Julie Padilla 11, G’12 is a passionate educator and a first-generation college graduate. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Social Studies Education and then a master’s in Literacy Education from Syracuse University. She also holds a master’s in School Building and School District Leadership from Touro College and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University.
Working as a social studies and literacy teacher for at-risk youth at the beginning of her career, Padilla was awarded the SmileDirectClub and New York Yankees’ Community Hero Spotlight in 2019. She was Assistant Principal at a Pre-K through 8th grade school in New York City before joining Carnegie Learning, an innovative edtech company, as Manager of Customer Experience.
A member of the School of Education Advisory Board, Padilla also has served on the boards of LitWorld, which works with children worldwide to teach and share the power of reading, writing, and storytelling, and Grace Outreach, which helps women enhance their academic skills, pursue higher education, and find employment.
PAST: What memory from your time at SOE do you most cherish?
My most cherished memory is the sense of community and collaboration fostered among both students and faculty. The opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about education’s future and to work alongside passionate peers shaped my approach to leadership in the field. It was in those moments that I developed a deep commitment to educational equity and innovation that continues to guide my career.
PRESENT: What are you working on now that you’d like to share with fellow alums?
At Carnegie Learning, I’m focused on improving the overall experience for our customers by ensuring that educators and schools have the tools and resources they need to succeed. My goal is to make sure that our educators feel supported and confident in using our curriculum and software, so they can focus on what matters most—teaching their students. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, our two young children, and our dog.
FUTURE: What is your hope for the future of education and learning?
My hope for the future of education is shaped by over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and school building leader. I envision a system where all students have access to meaningful, personalized learning opportunities that meet them where they are. With the right blend of innovative tools and strong teacher support, I believe we can create more equitable and inclusive learning environments. I hope to see education evolve into a space where both students and educators feel empowered to grow, innovate, and inspire a lifelong passion for learning.