Meet Julia Murphy | Highly regarded Social worker, Fundraiser, Community activist, Advocate for social change

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County is a 501(c)(3) organization and an affiliate of a global nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity International serving Palm Beach County. Families and individuals in need of a safe, decent, and affordable housing partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My life experiences have fueled me to address issues that affect marginalized communities and be a change agent. I began my career serving the LGBTQ+ community in PBC in 2009 by spreading awareness, promoting pride, and creating and celebrating safe spaces at Compass Community Center. I grew within the organization over my tenure from her first day as a college senior intern to one of the few female executives in a male dominated industry. The LGBTQ+ community embraced and put their trust in me as the only heterosexual woman leader in the organizations 36 years—to be their FIERCE ADVOCATE to fight for their rights. During my time at Compass, I helped increase the operating budget from 1.2 million to 3 million and increased the staff size from 20 to 30 full-time employees. In 2022, I help secured $550,000 federal appropriations funds from Congresswomen Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to expand their mental health department and serve 150 youth and their families.
In March of 2022, I collaborated with the PBC Clerk of Courts to host the largest LGBTQ+ marriage celebration for the 30th Anniversary of Palm Beach Pride and married 30 couples. It was the largest LGBTQ+ Cultural Event in PBC bringing together 30,000 attendees, raising $200,000 and gaining local and national attention and making the front page of the Palm Beach Post and The Sun Sentinel and being aired on Good Morning America.
I helped spearheaded the expansion of onsite medical services in partnership with CAN Community Health to provide care for those living with HIV/AIDS and Transgender Health Care. I brought attention and awareness to Compass in networks and communities that never heard of the organization. Compass received the nonprofit of the Year Award from the Chamber of the Palm Beaches.
In August 2023, I began my journey at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County (HFHGPBC). I was recruited to assist in helping merge Habitat for Humanity of PBC and Habitat for Humanity of South PBC to form a new and consolidated affiliate, Habitat for Humanity Greater Palm Beach County. The strategic collaboration brought together resources, skillsets, and strengths to serve the community better. I worked to merge a 21-person board, navigate joining 150 employees, 5 ReStores and 500 volunteers with a combined budget of $13 million dollars.
I worked to double the organization’s fundraising to $5.2 million towards addressing the affordable housing crisis in PBC. I worked with 300 women to raise $300,000 for their Women’s Build campaign that provided a homeownership opportunity for 2 female led families with small children. This opportunity of homeownership will forever change their children’s future and build generational wealth. I don’t work 9 – 5, I spend my weekends on construction sites with future habitat families to build their future home. The housing crisis has impacted women and single mothers 50% more than men. This year through her advocacy and fundraising Habitat will impact 15,000 people, build 15 new homes and Revitalize 100 homes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start the weekend in the north part of the county and visit Jupiter. I would take her to lunch Little Moir’s Food Shack and visit the Jupiter Lighthouse. Then head to West Palm Beach for a Sunset Cruise and then dinner at Harry’s with a night cap at the Spruzzo Rooftop at The Ben. On Saturday we would wake up and do beach yoga on Lake Worth Beach, then head to the West Palm Beach Greenmarket and then with breakfast/brunch at John G’s. Visit Morikami Musuem and Japanese Gardens, Dinner at El Camino in Delray Beach and a night cap at The Ray rooftop bar. On Sunday, we would head to The Flagler for High Tea and a walk down Worth Ave.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Compass the LGBTQ+ Community Center in Palm Beach County was the catalyst for my professional and personal growth in becoming an advocate for humans.

Website: www.habitatgreaterpbc.org

Instagram: @julia.p.murphy

Linkedin: JuliaMurphy

Facebook: @JuliaMurphy