Julia Smith is the Assistant Director of Leadership Development, DEI at Northwestern Mutual. In this role she designs, develops and implements Northwestern Mutual’s Home Office D&I leadership development strategy, enabling HR and business leaders to build a pipeline of high performing, diverse talent for critical roles and engaging all employees in creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment. 

Prior to Northwestern Mutual, Julia has over 10 years of experience in Adult Education, Talent Development and Organizational Design in both the public and private sectors including Healthcare, Retail Non-Profit. Julia currently serves as a leader on the Northwestern Mutual African-American Employee Resource Group governance team board, Diversity and Inclusion Council. She is a founding member of the Greater Milwaukee African American ERG Connection and serves on the board of Directors at Arts@Large.

Julia is a Milwaukee native but she loves to travel. Her favorite in person PD activities include the dinner and lunch programs, she misses gathering in person but she has enjoyed the virtual Happy Hours and Third Thursdays. 

Julia’s personal mission is to inspire others to use their talents, skills and abilities to impact the world through building relationships and connecting to others and opportunities. 

Be sure to say hi to Julia at an upcoming PD event!