Andrea St. Julian is co-founder and board president of The Justice Workshop (TJW), a nonprofit organization that helps grassroots individuals embrace their political power through education and community organizing. TJW’s work focuses on three pillars of justice: electoral, criminal, and economic. As part of its electoral justice mission, TJW is working to change the election and governmental structures of San Diego, ensuring that elected officials and local governments are more accountable to voters and residents.
Embracing political power
Co Founder
Leading Change Through Advocacy and Governance
In addition to her role at TJW, Andrea is the co-founder and co-chair of TJW’s sister organization, San Diegans for Justice (SDJ). SDJ, a political action committee, supports TJW’s three pillars of justice. As co-chair of San Diegans for Justice, Andrea was the principal author of the San Diego City charter amendment that led to the creation of the community-led Commission on Police Practices. Placed on the November 2020 ballot, the charter amendment passed with the approval of nearly 75% of the voters. The newly formed Commission seeks to strengthen community oversight of complaints against the police, as well as the policies, procedures, and practices of the San Diego Police Department.
Shaping Policies for a Better Future
Andrea’s commitment to social justice extends from her work as an attorney, where she focuses on federal and state appeals. Certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as an appellate specialist, Andrea has authored a range of articles in various legal publications. Her dedication to social justice has led her practice to include pro bono matters such as the civil rights action of Albino v. Baca , 747 F.3d 1162 (9 th Cir.2014) (en banc ), and the Republic of the Marshall Islands v. United States , 865 F.3d 1187 (9th Cir.2017), an action arising from the U.S.’s breach of its obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Andrea currently serves on boards of several organizations including the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, Mid-City CAN, and the ProRep Coalition. She is also on the advisory board of UC San Diego’s Yankelovich Center for Social Science Research and is a former president of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association.
Notable recognitions that Andrea has received include the award of Outstanding Attorney of the Year, 2021, by the San Diego County Bar Association; a Certificate of Recognition presented by Senator Kamala Harris, 2020; a Special Commendation presented by the San Diego City Council President Pro Tem in 2020; and The Woman Warrior Award, presented by Indivisible Watu, 2020.