Julia Loonin joined the Bay Ridge Prep community in 2022 as Director of College Guidance. Before joining Bay Ridge Prep, Julia spent six years as Director of Programs at Minds Matter, a community-based organization where she managed and trained over 700 volunteers in implementing a college access and success program for 295 first generation students. At Minds Matter, she also oversaw their Academic and Leadership Development Summer Academy through partnerships with NYU Stern School of Business and The New School, created and oversaw a three-year mentoring curriculum, a writing and critical thinking curriculum, and a test prep curriculum that prepared students to apply for and enroll in their “best-fit” college.
Prior to Minds Matter, Julia ran summer programs and family programs for Girls Leadership, a non-profit which teaches girls to exercise the power of their voice through programs grounded in social emotional learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Education Policy & Social Analysis from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College. In her spare time, Julia enjoys spending time with her family, playing basketball, and surfing. She also serves on the New York Board of Girls Leadership.