Kate Merrill

Julie came into my life just as I was returning to Portland after a decade living abroad. She was a one person welcoming committee, and she always stayed that way, mentoring me and connecting me with others. Every time you saw her, she made you feel special, and I always felt a strong connection with her. As I was transitioning out of a job several years back, I recall Julie saying, you'd be a good executive director. At the time it seemed like a real stretch, but when I did become an ED several years later, her voice was always in my head. I can't thank you enough Julie for being my first Portland mentor.