Photo: Julia Boyle, Executive Director, Autism BC
Julia Boyle (BA ‘07) is achieving the career she always wanted; leading a non-profit organization.
The UBC Psychology alumna is the Executive Director of AutismBC, a non-profit and registered charity that encourages the inclusion and acceptance of the entire autism community in British Columbia. Julia joined the organization in 2018 with the goal of making an impact. Her community-level work has led her to build connections with the very people AutismBC supports and advocates for—BC’s autism community.
Julia’s leadership benefits families and children with autism directly. In November 2022, AutismBC’s advocacy efforts influenced the reversal of Provincial cuts to autism funding that were announced in 2021. Instead of phasing the funding out in 2025, the Province committed to maintaining individualized funding for children with an autism diagnosis.
“I am most proud of the relationships and influence we’ve built in our advocacy work with the Provincial Government. After the devastating news that the Provincial Government was going to cut autism funding in 2021, we were able to influence the reversal of this decision.”
This work was the result of a community-based research project led by Julia and AutismBC—and by working collaboratively with a coalition of disability organizations to put pressure on the Provincial Government.
“With 22,000+ families receiving autism funding in BC, this decision has a significant impact. This advocacy win is an excellent incentive to keep working to support the families of kids with autism and other disabilities so they can get better supports.”
Julia’s advocacy work came full circle to UBC Psychology. While developing the report, she consulted with Dr. Connor Kerns, an associate professor in the department of psychology. Kate Rho, a research assistant in Dr. Kerns’ Anxiety Stress and Autism Program (ASAP) Lab, was a key researcher in the report.
Read a Q&A with Julia and UBC Arts on her UBC experience, the value of an Arts degree, and her advice for anyone considering a career in the non-profit industry.
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
My favourite course in high school was Sociology. I’ve always wanted to work in the social services sector. I am very curious about people and also really love helping people.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
The most valuable part of being at UBC was being exposed to so many different people. It expanded my mind and helped me understand the scope of what the world had to offer me, and what I had to offer the world. All these experiences propelled me to travel for over a decade, which has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my life.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Going to class regularly. Learning the basic skills of research and writing. Finding ways to apply my lessons to everyday life to improve my memory retention. Getting curious about my courses and taking learning to my life outside of the class.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I worked at a Group Home for youth. Check out my LinkedIn profile for more info!
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Yes. I always wanted to be the leader of a nonprofit. I worked for years as an international volunteer and/or intern. Breaking into a paying position took time, but once I did, I moved up quickly.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
- I love working with people and helping them to grow. I learn a lot in my current role and am growing a lot.
- I like the diversity of my job and get to do a lot of different things.
- I like putting stronger systems in place to support the sustainability of AutismBC.
- I like doing community-level work and being able to connect with the people we are supporting.
- I find recruitment and onboarding, training staff challenging. This is mostly due to staff turnover.
- Meeting our financial revenue targets can also be stressful.
- You need high emotional intelligence to be a good leader, my degree helped me with that.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
- You have lots of options.
- Learning how to think critically.
- Learning how to write well.
- Learning to deal with deadlines and stress.
- Learning to read and synthesize information.
- Learning to think logically and value evidence, science, validated information.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Volunteer in job-related roles or start your own initiatives/projects. Find a way to get experience.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
- Build up your network of people from all different industries and walks of life.
- Find a way to stay in touch throughout the years.
- Don’t worry so much about being competitive or what other people are doing.
- Focus on learning about yourself, your interests and passions and you’ll find your way.
- Stay positive, but lean into challenging yourself.
