Systems Thinker. Evaluation Luminary. Philanthropy Whisperer. Connector of Dots. Advocate for Equity and Learning.

Julia joins Convive as a seasoned advisor and learning expert, bringing decades of experience helping philanthropic leaders see the bigger picture—clearly and courageously. She supports Convive in strengthening its strategy, deepening its systems lens, and advancing learning practices that build on decades of philanthropic practice and research.. Her work helps Convive’s partners evolve from knowing what’s working to understanding why it matters.

Julia has shaped the field of philanthropic evaluation through her work as Founder and Director of the Center for Evaluation Innovation. A strategic thought partner to foundations large and small, she has helped design learning agendas, evaluation systems, and cross-sector initiatives that don’t just measure impact—they reimagine it. Her rare gift lies in helping funders move beyond technical fixes toward systemic insight, and ensuring learning is not an afterthought, but a leadership stance.

Julia has advised dozens of the most influential foundations and philanthropic networks in the U.S., including the Ford Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Packard Foundation, and the Democracy Fund. She is the creator of widely-used frameworks like the “Advocacy Strategy Framework” and co-developer of The Evaluator’s Role in Supporting Social Change. Prior to launching CEI, she worked at Harvard Family Research Project and held roles that bridged policy, research, and strategy.

Julia is currently energized by learning about: 

• How power shows up in philanthropic learning

• Making visible dominant mental models that guide systems change funding

• The role of reflective practice in systems leadership

• What it really takes to move from knowing to transforming