Julia Olmstead oversees Fresh Energy’s programmatic philanthropic work across the organization, collaborating with lead directors to inspire and secure foundation support for priority programs. Julia has deep experience bridging policy, philanthropy, and on-the-ground work, with much of her career focused on sustainable, equitable agriculture systems. Julia worked as a program officer at the McKnight Foundation and currently serves on the board of directors at the Land Institute in Salina, Kansas. She is a proud graduate of St. Paul Central High School and holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an M.S. in plant breeding from Iowa State University, and an M.J. in journalism from the University of California-Berkeley. Julia is currently living in Saint Paul with her three inspiring children and hasn’t stopped talking about her new induction range since installing it in 2023.
Julia Olmstead
Executive Lead, Philanthropy
