Julie Edwards, Pajaro Valley Unified School District Director of Strategic Educational Options, is one of the honorees selected for Santa Cruz Works’ 2025 Titans Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership across the Monterey Bay region.
Julie Edwards
Edwards was recognized for her work in public education and for developing pathways that connect K-12 schools with higher education, workforce training and employment opportunities. Santa Cruz Works said her selection reflects the role of education systems in preparing students for postsecondary success and participation in the regional economy.
In her role at PVUSD, Edwards leads and develops programs that provide students with a range of options after high school, including four-year colleges and universities, community college, technical training and direct entry into the workforce. Her work focuses on aligning academic programs with student interests and postsecondary opportunities.
“I am humbled and grateful to be among leaders who are driving opportunity and change in our community for the benefit of others in so many different domains,” Edwards said. “Our students benefit from the abundance of innovation happening in our community; our schools and programs are intentionally designed to maximize these connections.”
Edwards has worked in education for more than 25 years and has served students and families in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District for nearly 11 years. During that time, she has been involved in expanding and strengthening programs that connect students with colleges, training programs and local employers.
Before moving into education, Edwards worked in the technology industry in marketing and public relations roles at several companies. She said that experience continues to inform her work in education.
“That knowledge and experience has been and continues to be a tremendous asset to my skill set as part of this work,” Edwards said.
Edwards said she chose to move from the private sector into education after several years in the tech industry.
“After many years of learning, gaining entrepreneurial experience, and contributing to the success of corporations in the tech industry, I chose to shift and dedicate myself to serve within education as it provided me with significant meaning and purpose,” she said. “I have not looked back, starting every day focused on making a positive difference in the lives of students.”
Santa Cruz Works received more than 50 nominations for the 2025 Titans Awards. The organization’s board selected a group of honorees whose work spans education, technology, science, entrepreneurship and community service.
Santa Cruz Works said the Titans Awards are intended to recognize individuals whose work contributes to the region’s economic and community development.
The 2025 Titans Awards will be presented Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz.
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2025 Santa Cruz Works Titans Awards Honorees
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Ash Robbins
Julie Edwards, Director of Strategic Educational Options, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
- Ash Robbins, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Immergo Labs; AI Research Scientist, University of California, Santa Cruz
- Holger Schmidt, Founder, Fluxus
- Dan Haifley, Board Member, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
- Maggie Nixon, Co-Founder, Versa Vascular and Capstan Medical
- Rod Caborn, Founder, Firstclass Fundraising
- Sol Lipman, Founder, Pie Fi
