Julia (“Yulia Pshedvorsky”) is an independent research consultant dedicated to advancing health equity, inclusion, and justice for queer and trans communities, particularly for LGBTQ people navigating multiple, intersecting forms of marginalization. With a background spanning public health research, community activism, and healthcare training, Julia works at the intersections of scholarship and practice to design, implement, and evaluate equity initiatives at community, institutional, and systemic levels.

Julia has had the opportunity to work in solidarity with many Oregon organizations, including the Marie Equi Institute, Pride in Numbers, Pride Northwest, the Humanitas Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, and the Oregon Health Authority. They have also provided DEI consulting to national and regional healthcare organizations, helping them build more inclusive policies, practices, and cultures. Julia has conducted and published many research studies on the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ and other marginalized populations. 

Julia is an immigrant from Poland and has lived in Portland for the past eight years. They identify as queer, genderfluid/nonbinary and neurodivergent. They’re white and benefit from white privilege. Julia has experienced houselessness and poverty but has greater class privilege now due to their education. 

Outside of work, Julia is an avid traveler, a devoted plant caretaker (with far too many houseplants to count), and someone who deeply values community, curiosity, and growth.