Julia Rodricks recently joined the Merrick School of Business as the Real Estate Program Coordinator. A Baltimore native through and through, Julia brings a unique blend of passion for her city and extensive experience in both community-centered work and real estate development.
With a background spanning psychology, architecture and community planning, Julia is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and equitable growth within Baltimore's neighborhoods. Beyond her impressive professional journey, she's also an avid explorer of the city and a dedicated youth hockey coach.
Read more about Julia’s vision for the role, her insights into Baltimore's real estate landscape, and what drives her commitment to building strong, connected communities.
Q: What excites you most about joining the Merrick School of Business as the Real Estate and Economic Development Coordinator?
A: As a proud Baltimore native, what excites me most is the opportunity to give back to the city that shaped me—by helping to develop the next generation of leaders in real estate and economic development. I earned my master’s in community planning from the University of Maryland, and throughout my career, I’ve been deeply committed to the neighborhoods and communities of Baltimore. Joining the Merrick School of Business feels like a full-circle moment—supporting a local institution whose mission aligns with my own values around equity, community, and long-term impact. The chance to do this work at The University of Baltimore, in the heart of the city I am most passionate about, is incredibly meaningful.
Q: How do you envision enhancing the experiences offered to students in the Real Estate and Economic Development program?
A: I believe students learn best when their education connects directly to the world around them. My vision is to expand opportunities for hands-on learning—whether that’s through internships with local organizations, collaborative projects that tackle real urban challenges, or networking events with Baltimore’s civic and business leaders. Having worked in both community and economic development, I’ve seen how powerful those early experiences can be. I want our students to graduate not only with technical knowledge but with a deep understanding of the social and economic systems they’re entering—and how they can play a role in shaping them for the better.
Q: What do you believe are the most significant trends or challenges currently facing real estate and economic development?
A: One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—is how to create growth that is both sustainable and inclusive. In Baltimore, we see this every day: the need for more affordable housing, the complexities of neighborhood redevelopment, and the importance of engaging residents in shaping the future of their communities. From my work in community planning, I’ve learned that successful development is about much more than physical spaces—it’s about trust, equity, and long-term partnerships. I also see exciting trends, like data-driven planning, innovative public-private collaborations, and climate-resilient design, which can help us respond to these challenges in smarter, more impactful ways.
Q: What are your priorities for strengthening the program's ties with the real estate and economic development community in Baltimore and beyond?
A: My first priority is to deepen local partnerships—whether with city agencies, nonprofits, developers, or community leaders—because I believe that’s where the most meaningful learning and collaboration happen. I also want to create new opportunities for regional and national engagement, so our students are exposed to a broad range of approaches and career pathways. At the core, it’s about positioning the program as a trusted connector—between the classroom and the city, and between academic learning and real-world action.
Q: What message would you like to share with the community and our partners as you step into this new role?
A: As someone who was born and raised in Baltimore, this role is really personal for me. It's not just about professional growth—it's about deepening my connection to the city and the people who make it so special. I’ve always been passionate about community and economic development here, and stepping into this role at the University of Baltimore feels like an incredible opportunity to keep building on that work. I’m excited to collaborate with students, partners, and neighborhoods across the city to create real, lasting impact. I see this as a chance to not only support the next generation of leaders, but also to stay grounded in what matters most—working with and for the Baltimore community.
Take Five is a Q&A series that spotlights the heart of the Merrick School of Business: our people. In just five questions and five answers, you'll discover what makes our community truly special.
