A Champion in Advancing Gender Equity
As the founding director of the Arts Co-op program, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Julie Walchli has played a pivotal role in shaping experiential learning opportunities for students.
Known for her commitment to innovation and excellence, she has been a driving force in helping students bridge their academic studies with real-world experience.
Beyond her work at UBC, Julie has been recognized for her contributions to education on a broader scale. She was recently nominated for the 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Education, Training, and Development category—her second consecutive nomination.
We spoke with Julie about her career, leadership, and impact.
A BIT ABOUT JULIE
Pronouns:
She/Her
Title:
Executive Director, Work Integrated Education and Career Initiatives
Department/Unit:
Faculty of Arts
Summary of your role:
I oversee amazing teams that help students integrate workplace learning.
BRAINS BEHIND THE WORK
Julie Walchli and Laurie McNeill (Associate Dean, Students) at the 2025 YWCA Nominees Reception.
What is a project or work achievement you are most proud of? Why?
Julie Walchli and Laurie McNeill (Associate Dean, Students) at the 2025 YWCA Nominees Reception.
I’m most proud of being the Founding Director of the Arts Co-op Program; I was hired to start the Program in Spring 1999 and was in that role until 2018. I was motivated by a desire to create workplace opportunities for Arts students related to their degrees, like students in Science, Engineering, Forestry and Business had. It has been amazing to see thousands of students go through the Program, and really gain confidence in how their Arts education can help them build meaningful careers through their experiences over multiple co-op terms.
WELLNESS THAT WORKS FOR YOU
What is your favourite book, movie, or TV show?
I’ve been really inspired by Designing Your Life (DYL) by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Dave came to UBC in 2017 and I was one of several staff members who participated in a Master Class he gave. I then went on to do three training programs through DYL at Stanford, work that inspired the design of the Compass Arts Student Engagement Hub in Fall 2021 . It’s a really accessible book that introduces readers to Design Thinking and how it can offer a foundation for solving the wicked problem of life and career design.
WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE
What trait do you admire most in your colleagues?
I work with many amazing colleagues who are natural collaborators. I really love working as part of a team, and gain a lot of energy from working alongside others who challenge my thinking and encourage me. My career is testament to the adage “further together”—anything I’ve achieved has been because I was part of strong teams.
From left to right: Anna Jubilo, Assistant Director of the Arts Co-op Program; Linda Gully, Associate Director of the Arts Co-op Program; Julie Walchli; Dr. Laurie McNeill, Associate Dean, Students; and Heather Liau, Manager of Marketing and Industry Relations.
2025 YWCA Women of Distinction nomination
Julie is the Executive Director, Work Integrated Education and Career Initiatives at UBC’s Faculty of Arts. She’s recognized as a transformative leader in education, having created the UBC Arts Co-operative Education Program 25 years ago, which was innovative for its time and has connected students to more than 9,400 jobs to date. In 2021, Julie developed the Arts Career Design Studio, inspired by Stanford’s Designing Your Life initiative. She was elected to be President of Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada. Julie was also the Founding Chair of the BC Work Integrated Learning Council and is Co-Director of the Canada Japan Co-op Program. Additionally, she has received the UBC President’s Award for Staff Excellence and the CEWIL Canada Service Award.
Endorse Julie for the Connecting the Community Award
Each YWCA Women of Distinction nominee is eligible to win the Connecting the Community Award. The recipient is selected by public vote, and the winner chooses a YWCA cause that is important to her, donating $10,000, courtesy of Scotiabank, to the YWCA program of her choice.
Julie says: “As a university educator who’s devoted her career to helping students—particularly from the Humanities and Social Sciences—realize their full potential through high-impact workplace and career learning integrated with their degrees, I’m supporting Gender Equity because the YWCA advocates for equity in access to education and employment opportunities, including through their remarkable mentorship programs for women and girls.”
