Julie Slavet, Class of 1979 (With daughter, Elizabeth Walber, Class of 2016)
How long have you lived in Philadelphia? I’ve lived in Philadelphia since 1995.
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city? My favorite restaurant is Tinto.
What are you up to now? I’ve had some really interesting jobs here since I went back to work after being at home with my children for 7 years. I was the Executive Vice President of the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce for 5 years and then District Director for Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz for 6 years. I’m currently Executive Director of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF), one of our region’s leading community-based clean water organizations.
What house did you live in on campus and what was your favorite thing about it? I lived in Sessions and Park houses. My favorite thing about Session was (of course) the secret staircase — my favorite thing about Park was the view of Paradise Pond.
Why did you choose Smith? I chose Smith because it was the best women’s college to which I applied!
Who was your favorite professor/what was your best class? An Economics class with Bob Buchele made an incredible impression on me because it was a totally different perspective on the world and how the economy impacts people. We spent one fascinating class talking about why it was not a good idea that New York City declare bankruptcy.
What makes a Smithie unique? I think that what makes Smithies unique is our commitment to supporting other women and our belief that women can pursue any goals they choose. I hope that we all share the responsibility that we will use the incredible skills, knowledge, and understanding we have been provided with to make the world a better place for women and other humans!
Do you have a defining Smith moment? I was so proud that Elizabeth, my daughter, decided to go to Smith too! It’s a very different place than it was when I was there and she loved it for lots of the same and different reasons than I did. When she graduated in May, it was a wonderful moment to walk with the Class of 1776 group thru hollering and whooping seniors on each side — and to see my daughter enjoying this so much with her friends. I’ll never forget it. We’re both so proud to be Smithies!
The Smith College Club of Philadelphia 