Julia Baum is an award-winning journalist and communications specialist with a track record spanning a decade in advocacy, community engagement, and strategic communications. Her work features a wide range of topics, from local governance and housing to cultural preservation, technology, and public health. Julia’s bylines include the San Jose Mercury News, Metro Silicon Valley, San Jose Inside, and BBC, where her investigative pieces have earned multiple California News Publishers Association awards, including first place for public service reporting.

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Julia’s career began in promotions, where she honed her skills in community engagement and public relations before transitioning to journalism. She has worked closely with the City of San Jose and the Aquarium of the Bay, creating campaigns that connect with the public and promote sustainability efforts. Notably, Julia’s work at the Aquarium included crafting multimedia outreach campaigns that raised awareness for conservation initiatives and key events.

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Her reporting has tackled a wide range of issues, such as urban development, cultural preservation, cannabis culture, and health equity. One standout investigation examined Santa Clara County's solar panel project on an ancient burial site, exploring tensions between progress and cultural preservation. Julia has also contributed to broader conversations on food insecurity and federal nutrition assistance policies as a 2019 California Health Fellow at USC Annenberg. Her stories have also reached national platforms like Good Morning America and CNN.

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In her current freelance role with Stanford University, Julia covers global health and ophthalmology research advancements, while continuing to bring her strategic communication expertise to a variety of projects, including website design and development. With a unique combination of journalism, advocacy, and event management experience, Julia excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and drive meaningful change.