I finished off 2025 with Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect. I cannot recommend the book enough. If you haven’t read it yet put it on the list for 2026! simonsinek.com/optimism_pre...

2026 is a big year for me so I decided to do a big thing and make a return to running with the Detroit International Half. #RunJuliaRun #MotherRunner

At @civilladetroit.bsky.social we spent some of the last few days before the Christmas Holiday reflecting on our work throughout 2025. We reflected on our learnings, explored our challenges, and toasted each other and our many successes. Here’s to a new year filled with new learnings!

In moments like these, courage becomes more than a virtue. It becomes a form of currency that keeps important work moving and allows leaders and teams to center the humanity of the people they serve . . .” #CourageAsCurrency #LeadershipMatters civilla.org/stories/cour...

As Civilla looks ahead to the coming year, we see courage not as a leadership accessory, but as essential infrastructure for anyone working to strengthen public systems and honor the people they are meant to serve. civilla.org/stories/cour...

If you missed our #FormFest25 session, @civilladetroit.bsky.social shared how we designed a digital Application Tracker in Michigan that gives residents real-time updates on their benefits & rebuilds trust in public services. youtu.be/uAiBJ14ycfY?...

We’re glad to support the CBPP’s new guide on reducing Medicaid coverage losses during H.R. 1 implementation. It’s a thoughtful resource to help states implement new work requirements while protecting people’s access to care. Read here: www.cbpp.org/research/hea...

Food is a basic human need. How we respond in this moment will define whether we care for our neighbors—or allow millions to go hungry. A group of civic tech nonprofits issued a statement on recent SNAP disruptions. @civilladetroit.bsky.social Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...

Food is a basic human need. How we respond in this moment will define whether we care for our neighbors—or allow millions to go hungry. A group of civic tech nonprofits is issuing a statement on recent SNAP disruptions. Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...

Recently @civilladetroit.bsky.social’s Lena Selzer sat down with @routefifty.bsky.social to share important insights as states grapple with new federal benefits requirements. www.route-fifty.com/customer-exp...

As a teen, our small family relied on food stamps and food baskets. Right now there are plenty of opportunities to support food insecure families. Today our family joined friends to volunteer at a local apple orchard donating their apples to area food banks. Many hands make for light work.

20M people face new #Medicaid work requirements in 2026. Small design choices will determine if eligible people keep coverage. Our research shows: plain language matters. #humancentereddesign States @civilladetroit.bsky.social can help. Report here: civilla.org/assets/files...

The #LCS Equestrian Team head back to school as the 2025 #MIHA Division D State Champs!

Going into the final day of the #MIHA State Finals with #LCSAthletics tied for first and a 2 point difference between the top three teams. What a competition it has been! Super proud of this girl and how she has grown as a horsewoman.

An early start to day 3 of the #MIHA Regional competition and the #LCSPilgrims are in 1st place! They are working towards states.

Wrapped up the evening of celebration with a stay at the #ElMoore - the views of #Detroit from the Sunrise cabin are spectacular!

Yesterday @civilladetroit.bsky.social had a beautiful brunch and then a PARTAY to celebrate with old and new team members, friends, family, and supporters. What a privilege it is to be on such important work with people who care and believe so deeply in what is possible. #ChangeMakers

Last month, the White House issued the #AmericaByDesign EO calling on federal agencies to design public services that are both functional and beautiful. At @civilladetroit.bsky.social we are doing just that. Read our latest reflection on the opportunity before us. civilla.org/stories/desi...

Doing life with my favorite person @therobdale.bsky.social

Today as the 2025 NCAP Annual Convention kicks off, the @civilladetroit.bsky.social team is looking forward to connecting with so many people passionate about change and improving the lives of others! #ChangeMakers #NCAP2025

Today is the last day vote to bring our panel to the 2026 @sxsw.com stage. Cast your vote and help bring @civilladetroit.bsky.social to Austin! participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...

On Monday, I’ll be speaking at the Community Action Partnership Annual Convention in #Detroit - if you’ll be at #NCAP2025 drop by the @civilladetroit.bsky.social booth and introduce yourself - we’d love to meet you!

At @civilladetroit.bsky.social, we’ve learned that deep user research changes everything: it shifts conversations from “I think” to “Here’s what our users need.” #CivicTech #HCD

🚨Help us get to the SXSW stage! 🚨 Our proposed panel will explore what it will take to build a more integrated, modernized system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve. Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin!

And just like that we have another Dale driver on the road - life as we know it is changing!

