Julie Myers, the current Chief Executive Officer of the One Love Foundation since 2023, embodies a legacy marked by commitment, triumph, and a resolute drive for change. After graduating with a Sociology degree from the University of Virginia in 1990, she set out to make an indelible impact. From 1986 to 1991, Julie's athletic journey thrived in the fields of Field Hockey and Lacrosse, earning her Regional and National All-American Honors and culminating in a significant Lacrosse National Championship victory in 1991.
Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Julie embraced a new role as a Graduate Assistant for Field Hockey and Lacrosse from 1992 to 1993. This phase paralleled her scholarly pursuits in UVA's School of Education, where she immersed herself in graduate studies focused on Special Education, showcasing her commitment to multifaceted growth. Guiding as Assistant Lacrosse Coach from 1993 to 1995, Julie nurtured talent and propelled athletes toward success, with the crowning achievement being the triumph of clinching the 1993 NCAA Title, a victory resonating through her subsequent coaching endeavors.
From 1995 to 2023, Julie's legacy solidified as Head Coach, etching her name into Lacrosse history. The pinnacle moment arrived in 2004, securing another NCAA Title alongside the prestigious National Coach of the Year accolade, underscoring her dedication to her craft and the athletes she guided. Julie's influence extended beyond the field, with back-to-back ACC Coach of the Year distinctions in 2004 and 2006, establishing her as a pivotal figure in the realm of sports.
A landmark in her journey occurred as she became the pioneer to capture NCAA Titles as a player, assistant coach, and head coach in women's lacrosse, a testament to her unwavering commitment and leadership prowess. A striking legacy unfurled, encompassing a remarkable record of 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament bids from 1996 to 2023, showcasing both her unwavering commitment and her team's undeniable prowess. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption in 2020, her athletes showcased unwavering resilience.
Noteworthy recognitions include her induction into the Central Virginia Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2015 and the 2022 Diane Geppi Aikens Award, further affirming her lasting impact on Women's Lacrosse. Rooted in Charlottesville, Virginia, Julie takes pride in her role as a mother to Kelsey, Timmy, and Kevin, witnessing their academic and athletic pursuits blossom, and continuing the legacy of dedication.
Amidst her manifold accomplishments, the story of Yeardley Love resonates profoundly, steering her toward a mission beyond sports. Fueled by the impact of losing Yeardley to relationship abuse, Julie's fervent advocacy propels her collaboration with the One Love Foundation for 13 years. Her commitment to raising awareness, education, and the fight against relationship abuse serves as a testament to her noble purpose, evoking a sense of fulfillment in driving positive change.
Gabi Shutt is an Engagement Manager for One Love in the Pacific Northwest, focused on serving Eastern Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Gabi has 8 years of experience working in non-profits through arts education, arts administration, and grant writing. She has a B.A. in Dance Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and an M.A. in Arts Administration from Florida State University. Gabi is passionate about education, community engagement, and advancing access, diversity, equity, and inclusion. To learn more about how to bring One Love programs to your community, email Gabi at [email protected]
Yesmina Townsley is a Partner Success Coordinator at One Love Foundation, where she manages programming and strategy for middle and high schools, as well as colleges, across the Midwest, South, and East Coast. With a BA in Film from Vassar College, Yesmina is passionate about storytelling and community empowerment, focusing on promoting healthy relationships among young people.
Before joining One Love, Yesmina gained diverse experience in retail sales, dance photography, yoga instruction, and film production. As Partner Success Coordinator, Yesmina leverages her expertise in project management and event planning to develop programs that empower schools and communities to foster healthy relationships, and she looks forward to using education and dialogue to create positive connections. To learn more about how to bring One Love’s programs to your community, please contact Yesmina at [email protected].