Julian Neely

Director of advancement and community investment, Polk County Housing Trust Fund

Age: 28

Education: Bachelor of Science - journalism and mass communication at Iowa State University; Master of Science - journalism and mass communication at Iowa State University; Ph.D. - human development and family studies at Iowa State University (expected graduation 2027)

Spouse: Emani DuBoise-Neely 

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Tell us some of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I am an invested community servant leader who pours into community-centered organizations, such as Urban Dreams, Supply Hive and ZKL Education Foundation. 

I am a committed, compassionate and innovative servant leader dedicated to contributing to the betterment of the Greater Des Moines community in diverse areas, such as the Iowa HHS Violence Prevention Data Steering Committee, UWCI Safe and Thriving Youth and DSM4Equity Collective.

I am a driven and motivated servant leader who wants to do good in the world by using the blessings, talents and skills given to me to contribute to a better community.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

My biggest passion is caring for people by making them feel seen, appreciated and empowered. Seeing joy rise inside someone is so fulfilling to witness because it demonstrates them being at peace. We all can use a little more joy in our lives.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

I define success as witnessing a vision become a reality and sustaining the test of time. I want to see whatever I contribute to the community and world positively affect the community and last the test of time.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

Make housing affordable and attainable. Everyone deserves an affordable, safe, stable and healthy home. In the Greater Des Moines area, numerous families and individuals are concerned about housing, which affects career aspirations, learning, and physical and mental health. The sigh of relief to walk into your home after experiencing the world all day is so satisfying and peaceful. A safe, stable and healthy home removes the focus on keeping your home and opens space to dream, imagine, learn and act on aspirations. It allows you to let loose to be yourself. A home is a pivotal component of a healthy and thriving life.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

As a child, my parents prioritized community service and fellowship. I remember being my parents' road partner to community events or activities. Almost every summer, I would spend time with my nana in Decatur, Ill. She was so involved and I would go with her to everything. I saw her joy and sense of purpose in serving and caring for people. She was one of the prominent people who pushed the importance of being a servant leader and a compassionate neighbor to me.

What are your aspirations for the future?

To make a difference in people's lives in any way God sees fit. I pray that I am blessed to launch the EquiBuild Developer Incubator Initiative and Work That Impacts Housing Coalition projects at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund. These projects will be transformative. It will foster future multifamily homes, prevent displacement, support families to live and create memories in a healthy home, and amplify people into a more sustaining and profitable career.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

Listen, observe and learn. Seek new and old knowledge. Use your heart and mind to lead you to your purpose and passion.

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

Listening and observing, not being afraid of critique and asking for help, and being thoughtful, considerate and innovative in my thinking. To always consider opportunities but only say yes if I honestly feel led.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

Housing because it is a fundamental aspect of life. For centuries, a home has always been a safe and peaceful place to return to for balance and centering. Housing is becoming harder and harder to obtain and sustain. Let's build affordable housing by constructing diverse structures and reviving existing homes.

What's one fun fact about you?

I am named after Julian Bond, a civil rights leader.

Hobbies:

Netflix binge watcher, random house project doer, documentary filmmaker.

What is one word that best describes you?

Humanitarian-centric.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

Sabrina Cake Lady's strawberry moscato cake.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

I purchased a Facebook Marketplace sofa that didn't fit the room it was intended to, so I moved it into my office at work. I was caught carrying an 80-inch wide couch through the skywalk and up to the 10th floor of the Insurance Exchange Building.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Iowa Juneteenth.