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All in Adams--Featuring Commissioner Julie Duran Mullica
23 Plays1 month ago
In this episode of All in Adams, we sit down with newly elected Adams County Commissioner and Vice-Chair, Julie Mullica. Join us as she shares her vision for the county, her priorities for the community, and what inspired her to step into this leadership role. Tune in to learn more about her background, upcoming initiatives, favorite places, and how she plans to work alongside residents to build a stronger, more resilient Adams County.
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Transcript
Introduction to 'All In Adams'
00:00:04
Speaker
Welcome to All In Adams, the official podcast of Adams County government, where we're all in for our residents, our employees, and our community. So whether you live here, work here, or you just want to know more about what makes Adams County a great place to be, thanks for tuning in.
00:00:21
Speaker
We're all in, Adams.
Guest Introduction: Commissioner Julie Duran-Mellica
00:00:23
Speaker
Hi, everybody, and welcome to All in Adams. I am Nikki Kimballton, Director of Communications for Adams County, and we are super so excited today to have Commissioner Julie Duran-Mellica with us to help us get to know her more. First of all, congratulations. Thank you. I appreciate it. I'm really excited to be here. It's been a whirlwind the past few months, right?
00:00:40
Speaker
it It's been it's been a lot, yes. Well, and especially just to getting started. um The onboarding, honestly, i just feel like the car's been driving and I'm like running along the side.
00:00:52
Speaker
trying to catch up with everybody. So it's been a lot, but you know, excited to be here and excited to, you know, get to do this work. we're We're thrilled to have you. So this is all about getting to know you a little bit better. so for our residents and for our employees, um let's start. Just tell me a little bit about yourself.
Julie's Background and Career Path
00:01:09
Speaker
Let's see. I started at the beginning, born and raised here in Adams County. I'm from South Thornton. um Grew up in Welby. I went to Skyview High School. So I'm Mapleton grad. So excited about that.
00:01:20
Speaker
ah me and my husband bought our first home in North Glen. So we were there for a really long time and that's how I ended up on North Glen city council. um And then, you know, this opportunity of,
00:01:32
Speaker
came open. I was excited to run for the seat and to serve the county that I grew up in. So it's been a lot. It's been a journey, but I'm excited to be here. Professionally, though, um i I was a ah biology student in college, and um I ended up going to get a master's in public health. I really just love the idea of of ah um a healthy community um overall and wanted to be a part of that.
00:01:58
Speaker
I was really excited about infectious disease epidemiology. So I ended up, you know, pursuing that work and worked in hospitals for the past 14 years as an infection preventionist.
Passion for Public Health
00:02:10
Speaker
And that's, that's kind of my professional experience, but it's really tied in a lot to the work that I want to do with the County. um Having that public health background, having, you know, that passion to,
00:02:24
Speaker
bring healthier communities um across Adams County. So it's it's a great opportunity and I look forward to to doing some of that work. Yeah, and that feeds perfectly into but you know my second question that I had planned, but now I would have asked anyway. You're on it. um So you know with that, um you're you're a public servant, you're serving your community. yes You went from really um delving into infectious disease, working in those fields, and now you get to bring your passion, the people of the county, and and and it and that is your passion.
00:02:53
Speaker
It is my passion. I mean, i was lucky to serve on the Tri-County Board of Health. I was appointed by the previous board um as there was a Tri-County Board of Health, which is a great story if anyone ever wants to hear about it.
00:03:04
Speaker
um So anyway, yes. So having those opportunities um to be in these conversations, to talk about the programming that I love and the initiatives that I love um and really passionate about bringing to the community. So yeah, I'm just excited to to be here and and have this perspective.
00:03:22
Speaker
I'm also learning though, that there's so much more for me to learn. um i I have ah obviously a huge strength in public health, but you know, when it comes into um human services and all of the other great programming and the work that we're doing for a community, like i I have a lot to learn.
00:03:39
Speaker
Yeah.
Learning Curve as Commissioner
00:03:40
Speaker
but and I love hearing you say that because that's always humbling, right? If you're not learning, you're dying. not Yeah. That's the saying, right? Is that what they say? Yes, that is true. Yeah. And there's a lot going on um across Adams County and and just being on board now and and trying to figure out how things are going.
