As a Program Officer, Julia Cunningham oversees the continued development and execution of the ECMC Foundation’s Rural Impact Initiative. She focuses on increasing persistence and completion for rural learners through a strengthened postsecondary ecosystem.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Julia was the Director of Rural Engagement at the United States Department of Education, where she led rural engagement and strategy to support Departmental priorities, advised senior leadership regarding rural policy and messaging, and regularly communicated with rural stakeholders, educators, learners, and leaders nationwide. Julia began her career as a middle school writing teacher at American Horse School in Allen, South Dakota, also serving as the middle school instructional team leader. She then spent nearly five years with The Hunt Institute, serving in a variety of roles, most recently as Deputy Director of State Engagement. While at The Institute, she was responsible for legislative program expansion across nine states, advising a variety of legislative leaders on education policy.

Julia holds a Bachelor of Art in English literature from Fordham University and a Master of Education in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.