At @civilladetroit.bsky.social we’re teaming up with an all-star crew of civic leaders to bring an essential question to @sxsw.com 2026: Is it time for a “Common App” for Public Benefits? Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin! Vote today! participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sx...

A little drive out to the beach on the Pere Marquette Peninsula with @therobdale.bsky.social #PureMichigan

One of those moments I hope will last in my memory forever. Two years till college and the count down is already happening in my head. #BigSisLilSis #PureMichigan

We missed the sunrise by about an hour but the mist is still rolling off the lake, the air is cool, and the coffee warm. We will catch it tomorrow. A week at the lake with my favorite people is balm for the soul. @therobdale.bsky.social #UpNorth #PureMichigan

An excellent listen from the @hbr.org #IdeaCast on the role and power of intuition when leading. “We need to get better at listening to what whispers and not what screams.” ~Laura Huang podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...

Yesterday @orlandopbailey.bsky.social of @outliermedia.org reminded us that trust and relationship in storytelling aren’t built overnight, but developed over a lifetime. At @civilladetroit.bsky.social this reinforces why our work starts with deep listening, not quick solutions. #HumanCenteredDesign

The future of government modernization isn’t happening in Washington—it’s happening in state capitols across America. www.linkedin.com/posts/juliaa...

The @beeckcenter.bsky.social recently launched the Digital Benefits Ecosystem Directory + Map, a powerful resource mapping the leading organizations in digital benefits access and delivery. Find who to work and partner with in this vital work. digitalgovernmenthub.org/ecosystem/

Kicking off the Arabian Youth Nationals this morning in Oklahoma City!

From their focus on user design and research to the exploration of natural intelligence, the work of the #ColoradoDigitalService is to be celebrated. #civictech #govtech #hcd #naturalintelligence #changemakers civilla.org/stories/colo...

Lots of thoughts this 4th of July on patriotism and what it means, on what it means for government to be BOTH effective and humane, and on the reality that government can be the last refuge for families teetering on disaster.

Much needed family time this week away.

This week we marked the end of our Spring Season and the start of Summer with @civilladetroit.bsky.social Summer Camp and Retool. Marked by a reflection on the work we’ve done over the last three months as well as lots of fun and community this rhythm is a key part of what makes us special!

Day 1 of #BenCamp2025 was remarkable. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with partners I’ve only met virtually, make new friends, and hear new voices. Looking forward to Day 2! Thanks to the @beeckcenter.bsky.social for organizing. #ChangeMakers

An early morning flight to Seattle for a gathering of like minded leaders. @civilladetroit.bsky.social #ChangeMakers

Almost time. Final class of the week before Nationals.

Join our Civilla Chats on Friday, June 20, with our CEO @thejuliadale.bsky.social and Tina J. Walha, CEO of @usdigitalresponse.org, as they discuss leading through change and fresh perspectives on driving innovation when public service needs to evolve fast. Register here ➡️ lnkd.in/gxPcyApA

Today was my first Board meeting as #CEO of @civilladetroit.bsky.social and what a great day it was. We celebrated Ken Whipple as he concluded 10 years of service as Board Chair. Ken’s commitment to public service has been an incredible example and inspiration for our work. #ChangeMakers

@thejuliadale.bsky.social on building AI systems that incorporate principles of human centered design: "It should always be humans first and machine second...It's more important now than ever is that equity must remain a non-negotiable." Full event: go.tcf.org/aievent

Brought my #GenZ daughter to work yesterday. From the bright colors to the open work spaces, whiteboards and post it notes, she quickly embraced it all. Thanks to the @civilladetroit.bsky.social team for welcoming her, introducing her to Miro, and sharing new ways to work.

What happens when you need unemployment help but the system makes it nearly impossible? Our CEO, @thejuliadale.bsky.social, joins a conversation with @tcfdotorg.bsky.social about using technology to help people while ensuring that real humans still make the decisions. tinyurl.com/mt5z2x44

After connecting with Tina J. Walha of U.S. Digital Response last week in D.C. I am thrilled to have her join me for our next Civilla Chats. Don't miss your change to join the conversation.

Civilla is growing — and we’re looking for thoughtful, creative researchers and designers to join our team in Detroit! 🗓 Applications open June 9 and will be available for a limited time. Want a reminder when the roles go live? Sign up for our mailing list: eepurl.com/dEeWHj

Both girls showing this weekend - this time Eva kicking off the show season.

"Embrace the complexity of this moment. We are given the opportunity to find new ways to serve." Validating and important words from Chef Jose Andres at @codeforamerica.org's #CFASummit.