00:03:54
Speaker
um um I'm learning a lot about everyone, how how all of our staff are touching our community and it's really heartwarming see the things. So tell me, is there is there something that that you can think of that really, like a time or a situation that shaped your career and your path, even if that path is the one that led you right here?
00:04:17
Speaker
You know, i think that there's a couple things.
Pivotal Career Moments
00:04:19
Speaker
um Career-wise, you know, I was really lucky. i was a senior at CU Boulder um doing science, and I had the opportunity to do a paid internship.
00:04:31
Speaker
I got a scholarship. They'd pay me to go and do an internship. And I i knew I was kind of interested in public health. ah So I went into CDPHE, got... a meeting with the director there. I just called and asked, Hey, I'm a student. Will you meet with me? And they're like, sure.
00:04:48
Speaker
um and then out of it, I ended up getting an internship. And that really shaped my, my career path. um They essentially, I graduated during the recession. was a hard time to find a job anywhere. And they're like, we could give you this internship. And then it turned in, Hey, we'll give you a job if you go to graduate school. And I'm like, perfect. Like,
00:05:08
Speaker
So that just kind of fed in. It was a great opportunity to get great mentors, you know, great experiences at the state health department. um And that totally just shaped my career path.
00:05:19
Speaker
um When it comes to politics, for me, it really was my kids, strangely, ah that kind of gave me that push. um You know, naturally, I'm an introvert.
00:05:31
Speaker
So it's very hard for me to kind of put myself out there sometimes. Which she is funny to me because your your personality is like super bubbly. It is, yes. So it takes me ah it takes me a lot to get there. But it it's something, that a skill set that I've grown over time. But it was really just having two young kids um at the time when I ran, ah the first time that it it just gave me the oomph I needed to like, okay, this is important and and I need to do this work. So um at that time, Northland was looking at,
00:06:02
Speaker
creating a new rec center um and senior center in theater. And they were asking for you know, community input. and And I'm like, I have these two kids. Like, this is what I need out of ROWAC Center. I need like an indoor playground. I need birthday party space. Like, so I went to that meeting with with that perspective I wanted to bring to the table. And that really just kicked it off for me of, okay, like we do need moms with young kids at the table um making some of these policy decisions, talking about what we want our community to look like.
00:06:37
Speaker
and And that was really, but how I got hooked up in this
Running for Public Office: Challenges and Motivations
00:06:41
Speaker
and local government. So I mean, ethics and I understand that because, you know, at some point you start thinking, and if I don't do it, who's going to do is going to do it? Exactly. And, and I know, I mean, you really, i mean, it takes, it takes a lot, a lot of strength, a lot of bravery to run for office. It does. yeah It takes a lot. And, and to put yourself out there for criticism, right? Exactly. That's goes along with the part of the job and and it's, and it's fine. And it's something you get to, but ah you know, especially during those hard times,
00:07:06
Speaker
You need to remember your why, like, why are you doing this? you know, why did I run for Adams County commissioner? It's because i have young kids that I want to make sure have a future, um you know, in our community, they could buy a home, they could find a job and, you know, preferably stay close to mom.
00:07:23
Speaker
yeah that's a little you know those feel in that one ah But then also, you know, i i have strong ties to this county. It's been my life and I want to see, you know, this county go in the right direction and and be a part of that.
00:07:37
Speaker
so Okay. With that great followup question. So you've been here all your life. Like, yeah and, and I've, you know, I moved here two years ago specifically to work at Adams County because it's such ah ah a great place to be a great place to work. Great culture.
00:07:48
Speaker
yeah Um, and I, and I love living here too. I live in the County as well. So tell me your favorite spots. Like, do you have favorite restaurants
Favorite Local Spots and Family Memories
00:07:56
Speaker
or like favorite spots that, you know, coffee shops, um, something that really sticks out to you that, um, that you want to share with the people that are listening and watching.
00:08:03
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, like like most people who live in this area, Delicias down um south off Broadway, that's a ah hangout spot. I mean, my grandma's favorite restaurant is Las Delicias, so north. So, I mean, it's it's generational even at that point. um Favorite thing to order there? Favorite thing to order.
