Our volunteers, educators, and board members are vital to the success of Keep Austin Beautiful. We would not be celebrating our 35th anniversary without them! Learn more about our Board Member, Julie, below.
Name: Julie Fisher
Title/Company: Senior Manager of Global Community Impact, NI
Board position: Secretary
Years on the Board: 6 years
What influenced you to join the Keep Austin Beautiful Board?
I was introduced to Keep Austin Beautiful through my previous employer, Samsung Austin Semiconductor. As I attended more cleanups, it inspired my to be more involved, eventually leading to a seat on the board in addition to a Clean Lady Bird Lake Leader for six years.
What excites you the most about Keep Austin Beautiful’s mission?
The ability that anyone and everyone can get behind and support it. Who doesn’t want to live in a community that is safe, beautiful and thrives off of community green spaces to live, work and play?
Why do you think Keep Austin Beautiful’s work is important?
We are able to educate and inform the next and current generation of Austinites about the importance of keeping our community clean and accessible for all. We are not in this alone and it is imperative for everyone to do their part and contribute to making their neighborhood a more beautiful, safe place to live. I am inspired by our volunteers who are so dedicated to our mission and contribute to educating students, cleaning waterways and beautifying green spaces.
What is your most memorable volunteer moment as a Keep Austin Beautiful Board member?
My most memorable moment is when one of the volunteers of a cleanup I was leading found a voodoo doll on the lakeshore of Lady Bird Lake. It was complete with a real photo on the doll, pins and a thread wrapped around it. Needless to say, there was no competition for the most unique piece of trash that day!
What is your hope for Keep Austin Beautiful’s future?
The youth who are currently participating in our programs are leading cleanups for the next generation. Keep Austin Beautiful volunteer slots are full and sustained by individuals, groups and companies who dedicate their time and energy into beautifying community spaces. When people move to Austin, I want them to receive an invitation to be involved with Keep Austin Beautiful. I want them to feel welcomed by Keep Austin Beautiful and integrated into our culture of creating and sustaining Austin’s green spaces and waterways.
Learn more about Keep Austin Beautiful’s impact and sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on program openings.
