Our Leader Spotlight | Julie Greco
Communications Consultant, Niagara College
This series is dedicated to introducing and celebrating the participants of the ACL+ 2021/22 program. Each week, we will focus on one of our leaders, sharing a little bit about them and what motivates them to explore community leadership in Niagara.
Julie Greco is a Communications Consultant at Niagara College. She has been dedicated to shining the spotlight on the exciting news and people of the College since 2011.
Previously, she spent more than 13 years working in the magazine and newspaper industries in Toronto and the Niagara region where – as a reporter, writer and editor – she covered everything from news, lifestyles, arts, entertainment and features; to authoring experiential columns shadowing celebrity experts. She has held several senior editorial positions including managing editor of Post City Magazines in Toronto, editor-in-chief of Our Kids Publications based in Mississauga, and editor of the Voice of Pelham in Fonthill.
She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph (English Literature and Sociology), and a post-graduate Advanced Journalism (Print and Broadcasting) diploma from Humber College.
She currently resides in St. Catharines and is the proud new mom of an adventurous ‘pandemic puppy.’
Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?
I have dedicated my career to writing about standout people making a difference in their fields and in their communities. I too have a desire to contribute and make a difference. I would love to explore how I might best use my skills to contribute to my workplace and community.
What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?
There are many significant issues.
At the moment: Public health is a huge issue during the pandemic. Poverty and homelessness are major issues in my community in downtown St. Catharines. Retail business, the arts and the hospitality and tourism industries are suffering.
In addition, average residents are feeling the pinch with rising costs of housing and living. It’s difficult to determine at this unprecedented time in history which is MOST significant. We have an opportunity now, to redefine our community, to build back a better post-pandemic future; to leverage technology and a new mindset, and explore solutions that perhaps didn’t fit into pre-pandemic ideas or traditions.
What individual attributes do you hope to develop or expand upon?
I hope to expand my network and make more connections in Niagara. I would also like to explore how I might further develop myself professionally to not only help boost my career but to have an impact on my community however I may best be suited.
What Is ACL+?
Accelerate Civic Leadership+ is our answer to adapting our flagship Accelerate Civic Leadership (ACL) program for virtual learning.
Designed as a tool to expand the number of individuals who accept leadership roles in business, government, and social organizations to meet future challenges in the region, ACL+ strengthens the bonds within the region. It serves as a retention and engagement tool for our Niagara businesses and non-profits.