Julian hails from Painesville, Ohio, and pursued his undergraduate degree in psychology at the College of Wooster. In 2010, he embarked on a journey to New York City, where he immersed himself in youth programming at Explore Charter School and the Rockaway Artists Alliance. During his time in NYC, he also gained valuable experience as an Assistant Project Manager at AECOM Tishman, working on the Public Safety Answering Center (PSAC) II Project. It was in the Bronx that Julian’s profound connection with nature and agriculture began to flourish. He frequented the New York Botanical Gardens and various greenspaces, engaging with community gardens like Bissel Gardens and Friends of Brook Park.

In 2015, Julian was accepted into GrowNYC’s Farm Beginning program, which laid the foundation for his own farming venture. That same year, he further honed his skills by participating in Farm School NYC’s Small Farm Planning and Design course, deepening his understanding of the complexities involved in starting a farm business. In 2016, Julian bid farewell to New York City to fully dedicate himself to farming. Since then, he has actively contributed to several workgroups and committees, including the Farm Service Agency State Committee, Black Farmer United’s Cannabis and Hemp Committee, the Jefferson County Food Policy Council, USDA Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers, and the National Young Farmers Coalition Land Advocacy Fellowship, among others. Julian Is excited to join the AFT Team and be a contributor to the wonderful work that is being done by the organization!