Julia Mcconnell Rutland
NCHS CLASS OF 1994
Prom season is upon us, and we are proud to highlight NC alumnus Julia McConnell Rutland! Julia has always believed in the power of community and the importance of making special moments accessible to everyone. As the founder of The Gifted Gown, she is breaking down financial barriers and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the joy and confidence of attending life’s milestone events in style.
Q&A
What are you up to now?
I’ve been married now for 21 years to my amazing husband, Desmond (he went to Pike, sorry!), we have 3 incredible daughters, and one very curious, adventurous, and busy 3-year-old grandson, who is just the light of our lives!
Since 2011, I have been the Founder of The Gifted Gown, a local nonprofit organization that provides formal wear to our community, free of charge, for any kind of special occasion celebration. The Gifted Gown started because we found out that young people weren’t going to prom due to the financial burden put on their families. We never want anyone to have to choose between putting food on the table or purchasing a gown or tuxedo for prom, nor do we want them to miss out on special moments in life. So, we brought in donations and began giving gowns away.
The longer we did this, the more we found that it didn’t just stop at prom, and there is no age limit to people we can serve. We became a nonprofit organization in 2016 and found a home on the Near Eastside in 2017. We’re open by appointment year-round and have more than 2,900 gowns for all types of special occasions in stock… and most are brand new with tags!
The Gifted Gown is an all-volunteer nonprofit with a working board, so we all still hold full-time careers outside of the organization as well. I work in Human Resources for OneAmerica Financial when I’m not at The Gifted Gown.
How did North Central impact and shape who you are today?
As large as NC was/is, you find your place or your niche where you thrive and be your best. Navigating NC helped better prepare me for all that the world, workforce, and people can throw at you. Being exposed to all of the top-tier programs, sports, and academics NC had to offer gave me a chance to try things, and find where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do.
WHAT IS your favorite memory from North Central?
Meeting my very best friends in homeroom! Our (maiden) last names all started with “M” and the rest is history. We’ve been through everything together, raised our children together, and still have the rest of our lives to share – THANK YOU, NC!
Connect with Julia
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