Julie Ukpong is an innovative educator and student advocate driving academic success, college completion, career readiness, and social-emotional development. Born and raised in New York City and the product of public education, Julie has dedicated her professional career to serving historically underserved communities primarily in the not-for-profit education sector. Currently, she serves as the Director of Academic Success & Experiential Education at Boys Hope Girls Hope of New York. More than promoting academic success, her drive resides in indwelling seeds of curiosity, vision, grit, and compassion. It is with pride and confidence that she annually encourages her scholars to attend The Island School, as she has witnessed first-hand the positive impacts this program has had on the scholars she serves. After her scholars complete their stay, it is clear these seeds have bloomed. Julie is eager to join the board and expand her impact on The Island School community through her lens of equity, inclusion, and holistic education.