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Julia Gitis, Ed.M, MBA
Civic tech entrepreneur. Product leader. Nonprofit board member.
Professional Background
Julia Gitis is an accomplished leader in the civic engagement and education sectors, having made significant contributions to the way communities connect and engage with local news. As the founder of Community News Lab, a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, Julia has spearheaded innovative civic engagement experiments that are transforming the landscape of local journalism. Under her leadership, the organization is dedicated to enhancing civic life by fostering informed communities through impactful projects.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Julia is the driving force behind product development at SF Civic Tech (formerly known as Code for San Francisco), where she leads a dynamic team of designers, engineers, and researchers. Together, they are dedicated to building cutting-edge tools that empower San Franciscans to actively participate in their communities and engage with one another effectively. Her passion for leading teams at the nexus of impact and scalability is evident through her various successful projects and initiatives.
Career Journey
Prior to establishing Community News Lab and taking on pivotal roles in civic tech, Julia served as the Head of Product at Dashboard.Earth, a progressive climate tech startup focused on rewarding individuals for their local climate action initiatives. Her tenure in this role was characterized by her ability to reimagine and rebuild their mobile app, resulting in significant user engagement and growth, particularly in urban areas like Los Angeles.
Moreover, Julia enjoyed a richly rewarding period at Khan Academy, one of the most well-recognized ed tech platforms globally. As a Senior Product Manager, she was instrumental in shaping the product strategy that brought Khan Academy into classrooms worldwide. During a challenging period when the global pandemic forced students to learn remotely, she played an essential role in supporting over 40 million children, ensuring their access to high-quality educational resources.
Julia's extensive experience also includes a variety of roles across the education and nonprofit sectors. As the Director of Admission at The Harker School, Julia leveraged her insight into education accessibility and student engagement. Additionally, she held positions such as Entrepreneur in Residence with General Catalyst Partners, where her entrepreneurial spirit thrived as she shared her expertise with emerging startups.
A Commitment to Education
Beginning her career as a classroom teacher, Julia has always embodied the spirit of education and community engagement. Her dedication to student success is reflected in her service on two school boards, advocating for progressive educational policies. Currently, Julia plays an active role on the board of the San Francisco Press Club, where she champions local journalism initiatives that empower communities across Northern California.
Her professional journey has allowed her to work across multiple continents, including experiences in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Juliaās global perspective enhances her approach to civic engagement and education, ensuring that her projects are mindful of diverse cultural contexts and needs.
Educational Background and Achievements
Julia holds a robust educational background with degrees from some of the world's leading institutions. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, where she solidified her foundational knowledge in education and social sciences. Julia further advanced her expertise with a Master's degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, specializing in International Education Policy. Her commitment to enhancing education extends to her MBA from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, where she cultivated a strong grasp of business principles that she integrates into her leadership roles.
Julia also participated in a TESOL program for Teaching English as a Foreign Language at the Canterbury International TEFL School, showcasing her commitment to language education and effective communication. By studying at both UC Berkeley and Harvard, she has developed a uniquely comprehensive perspective on education that emphasizes innovation and inclusivity.
Languages and Community Engagement
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian, Juliaās multilingual skills not only reflect her personal background as an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. as a toddler on refugee visas but also enable her to connect with a broad spectrum of community members. Her linguistic abilities enhance her work in civic engagement, allowing her to communicate effectively with diverse populations and address their specific needs.
Conclusion
Julia Gitis is a passionate advocate for education and civic engagement. With a career characterized by leadership roles in impactful organizations and a deep commitment to community building, she continues to inspire those around her. As someone who embodies the heart of a teacher, Julia remains dedicated to creating environments where individuals can learn, thrive, and contribute to their communities through informed and engaged participation.
Education and Achievements
Julia Gitis has built a solid educational foundation that underpins her professional success. Below is an overview of her academic achievements:
- B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies - University of California, Berkeley
- Ed. M., International Education Policy - Harvard Graduate School of Education
- MBA - MIT Sloan School of Management
- International Certificate in TESOL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Canterbury International TEFL School
Through these programs, Julia has acquired both a broad knowledge base in interdisciplinary studies and specialized skills in education policy and management. Her educational journey reflects her dedication to nurturing talent and creating effective educational frameworks.
Achievements
Julia Gitis brings a wealth of achievements from her diverse professional journey and commitment to civic engagement and education. Here are some of her notable accomplishments:
- Founder of Community News Lab, leading efforts to innovate local journalism and strengthen civic participation.
- Head of Product at SF Civic Tech, guiding product development that empowers community engagement in San Francisco.
- Head of Product at Dashboard.Earth, enhancing mobile app user engagement for local climate action initiatives.
- Senior Product Manager at Khan Academy, facilitating access to educational resources for over 40 million students globally during remote learning mandates.
- Actively engaged on the board of the San Francisco Press Club, promoting local news and supporting journalism across Northern California.
- Extensive experience in international education and nonprofit leadership, spanning multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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