Julie Marzec

About Julie Marzec

Policy analyst and community engagement professional with a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota, specializing in gender-based violence, LGBTQI+ issues, and human rights. My work sits at the intersection of policy, research, and practice, with a focus on translating evidence into actionable, equity-driven policy solutions. I bring over a decade of experience in policy analysis, program evaluation, and cross-sector collaboration across academic, nonprofit, and public-sector settings. I have led research and policy initiatives addressing violence, institutional accountability, and access to services, with extensive fieldwork in Latin America and applied partnerships in the United States. My work emphasizes identifying policy gaps, strengthening data systems, and supporting legislative and advocacy efforts through clear, accessible analysis. I am trained in qualitative and mixed-methods research, but my work extends beyond research design to policy translation through developing briefs, reports, and communications that make complex issues usable for policymakers, advocates, and community stakeholders. I approach policy as a technical and relational process, grounded in the lived experiences of communities, particularly those facing intersecting forms of marginalization. I design and lead public-facing initiatives that bridge scholarship and practice. I have coordinated educational programming, professional trainings (including CEU-accredited events), and cross-sector collaborations, and have produced strategic communications ranging from community reports to conference programming. My work supports inclusive engagement, strengthens institutional capacity, and advances dialogue across sectors. Fluent in Spanish, I have led cross-cultural outreach efforts and partnered with NGOs, government agencies, and community-based organizations to improve policy and program responses, particularly in the areas of equity, gender, LGBTQI+ advocacy, and immigrant community support. I am particularly interested in policy roles that combine policy engagement, community collaboration, and data-informed decision-making to advance equity, safety, and access to justice.

Experience

1. Program Lead

   Hennepin County Library

   Feb 2026 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

Education

• University of Cincinnati

  Master of Arts - MA, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

  2017 — 2019

• University of Minnesota

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Public Policy

  2019 — 2025

• University of Cincinnati

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), International Relations and Affairs

  2008 — 2012