Julie Ockerby

As CEO & Principal Creative Director of award winning interior architectural firm, Meli Studio Australia, Julie is an Australian leader and mentor in entrepreneurship, an advocate for the inclusive diversity including gender and age, a maverick in the development of spaces that are an extension of life for the world’s ageing population, and a perfect example of what can be achieved through courage and tenacity as a professional designer, single mother of two, and director of 3 businesses. Julie has become a highly regarded thought leader and advisor in the seniors living design industry, where she has been recognised as a change agent. Julie is also an ardent voice for professional women and empowerment and mentors young women. Adding to the many hats that Julie juggles, she is also President of the Board and Executive Director of not-for profit organisation, Creative Women’s Circle. A pioneering Australian association established to nourish a vibrant, balanced and diverse creative community that actively champions the development of women in creative communities and empower them to be the most inspired versions of themselves. Multi-award winning, Julie is a recipient of the International Business Awards Gold Stevie Award for the 2019 “Entrepreneur of the Year – Professional Services”, and the Silver Stevie Award 2019 for ‘Woman of the Year”, plus Gold Stevie Award for Women in Business ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Australia, NZ, & Asia 2018’, as well as the ‘Trailblazer Award at the Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2018” and she is a quadruple finalist in the APAC Eldercare Innovation Awards and the Women in Construction Awards. Julie holds Bachelor degrees in Nursing, Business, and Arts in Interior Design.