Julia Norwood ’16’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and learning to trust her own voice—qualities that first took root during her years at Harley.
Julia began at Harley in Grade 3, where her first teacher, Jane Jezsu (Lower School, 1993-2010), made an immediate and lasting impression. Mrs. Jezsu created a classroom that was warm, caring, and deeply supportive. Julia remembers how much her teacher genuinely cared—not just about the school work, but about her students as people. That sense of belonging helped Julia, who was shy at the time, find her footing and connect with her new classmates.
As she moved through Harley, Julia came to appreciate the school’s diverse and challenging curriculum, which she credits with shaping who she is today. Experiences in public speaking, performing arts, and theater pushed her beyond her comfort zone, building the confidence she now draws on when presenting ideas and speaking to boards. Just as impactful were the ways she learned how to listen carefully to others, process different perspectives, and engage in thoughtful, healthy discourse. Those skills took hold in Doug Gilbert ’87, P ’21, ’24, ’27’s Middle School history class (1999-present), where discussions often began with current events and encouraged students to think critically about the world around them.
Outside the classroom, soccer taught Julia another lasting lesson: the importance of teamwork. She learned that success isn’t about individual achievement alone, but about how each person contributes to uplifting the whole—a mindset that would later become central to her professional life.
After graduating from Harley, Julia initially left Rochester to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, eager for a new environment and a different pace of life. While she valued the culture and community she found there, she realized she wasn’t being academically challenged in the way she had been at Harley—a realization that underscored just how well Harley had prepared her. She eventually transferred to the University of Rochester, where her academic journey took several turns. She explored engineering and computer science before receiving pivotal advice from her father, also a University of Rochester grad: don’t just choose a major because it will bring you money in the future—pursue something you love, something that brings happiness and that alone will open doors. That guidance led her to linguistics, a subject that fascinated her, even though she didn’t yet know where it might lead.
Her professional path has been just as exploratory. During her junior year of college, a user research internship at Wegmans proved transformative. Immersed in data and focused on elevating the customer voice, Julia discovered a passion for understanding how people engage with products and how thoughtful changes can improve their experiences.
Graduating in May 2020 amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, Julia took time to reassess and plan. She moved to Los Angeles, where she helped organize operations for her family’s music industry business, while continuing to search for work that mirrored her user-focused experience at Wegmans. That search led her to Politico in Arlington, VA, where she worked in audience insights, analyzing engagement and helping the organization understand what resonated—or didn’t—with its readers. After more than a year, Julia realized she wanted to be closer to decision-making, not just the research behind it. That clarity brought her to Discovery Education in North Carolina.
Now a Product Manager at Discovery Education, Julia helps develop digital K–12 educational tools by collecting data, collaborating across teams, and guiding meaningful product changes within tight timelines. Three years into the role, she was surprised, and honored, to receive a Discovery Education Spotlight Award for Inclusivity. Chosen from among 88 nominees across the international company, Julia was recognized for her collaborative leadership, respect for diverse perspectives, and commitment to making sure every voice is heard. For someone working largely behind the scenes, the recognition was especially meaningful. It affirmed her belief that creating clarity, alignment, and product utilization is essential for the Discovery Education tools.
Looking back, Julia sees the confidence to speak up, the habit of listening first, and the belief that the best outcomes come from team work all come from her days at Harley. Her advice to current Harley students reflects that same spirit: go for it. Try new things. Be curious and brave, even if you’re not good at something right away. Harley is a safe space and the experience will always be worth it.
