Meet Julia Ballard. Julia is a Cambridge, Massachusetts native who felt the call and moved to New Orleans after graduating from the University of Redlands in California last year.
We’re thrilled to announce that in February, Julia joined the Silicon Bayou team as our Assistant News Editor. You may have seen her name pop up around the site as she’s posted breaking stories and some of our regular features (such as All About You). As we work to grow our content and cover more news, it’s all hands on deck here and Julia is an integral part of the team.
Julia is passionate about communications, psychology, and paving her own path. You might spot her riding around New Orleans on her bright blue bicycle or poring over her latest piece of writing on the first floor of Launch Pad. We thought you should know a little more about her, so read on as she answers our All About You questions below.
What is the most exciting thing you are working on right now?
I am lucky enough to be a part of the Launch Pad community, working as a social media specialist at Conversations and the Assistant News Editor at SBN (both of which are exciting!).
What are you most excited about happening on the Silicon Bayou that you aren’t directly involved in?
The amount of passion and inspiration I see in many of the city’s residents is amazing. I am excited about the booming small businesses and volunteer organizations like Communities in Schools, which partners local public schools with volunteers organizations who provide resources tailored to the schools and students’ needs.
If you recently moved here, what brought you here?
I moved here on a whim. New Orleans is one of the most fascinating cities I had ever been to. I graduated from college last May and was looking for a new adventure, so I booked a one way ticket and ended up here.
If you could win any award in the world, which would you be most proud to possess?
I would love to win a Grammy. Unfortunately, people tell me I’m tone deaf.
If you were stuck on an elevator for two hours, what one person (dead or alive) would you choose to be stuck with?
The Dalai Lama. I took a class on compassion in college and his energy and teachings still resonate in me everyday.
IYO, which institution is most due for disruption?
Education.
If you had to pick a drink to describe yourself (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) what would it be?
Champagne.
Tell us about your biggest failure.
My biggest failure is not becoming fluent in Italian when I had the chance. I took a few classes in high school and then went abroad to Milan, Italy for a semester in college. Even then, I found it hard to keep up with the grammatical and conversational aspects of the language. I now wish I had forced myself to practice everyday until I nailed it.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
Until recently, I worked most Sundays. Now I prefer to ride my bike and explore new areas of the city.
If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Indian food.
If you could live in any other time period, which would you choose?
Late 60s.
The standard superpower dichotomy (fly or be invisible):
Fly.
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Think Julia is super fly? Follow her on twitter here or check out her website. If you want to reach Julia about a story or correction, you can do that at Julia@siliconbayounews.com.
Want to be featured on All About You? Fill out the form here and we’ll be in touch!