20 Under 40 | JULIE PHILLIPS
Photo by JOHN BURNS
Since 2016, Julie Phillips has served as Director of Grants for Communities in Schools (CIS) of Mid-America. Her focus is programming in Kansas and the Kansas City Metro area and funding the entire organization through grants. Julie assists other development team members with grants covering other communities, while leading CIS annual campaigns.
Julie is a Blue Badge member with Topeka South Rotary. She served as secretary for the Heartland BMS Board of Directors and is the president of the Whitson Elementary School PTO. Julie organizes and manages the FutureNow– Finance events at Highland Park, Topeka High and Topeka West to provide high school students the opportunity to manage expenses and balance a budget.
In 2022, Julie started a project to spread awareness about the effects of gun violence through the Say Their Names Rock Project. Julie has handpainted more than 500 names of people killed by gun violence on rocks still traveling throughout Topeka and the United States.
What word describes yourself?
Kind. That one word is the foundation of who I am and how try I approach everyone and everything in my life. I pride myself on being a kind person, and hope people feel that when interacting with me.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
I have learned in life that there will always be people that don't like you. It doesn't mean anything is wrong with you or there is anything you need to change about yourself. You won't be everyone's cup of tea and that's okay. Whenever I find myself worried about fitting in or trying to dim my light to appease someone else, I remind myself of these words from Rebecca Campbell, "Don’t waste your precious time and gifts trying to convince them of your value, they won’t ever want what you’re selling. Don’t convince them to walk alongside you. You’ll be wasting both your time and theirs and will likely inflict unnecessary wounds, which will take precious time to heal. You are not for them and they are not for you; politely wave them on and continue along your way. Sharing your path with someone is a sacred gift; don’t cheapen it by rolling yours in the wrong direction."
What do you do for fun?
I love finding unique places and trying new experiences. We travel a lot for BMX races, and I do my best to make the most of it. From an alligator farm in Louisiana to a vintage penny arcade in Colorado, I enjoy discovering what every community has to offer and making fun, one-of-a-kind memories with my family
Click here to go to the full list of 2022 20 Under 40 Honorees.
