Who Is Julie?
Our neighbor and friend:
-
Parent
-
Educator
-
Community Advocate
-
Immigrant
-
Small Business Owner
-
Long-time Montgomery County resident for over two decades
-
Current member of the Montgomery County Board of Education
-
Former Board of Education President
1880
My Family’s History: Seeking a Better Life
Four generations ago, my great-grandfather traveled across the Pacific Ocean in search of economic opportunity. In 1880, he found it in Hawaii as an indentured servant… [click to expand]
Between my grandparents on both sides, they witnessed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, World War II and the Cultural Revolution in China, and suffered hardship, persecution and death.
1992
Pursuing the American Dream
As a student, I arrived in Hawaii in 1992 with 2 suitcases and a lot of determination and hope… [click to expand]
That’s when I got a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and after graduating I
started my career as a Pre-K teacher.
2001
From Volunteer to Community Activist
I loved being a stay-at-home mom and seeing my children thrive in MCPS schools. I became more active in my community especially with vulnerable communities… [click to expand]
I have a special place in my heart for special education and I became a board member of The Arc of Montgomery County and founder of the Village Initiative, which connects special
education students and families with nonprofits and school services.
2011
MCPS College/Career Readiness Advisor
After about 10 years, I felt a pull to do more in education. I joined Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)—first in data, then as a college and career advisor… [click to expand]
As a college advisor, I was singularly focused on helping students find their path—whether that’s college, a skilled trade, or something entirely their own.
That’s why aligning education to job opportunities is so important to me.
2023
From Volunteer to Community Activist
I was first elected to the Board of Education in 2023 during some trying times.
MCPS was navigating some difficult situations, including pandemic learning loss and employee low morale.
My focus was to get us back on track with accountability and results.
Julie's Accomplishments
In the Community.
Doing the Work.
As Board of Education President in 2025, Julie has led significant efforts to improve our school system, while:
→ Demanding accountability
→ Delivering measurable results
Policy
Passing Legislation and Initiatives on:
Work-Based Learning
Resolution
Creating more hands-on learning opportunities for students through internships and real-world work experience to prepare for future careers
Financial Literacy
Resolution
Ensuring students receive financial literacy, so they can manage money as a life skill
Local Business Preference
Resolution
Helping local businesses compete for school contracts by cutting through bureaucracy and keeping more of our tax dollars right here in Montgomery County
County’s FIRST AI Policy
for Classrooms
Ensuring our schools and students are ready for the digital age and emerging career fields.
Program Evaluation
Resolution
Requiring school programs to demonstrate results for continued funding to ensure effective use of tax dollars
Revised Community Engagement
Policy
Giving parents and teachers a real voice by making sure they have meaningful input before big decisions are made.
Budget
Cut $18 million
from Admin Costs
Cut administrative expenses over 2 years to reallocate to classroom learning
Tied Program Effectiveness to Budget Funding
Saved taxpayer money by assessing and funding programs with proven and effective outcomes
Most Significant Impact to Special Education
Converted almost 400 temporary part-time education assistant positions to permanent positions with benefits to create a stable workforce and smooth operations for students with disabilities
Funding for Highest Need Students
Allocated funding for schools that serve students with the highest need
TRUSTED.
TESTED.
ELECTED.
READY.
