Julia Portillo is a mission-driven leader who brings together financial planning, organizational stability, and a deep commitment to workers’ rights. With more than fifteen years of experience in Finance, HR, and Operations, she has focused her career on helping organizations grow in ways that support fairness, dignity, and opportunity for working people.
Julia’s connection to the labor movement started early in her career. Before joining Jobs to Move America, she worked at the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), Building Wreckers Local 1421, where she supported organizers and members through workplace actions, contract efforts, and campaigns to improve conditions for laborers. In addition to supporting organizing work, Julia played a key role in strengthening the union’s internal operations; focusing on compliance, clearer auditing practices, and more effective internal systems. This work quickly became a passion for her, and she helped Local 1421 operate with greater transparency, stability, and efficiency while staying grounded in its mission to uplift workers.
At Jobs to Move America, Julia has played an important role in the organization’s development and long-term stability. As Finance & Operations Director, she led the transition that established JMA as an independent 501(c)(3), helping build the financial, governance, and operational systems that support the organization today. She works closely with senior leadership on long-term planning, compliance, budgeting, and major organizational decisions. Her leadership modernized internal processes, improved financial resilience, and strengthened JMA’s ability to support campaigns that put workers and communities first.
Julia is passionate about building organizations that are effective, people-centered, and aligned with their values. She focuses on creating clear, supportive systems that help teams do their best work while ensuring accountability and fairness.
She holds a degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, grounding her understanding of how policy, governance, and inequality shape people’s lives and opportunities.
Outside of work, Julia enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle and loves spending time with her two dogs, Lola and Mocha. She is often exploring new parks, trying new foods, and making memories with her family.