Julie Katsnelson

Julie Katsnelson is a Researcher/Designer at Civilla, bringing a deep curiosity and a love for human-centered design to her work. A graduate of the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, Julie began her career in Washington, D.C., where she spent six years partnering with federal agencies—including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the General Services Administration, and the National Science Foundation—to improve government operations and services.

Her first UX project, Folio, sparked a passion for the power of good design and the joy it can bring to both users and teams. Shaped during the height of the COVID pandemic, that experience deepened her belief in the importance of connection, empathy, and play in the workplace. After several years in D.C., Julie returned to Michigan to strengthen public systems and improve access to benefits for residents in the state she calls home.

A naturally curious person, Julie loves asking big questions—whether in research sessions or around the dinner table. Outside of work, you can find her exploring the world underwater: she’s an avid scuba diver who has logged dives in Indonesia, Mexico, the Bahamas, Portugal, and Southern California.