Julie L. Shepard has a master's degree in Educational Technology Leadership and a credential in Educational Administrative Services. She has studied trends in adult vocational career and technical education and workforce development for the past 20 years. Her current doctoral degree focus includes research in Educational Leadership for Social Justice, systemic school reform, and empowering disenfranchised populations. Her accomplishments include work with inmate education and reform, work with disabled and immigrant adult learners, and creation of programs and curriculum for transitioning adults. Her current work includes co-founding a sanctuary space for disenfranchised Native Americans who wish to network and reintegrate themselves back into society.