Inspired by her family who worked hard to battle negative stereotypes against Italian Americans, this year Julia created and debuted her first documentary film “in.clu.sion” which was made to raise awareness of the importance of authentic inclusion of people with disabilities in the media. The film was the result of her frustrations at the way her younger brother Spencer, who has special needs, has been othered by people and as a result Julia was tired of the prejudice towards disabled people that festers in society. Julia has Q&As planned regarding the documentary and general representation, but also spreads her message of advocacy on social media, especially on TikTok where she has 21K followers. After high school and during college she plans on working with ROAM Pictures on more projects that include proper representation. 

When Julia was accepted to John S. Burke Catholic High School, it was during a chaotic time in her life. Her mother was receiving cancer treatment and with her older brother already at Burke the family knew that it would be difficult to afford the full tuition for two students with everything else that the family had going on at the time. Julia says the CCF Scholarship meant that she would be able to get the best education possible and it both alleviated a great deal of financial related stress for her family and gave her hope.

Julia says that everything that she has been able to do while in high school - getting the lead in the school play, singing a solo during a school event, taking an AP class, and writing for the school newspaper - is all thanks to CCF’s generosity. She says, “I strive to do my best and make CCF proud. I feel like they are a part of my family as they have given me so much and I want to show my appreciation through my continued success.”