00:08:25
Speaker
Honestly, we were there just the other night. I got the green chili plate. Keep it – Keep it classic. Keep it easy. You know, it's good stuff. Enough for leftovers. Yeah. Perfect. So, um, but yeah, so some of those restaurants, unfortunately, some of our favorites have, have closed. So we used to go to Bova's off of, um, federal, I believe that was best noodle that's gone.
00:08:47
Speaker
um You know, other favorite restaurants for me, for my kids, it's Texas Roadhouse, which isn't very exciting. They still do the the peanuts on the shelves on the floor? No, you get bagged peanuts after the pandemic.
00:09:01
Speaker
so Oh, so they cleaned it haven't been there since. Yeah, they it up little bit. Okay, all right. Anyway, um but yeah, ah I love the parks. ah Rotella Park is one of my favorite restaurants. I actually had my birthday party at Rotella Park every year for like 10 years.
00:09:16
Speaker
I was little. Like it was the place that we always did family birthday parties. Big family, lots of kids outside to play. We had lots of games and stuff. So it was perfect. And I love that we're actually going to do an upcoming podcast on all the places that Adams County offers you to have those types of birthday parties, like family get togethers and then how you can use our new block party trailer yeah and all that. I mean, yeah, I wish that was, probably wish that was around when, when. Yeah, no, we didn't have those back in the day. um So we just brought our own gunny sacks and all the other stuff that we'd play, but.
00:09:48
Speaker
Yeah, I mean, just the parks throughout the community. um of course, I love all the North Glen ones as well. And the trails, I don't know it's just memories. And it's nice to kind of have those.
00:10:00
Speaker
Every street you drive by, have a memory of when I was a kid or... As a teenager driving around, you know, and that's a great feeling. and then And that's what we want people to feel like at home here. yeah Exactly.
00:10:13
Speaker
Okay. A couple more questions to help people get to know you. um Is there anything about you that we don't know that you want to share?
Personal Interests: Reading and Outdoors
00:10:22
Speaker
you don't know about me. Um,
00:10:25
Speaker
Like a fun fact, a hidden talent or hidden talent. Well, okay. I guess I have a couple, I'm an avid reader. I, I wish I could read more. Um, but you know, busy gal, three kids. So it keeps me busy, but, um, love Jane Austen. Oh, i love Jane Austen. probably my favorite.
00:10:44
Speaker
Um, and then of course, any movies that are part of that era, my husband would probably laugh, uh, at this because, The Pride and Prejudice, someone with Keira Knightley is like... I love that movie. I like watch it all the time. We could girl dish now because I love that movie. I probably watched that movie like 50 times. Anyway, You've bewitched me.
00:11:03
Speaker
yeah right So yes, so that's that's a weird thing about me. um Another, let's see. um You know, i i i don't know. I just love being outside with the kids. I have two labs at home. One one was our original baby and she's she's old she's so we're gonna have to put her down eventually but you know just being out dot out outdoors with the kids the dogs like i don't know that's what we've loved to do and you know and that's what adams county makes easy we have so many places to do it easy so many places to do it so easy and that's what i love that's why everyone moves to colorado is that it's a beautiful place we have all the sunshine
00:11:45
Speaker
um And in the middle of the winter, you could find a great sunny day to go out and do bike ride. Yeah. That's what I love. All right. so So before we close out, I don't want to put you on the spot, but I know i had asked you um when you were coming into office um a favorite quote or just ah yes either that or a favorite piece of advice that you'd like to share. you know And something you mentioned, too, that really stuck with me before you answered that is okay when you said that you just called, that you just called up.
00:12:11
Speaker
Just called up. Was it the professor's? No, it was it was the director of the infectious disease department at CDPG. Yeah. And just ask for, and and you were a student and just asked. Just ask. To me, sometimes that has worked for me too. And yeah and that's, you know, just got to get out there and ask.
00:12:27
Speaker
You just got to get out there and ask. You got to put yourself out there. I mean, one of the best things, especially um in in my political career, um that's been really helpful is that I've put myself or forced myself um To be in positions that really scared the heck out of me. um And it's those situations that I've grown the most from.
