Julie Cafley, PhD
About Julie Cafley, PhD
Julie Cafley, PhD, serves as the Executive Director of Catalyst Inc. and has extensive experience in higher education leadership, particularly in university governance and diversity initiatives. Her academic background includes a PhD focused on Canadian university presidents, and she has held significant roles at institutions such as the University of Ottawa and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.
Current Role at Catalyst Inc.
Julie Cafley serves as the Executive Director at Catalyst Inc. since 2022. In this role, she focuses on advancing the organization's mission to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Her leadership is instrumental in driving strategic initiatives that support women's leadership and foster inclusive environments across various sectors.
Education and Expertise
Julie Cafley holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership from the University of Ottawa, where her thesis examined the unfinished terms of Canadian university presidents. She also earned a Master’s in Education with a focus on Educational Administration and two Baccalaureate degrees in Arts and Education. Her academic background underpins her expertise in higher education leadership, governance, and strategic initiatives.
Professional Background
Julie Cafley has an extensive professional background in higher education and public policy. She worked at the University of Ottawa as Chief of Staff in the Office of the President for 14 years. Following this, she served as Executive Vice-President of External Relations at the Public Policy Forum for 11 years. She also held the position of Vice-President of Communications and External Relations at the Digital Research Alliance of Canada for one year.
Achievements in Higher Education Leadership
Julie Cafley is recognized for her contributions to higher education leadership, particularly regarding university presidential mandates. She played a significant role in establishing the brand and innovative vision of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, positioning it as a world-class start-up. Her strategic initiatives have had a lasting impact on the institutions she has been part of.
Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion
Julie Cafley is a committed advocate for women in leadership and diversity initiatives. Her work emphasizes the importance of inclusion in the workplace, and she has extensive experience in nonprofit, academic, and policy settings. She actively champions efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion, making her a prominent figure in these areas.