Who is Julie Harmgardt?
Author of Killbear, Thanks for the Memories and Killbear, Memories of Georgian Bay
Julie Harmgardt is a twenty one year-old, young woman with an unstoppable drive and a contagious zeal for life. The Oakville, Ontario, native is a fourth-year, Dean's List student majoring in French Literature at Queen's University.
When Julie is not writing books, she is busy with a multitude of school and community initiatives. Julie is the Founder and Chair of InvisAbilities, an organization aimed at promoting advocacy, education and support of post-secondary students living with hidden, chronic, physical disabilities such as arthritis, diabetes, asthma, migraines, heart conditions, renal problems, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, etc. The organization's goals include advocacy, education, and emotional and institutional support; making others aware of the implications of invisible illness via community outreach is the key initiative of InvisAbilities.
Julie's schedule is a whirlwind of activity. As co-founder of TOLES (Teens Organizing Local Entertainment for Seniors) she is devoted to bridging the multi-generational gap between seniors and teens through the world of entertainment. Since 2004, TOLES has presented seventy, hour-long, themed variety shows to the delight of hundreds of appreciative seniors. Julie is an avid ambassador of youth volunteerism as an executive member of ChangeTheWorld, an advisory committee under Ontario's Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. In her role as Chair of the Mayor's Oakville Youth Advisory Committee, Julie spearheaded a historic milestone; she orchestrated an aerial photo involving seven hundred students from eight high schools, to commemorate Oakville's 150th birthday.
Personal highlights for Julie include having breakfast with Justin Trudeau, lunch with Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, David Onley, addressing the Empire Club of Canada and serving as a Parliamentary Page at Queen's Park. An engaging orator, Julie is comfortable speaking to a diverse populace from town council to service clubs to her peers. Her writing abilities have also been recognized as the winner of CBC's National Essay Contest. Julie was also chosen as the Town of Oakville's first 'Make Your Move' teen champion, promoting healthy active living for youth.
Julie's commitment and ingenuity has garnered her an array of prestigious awards: the TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Community Leadership, Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers, Millennium Excellence Award (National Scholarship Laureate), Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award, Lieutenant Governor's Volunteer Award for Students, Town of Oakville's Spirit Award, and Blakelock's Student of Excellence.
Julie plans to pursue a career in law, politics or philanthropic consulting. She is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Julie thrives in the excitement of new environments, allowing her to continually challenge herself, while facilitating personal development through new opportunities. Never an armchair activist, Julie works tirelessly towards her dream of inspiring a generation into action.
Julie's books Killbear, Thanks for the Memories and Killbear, Memories of Georgian Bay have raised $15,000 for the Friends of Killbear. The volumes make an excellent Killbear keepsake or gift for the avid camper; perfect reading material for a lazy beach day or an afternoon by the fire on a cold winter's day. Copies are limited... so don't be disappointed - reserve yours today!
