WOMEN TO WATCH

Julie Dunn Wood

Vice President of HR Strategy & Operations
Heifer International

Heifer International’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Heifer provides livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives in the communities we work with. I took a temporary position with Heifer in 2001, as I wanted a different career path. Within a short period of time I was hired and promoted. I’ve had many great mentors along the way who helped prepare me for the role I hold today, in which I provide HR leadership for Heifer’s diverse global workforce.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

I originally didn’t and probably resisted longer than I should have! I became very intrigued by the opportunity to do things differently and in a new way, so after much deliberation, I jumped in and haven’t looked back.

What is a typical workday like for you?

I’m an early bird. Most days are spent in meetings. I tackle my hardest project first and save the less demanding tasks for later. I leave at a decent hour to get my daughter and resume working after family time.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Live fearlessly. Stay curious. Don’t be afraid to learn something new at every opportunity.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Getting to see our recipients thrive. I don’t get to see our programmatic work as often as those working with the field, but it is an amazing shot of adrenaline when I do and makes all the challenges worth it.

Who is your role model?

My mother. She is the toughest, strongest woman I know. I envy how she juggled her career and family life successfully. The second is a friend who was shot during a carjacking. Her ability to forgive her attacker is inspiring.

I wish I knew how to _________.

Sew as well as my mother. When I was growing up, I’d volunteer her to make my friends clothes because she could make anything. I’d also like to be able to do a headstand in yoga class by year’s end!

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

West Little Rock

Hometown

Conway

Last good read

“How Google Works” by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg

Favorite Food

Pizza from Pizza Café

Favorite Lunch Spot

Lunch? Who has time for lunch?!

First thing you do at the office each morning

Grab a coffee and go over my to-do list for the day

Last splurge

Trip to Europe with friends

Hobbies

Hanging out with friends and family and doing yoga

Dream Vacation

Bora Bora or Bali

Favorite Song

“I Lived” by One Republic

SPONSORS

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