Having grown up in Plano, Julie Holmer is well aware of just how amazing our little ‘burb is. She went through Plano ISD schools, owns a local business and is raising her family here.
With an early career in software consulting and social work, Julie became managing partner of Angela’s at the Crosswalk restaurant in downtown Plano in 2011. The restaurant hosts weekly community events, such as trivia nights and open mic nights. Julie is all about creating opportunities for people to come together, whether they are making new friends, meeting up with old friends or just popping in to see what’s happening.
The restaurant is just the start of the many ways Julie contributes to Plano. Julie is also a graduate of Leadership Plano, a Plano Chamber of Commerce program that educates residents on the importance of community participation. Her real talent and passion is bringing people together. She did just this in recent municipal elections. Julie saw that dwindling numbers of residents were turning out, and she rallied to urge folks to get out and vote.
“When Julie saw a need for a unified voice in Plano, she stepped out on her own and organized a 1,200-person online group and set up community meetings. She doesn’t just sit around and wait for change to happen, she gets engaged and ensures she is a part of it,” said Michael Thomas, executive director of Plano-based My Possibilities.
Julie’s most recent passion is pickleball. This recreational sport, a cross between tennis and ping pong, can be played by any person of any age and ability. The game is taking the country by storm, and Julie thinks Plano would benefit from more courts across town. She is an ambassador for the USA Pickleball Association and is working to urge Plano Parks and Recreation to add more courts and more hours. With more opportunities for folks to meet up and play, it would be just one more way Julie is helping make those community connections.
As for words of wisdom to other girl bosses in Plano, Julie says, “Plano is a small town where small things can make a big impact. Anytime you help people connect, the benefits can come back to help you, too.” She hopes people will remember her years in the future as an architect of community.
Michael Thomas added, “No matter what the cause or purpose, Julie will step up and speak out if she believes it will improve her community and the people that live here.”
See all of the 2017 Girl Bosses >
