After graduating from WBHS during the pandemic in 2020, Julianna Boye moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue a B.A. in political science and legal communications at Howard University where she is now a graduating senior. She planned to pursue pre-law studies and attend law school until she was recognized as a Harvard Public Policy scholar. Julianna has dedicated her career to driving positive change at the intersection of public policy and social impact. Julianna holds leadership roles as the President of Howard University College Democrats and President of the District of Columbia College Democrats. In these capacities, she partners with universities throughout the District of Columbia and hosts events with EMILYs List, the NAACP, Congressional members, and more.

Julianna is a previous intern for Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and a graduate of the prestigious University of California-Berkeley Public Policy and International Affairs Program – where she developed affordable housing policy memos and fielded constituent concerns to federal agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Boye founded a nonprofit organization in 2022 at 20 years of age, Comfort Africa, Incorporated, which establishes avenues for cultural, financial, and educational assistance to both the continent of Africa and the Black Diaspora. This includes sending technology and essential items to citizens in Ghana, raising money for Breast Cancer Research, providing resources to women and homeless shelters, raising large amounts of money with Howard students and alumni to create community centers in Côte d’Ivoire, and more.

Julianna was a fall 2023 White House intern within the Office of Presidential Personnel. In this role, she contributed to advancing the values and priorities of the Biden-Harris administration, assisting the Candidate Recruitment team in building an administration reflective of the diversity of America. She is an incoming intern with the Democratic National Committee Community and Coalitions team, working on creating effective strategies with stakeholders to mobilize voters. She plans to obtain her Juris Doctorate and Masters in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.


HOW HAS WBHS HELPED JULIANNA?

I absolutely would not be who I am today, or where I am today without the impact of WBHS. I owe all of my success to my high school. Not only did I attend WBHS, but I have been in this district since kindergarten. I attended Ealy Elementary and Orchard Lake Middle School as well. From my first grade teacher, Ms. Wool teaching me the importance of school, to taking AVID classes (a program designed for students with recognized academic potential) with Mr. Martinez in middle school, to high school AVID classes with Mrs. Rosenwasser, each step along my journey in West Bloomfield contributed to my overall success and drive.

The community of teachers in this school district shows unwavering support and pours into their students as they pursue their dreams. As a student at WBHS, I was engaged with social and government clubs; some of these include the Law and Politics Club, African American Awareness Club, Sisters in Society, and participated in the Oakland County Teen Court Program. Each of these significantly shaped my passions for advocacy and service, instilling within me a drive for impact. And, traveling to D.C. with Mrs. Chase was the catalyst for my involvement in state, local, and national politics. Not only did I meet great teachers, but I also met amazing lifelong friends who have grown with me in different stages of life, and I owe that all to our amazing school district. I am proudly from the best city in Michigan.


JULIANNA’S ADVICE FOR CURRENT WBHS STUDENTS?

I encourage all current students to truly appreciate and cherish their time at WBHS. My years as a student at WB were some of the best years of my life no doubt. High school ends quickly, and before you know it, you’ll be graduating from college, too. So, take the time to engage with your classmates and teachers. Find mentors and establish great relationships. As you grow through life, treat people with kindness, be genuine, and remain true to your passions. If you do that, the world is yours. Feel free to contact me anytime along your journey, at juliannamboye@gmail.com.