Biography
Julie Adkins is the Executive Director of Startup Garage, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips early-stage, faith-driven founders to build redemptive businesses. Startup Garage began at ذكذكتسئµ in 2022 and has run its semester-long practicum in the ذكذكتسئµ School of Business since 2023. Julie leads the Startup Garage at ذكذكتسئµ practicum alongside the organization's growing work with founders across West Michigan.
At ذكذكتسئµ, she mentors practicum students, coordinates mentors and guest founders, and connects students to coaching, events, and a community of Christ-centered entrepreneurs. Across Startup Garage, she leads operations, programs, and partnerships, and does the day-to-day work of turning vision into execution so the organization can fulfill its mission of equipping Christ-centered founders to launch redemptive businesses.
Julie brings more than a decade of experience in executive operations, leadership, and program management across higher education, nonprofit, corporate, and startup settings. She is passionate about building systems that help visionary leaders and students bring ideas to life and thrive in their callings.
Education
- MS, Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education, Concordia University-Wisconsin, 2015
- BA, Psychology with a Minor in Business Administration, Spring Arbor University, 2012
Professional Experience
- Executive Director, Startup Garage (501(c)(3) Nonprofit)
- Founder, Elite Support LLC (Fractional COO and Systems Consulting)
- Executive Assistant, Higher Education, Nonprofit and Corporate Sectors
- Administrative Leadership Roles, Higher Education, Nonprofit and Startup Environments
