The Community Says:
Julie is a hometown hero (at least that's what WETA and the thousands of children who's lives she’s touched think). As cofounder and executive director of Trips for Kids Metro DC, Julie lives her motto of "teaching kids to overcome obstacles on the trail and in life" every day. Thanks to Julie's tireless dedication to Trips for Kids, children throughout the DC area are healthier, more knowledgeable, and asking "when can we ride again."
Julie leads by example and, through patience and persistence, reaches children who others are unable to reach.
Julie is the visible face of providing at risk youth experiences in riding bikes in nature. Over the last 7 years her hard work and efforts has led to thousands of children experiencing nature first hand via the seat of a mountain bike. For many, this opportunity is a once in a lifetime experiences; others are now members of Julie's "team" and ride with her on a regular basis. Does it make a difference? The kids think so because they always ask, "When can we ride again?"
Simply put: without Julie thousands of DC kids never would have had the opportunity to enjoy nature from a bicycle seat. Ohhhh yeah, in her spare time she also oversees a Safe Routes To School program at Mount Vernon Elementary School and started the Northern Virginia Youth Mountain Bike League.
Inspiration: The kids that strive to overcome obstacles to be able to take part in one of the Trips for Kids rides. They inspire me with their enthusiasm and joys of riding. They remind me that no matter what life is handing you, it always seems surmountable when riding in dirt. And of course my kids who everyday show me that being outside calms the soul."
Julie works to inspire "those very same kids and their friends, parents, teachers who thought they were a bit of a lost cause, as well as my two boys who I hope will strive to make positive differences in their lifetime."
- Judge's comment:
- "Julie gets kids started on bikes early in life! She helps them acquire skills that helps them “overcome obstacles on the trail and in life.”
- "She impacts the cycling community through her involvement and leadership for Trips for the Kids sharing her cycling passion with children and providing them with new experiences."
- "She is truly a hometown hero, yet another person who actually does something to pass on her love for bikes to the next generation."
