early in my career to pursue opportunities that make me feel challenged, fulfilled, and supported. Not every moment will be sunshine and rainbows, of course, but most of the time you should be able to achieve a semblance of balance and feel that your work is impactful. This also requires firm personal boundaries and a strong sense of your own value. Also, the work I have chosen surrounds me with some of the best humans I can imagine so that adds a layer of motivation and inspiration.

I wake up every day with gratitude in my heart that I have the ability to spend my professional energy on something that is very meaningful.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

In 2012, I left a decade-long tenure in the special education field to pursue a career in the wild world of nonprofit advancement (fundraising). The catalyst behind this decision was my growing passion for investing my time and energy into various causes and charitable endeavors. After spending several years at Massachusetts’ first and only public medical school, learning while raising funds for research and education initiatives, I was appointed the executive director at CASA Project Worcester County.

At CASA, I have the honor of leading the state’s oldest and largest of seven programs, and one of nearly a thousand nationally. The program has been around for 43 years and has a mission to advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected, and vulnerable children, amplify their voices in court, and support them on their paths toward a permanent home. Cases are appointed to CASA through the Juvenile Court and supported largely by volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). These volunteers are carefully screened and trained and managed by our talented internal team. We work closely with community partners to help connect foster youth on these cases with necessary and individualized resources and mitigate the harm that occurs while experiencing the child welfare system.

Our signature and award-winning event, Champions for Children, is on the horizon with sponsorships and tickets available now. Our annual Backpack Drive where we provide tailored academic resources for the youth we serve launches in July. I can be reached at [email protected] to learn more about these and more opportunities to get involved.

Outside of CASA, I continue to fuel my soul by serving on boards and committees for a variety of other nonprofit and civic groups and am an active champion for locally-owned businesses and social justice issues. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, reading, cheering on the Worcester Red Sox, and nurturing my beloved plant babies.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities I would cite are relationships, volunteerism, and resilience. I don’t think any journey is linear; mine certainly has not been.

I often say “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” because the people I have forged relationships with along the way have taught me more and opened more doors than any classroom or textbook ever could. Show up and keep showing up. Reciprocate energy. Be intentional, yet authentic. Muster confidence when you feel that imposter syndrome slipping in. Be grateful. These are foundational elements to cultivating sustainable connections.

Volunteerism has been a way of giving back to my beloved community, and a natural way to meet like-minded people. I would recommend that everyone volunteer in a way that is meaningful to them, whether it’s one day or an ongoing commitment. If you are unsure where to start, ask a friend or do a quick internet search using keywords that include your favorite causes. There are nearly limitless opportunities. Volunteering has changed my perspective and my life!

Resilience, unfortunately, is best taught through challenges. We all have our share, but learning to ask for help and take a break when needed can make all the difference. A missed opportunity is just redirection disguised and your journey is not tied to any timelines or deadlines. Stay in your lane, do your best, and remember that tomorrow is a new day!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

At CASA, we are always looking for new partners. Our community here in Central MA is very important to us, and we can be more impactful in our advocacy work when we are connected with others.

Individuals from all walks of life can join our work by volunteering as a court appointed special advocate (CASA), or in specific community advisor or committee roles, or simply participating in our events and being ambassadors of our mission.

Other youth-serving or human service agencies have many intersections with our work and we look for opportunities to streamline the referral process for the families and children we support and share resources with each other.

Businesses and companies have many opportunities to cross-promote with us, drawing new stakeholders to each of our brands. We love to get creative with ways to help one another reach our collective goals.

We believe we are all stronger together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Professional photos and headshot credit: Phil Smith Photography

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