MEET THE TEAM

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 --Facilitator & Community Builder at the Intersection of Belonging, Arts, & Health

Julie A. Rocco is the co-founder and principal of The Third Place, Inc., an organization dedicated to fostering conversations, connections, and communities across the United States. Drawing on her extensive background in philanthropy, social impact, and community engagement, Julie leads initiatives that identify, celebrate, and activate “third places”—the spaces beyond home and work where people can come together to share experiences and build relationships.

Julie has held leadership roles across philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, business, and government, overseeing social impact strategy, convenings, research, and grantmaking while advancing community development, innovation, resident engagement, workforce initiatives, and mental wellness. A seasoned grant writer, she has secured funding for a range of public and nonprofit programs and has designed and delivered trainings for public institutions, nonprofit organizations, and residential communities. Julie holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Hodges University and a Bachelor’s in Criminology from University of South Florida, along with a facilitation certification from Michigan State University, designation as a Courageous Conversations Affiliate Practitioner, and certifications in Integrative Behavioral Health and Brain Health. Julie is also a graduate of the Arts and Health Intensive Workshop hosted by University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine. 

Julie co-leads the curation of inclusive gatherings, the mapping of third places across communities, and the strategic direction of partnerships with municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups. Rooted in a belief that belonging, connection, and community must be cultivated, Julie is committed to helping communities discover, honor, and grow their third places. Whether hosting a story circle in a small town, a gathering for civil discourse, advising a city on place-based activation, or designing a pop-up community living room, she brings warmth, curiosity, and inclusive energy to every project.

Outside of her contributions to accelerate the mission of The Third Place, Inc., Julie is an emerging national voice for suicide prevention and mental wellness with her international movement, "What I Would Have Missed." She is a filmmaker, writer, national speaker, and van-life fan. But of all the roles Julie has in her life, she is most grateful for that of being a mom, nonna, partner, sister, aunt, daughter, and good friend. 

To reach Julie directly, please email her at julie@thethirdplaceinc.com