PRO Team assistant supervisor Jules named Lee Townsend DSA/MID Ambassador of the Year

The congenial smile that greets coworkers, tourists and residents and lights up downtown Seattle daily quickly faded and was replaced by tears.

Standing in the First & Pike pedestrian plaza, Julia, an assistant supervisor on the Public Realm Operations Team whom everyone knows as Jules, was just informed she was named the 2024-25 Lee Townsend DSA/MID Ambassador of the Year.

These were happy tears. And in less than a minute, the smile was back.

“I wasn’t expecting that today,” Jules said with a laugh. “I’m really grateful for this team, the leadership, DSA/MID. I couldn’t be more grateful for the people that I’ve met along my journey and all the ones I have gotten to meet.”

“Ah, man,” she cracked as she wiped away the blindsiding tears.

About a month later, Jules was presented the award at the 67th DSA/MID Annual Meeting & Party at Victory Hall, where a montage of her work and praise from peers was shown. Before MID Ratepayer Advisory Board Chair Sabrina Villanueva could even say Jules’ name following the video, 600-plus guests were on their feet applauding.

Coworkers Michael, Garrett and Colton were on hand at First & Pike when Jules first learned the news. Their effusive praise of Jules helped paint a picture of why she won the award. One word all three used: leader.

“She taught me everything I know,” Michael said. “Her energy is contagious. Sometimes I come to work in a bad mood and she will always brighten my day. She makes me laugh every single day. She makes everyone want to come to work. She’s very caring, outgoing and empathetic.”

“She’s dynamic and she’s very understanding,” Colton added. “She meets you where you are, and she’s always down to help. She won’t just tell you to do something, she’ll help you do it.”

Jules joined DSA/MID in April 2024, bringing with her a passion for service and a deep commitment to fostering a welcoming and vibrant downtown environment. Since her first day, she’s been a driving force in maintaining and enhancing the public spaces that make Seattle’s core a unique destination for residents and visitors alike.

“The first time I saw an ambassador walking down the street and the work that they were doing, I thought, ‘I want to be a part of that,’” Jules said.

A Los Angeles-area native, Jules’ background prior to joining DSA/MID involved working at animal shelters. Her energy, attitude and work ethic make her a natural motivator, as her coworkers endorse.

“The way she runs the team, she gained all of our respect,” Garrett said. “She’s never been late, she’s never missed a day. If I ever have a problem, I call Jules. She’s always there for you.

“She earned it. She’s probably the best worker this company has.”

Jules proudly wears the DSA/MID pins she’s accumulated on her uniform: perseverance, integrity and excellence. As the annual award winner, Jules will receive a bonus and additional paid time off. But that never crossed her mind. When asked if winning this award was a goal of hers, Jules said she “didn’t think about it because I didn’t think assistant supervisors could even get it.”

As Jules continues her second year with the PRO Team, her impact persists. She called her role with DSA/MID “life changing,” and said her goal is to ensure downtown Seattle remains a place of enjoyment for everyone who visits. And with every shift, that same friendly smile helps make downtown a little brighter.

“I just want to say thank you,” Jules said. “If anyone ever needs anything, I’m here. I really enjoy listening. And if someone wants perspective, I’m here for that, too.

“I love this job, and I love the PRO Team.”