00:12:48
Speaker
um Whether I liked it or not, if it was running a meeting, chairing, you know, this whole organization, whatever it was, like, hey It scared the heck out of me, yeah but that meant that I was doing something.
00:13:02
Speaker
Do something that scares you. Yeah, I've heard. Do something that scares you. um and And don't be afraid to just ask for help. And i mean, people are people, no matter what title they have or where they work or, you know, they're just people.
00:13:16
Speaker
And just reach out because most the time you'll actually get what you're looking for. The worst thing, my dad always says, the worst thing that you'll ever get, worst response someone will ever give you is no.
00:13:28
Speaker
And I can live with that. I can live with that because sometimes when they say no, and inspires you to find the yes. It's to find the yes ask somebody else. but So many success stories come from that. Yeah, it really is just reach out and put yourself in some really uncomfortable positions. And you know what? You'll be amazed at how different you become from those experiences. Okay, so last
Vision for Economic Development
00:13:49
Speaker
question. Your vision yeah for the next four years for Adams County.
00:13:54
Speaker
Oh, Geez, it's so big. um You know, Adams County is at a really unique opportunity because we are growing. We are, you know, one of the few metro areas that are growing still.
00:14:08
Speaker
We have the opportunity to have great economic development opportunities, especially heading out east. um You know, we we are going to be the county of the future. And so that alone just captures my heart, right?
00:14:22
Speaker
The work that we're doing around the Colorado Air and Spaceport, like we're bringing in industry for the next generation. We're bringing in training for our kids um that are going to launch them in the aerospace industry.
00:14:37
Speaker
And that's just one feature of Adams County. I mean, we have so many opportunities and that's what just gets me excited about this job. um You know, I want Adams County to be a place where people can find great careers. And maybe it's not aerospace, but maybe it's even a trade. Like there's so many opportunities around here. And how do we support All of those secondary opportunities for folks is is something I'm really passionate about.
00:15:05
Speaker
um I want people to pursue the career they want to pursue, be able to afford a home and stay in the community close to their family. And want to make sure that we have great kids for ah great schools for our kids. like great Adams County is a family community and I want to continue to see that. Yeah.
00:15:22
Speaker
Just get it even better. so Absolutely. Okay.
Influence of Women in Politics
00:15:24
Speaker
I lied. I have one more question. ok All right. So it's Women's History Month. Yes. And you guys are making history. We are. female commissioners out of the five commissioners.
00:15:34
Speaker
What is that? mean, that's got to feel great. It feels great. But to be honest with you, like I've been really lucky in my career where – Most, almost all of the women that I've been able to work with professionally.
00:15:49
Speaker
i mean, I've only worked with women as bosses and and and moving forward. um Even on North Glen City Council, we have 40 women council when I was there too. So it it honestly just feels normal to me.
00:16:02
Speaker
Yeah. And which is great. That's great. It's great to be in this space. And and I definitely recognize the women that come before me that had to come into really difficult situations um where they were a minority.
00:16:16
Speaker
i I'm lucky I get to benefit from all of their hard work, and it's... Being a ah majority women board in and all of the spaces I've been functioning in, honestly, it's just an old world.
00:16:30
Speaker
Yeah, what they sacrificed so that it could they could be normal. Yeah, so that's one of the things I just recognize and I really appreciate is the work that the the generation before me did to so that I could be here.
00:16:42
Speaker
And it's just easy. Thank you for sitting down with us. That was great. Awesome. Really a pleasure getting to know you and look forward to the many years of working together. Yeah. Looking forward to it. It's going to be fun. Our vice chair, um Commissioner Julie Duran-Mellica, thank you so much for being with us. Thanks.
00:16:58
Speaker
That's a wrap for this episode of All in Adams. Thank you for joining us as we explore the people, programs, and the policies that make Adams County a great place to live, work, and thrive.
00:17:09
Speaker
If you enjoyed the show, be sure to subscribe and share with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know. We're all in for bringing you the stories that matter most.
00:17:20
Speaker
Until next time, take care of each other and stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and X. We're all in, Adams, and we're all in for you.