Julie Murray

Co-Founder and Co-Chair

Hope Means Nevada

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Julie Murray is one of Nevada’s most prominent social entrepreneurs, having spearheaded three designated national model projects. Murray co-founded both Three Square Food Bank and the Las Vegas “I Have a Dream” Foundation, with Eric Hilton. She also served on the leadership team that helped build the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy. Murray has dedicated her life to the practice of using philanthropy as a strategic tool to collaborate in public and private partnerships, with the hopes of evoking positive change in the world. That’s why she founded Moonridge Group, a philanthropy firm working with other professionals in the field, locally and globally. Julie serves as board chair of The Moonridge Foundation, board secretary of Transforming Youth Recovery, and on the boards of the UNLV School of Medicine, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, First Friday Foundation, and Noah’s Animal House. She is also on the board of trustees emeritus member for the University of Nevada, Reno.

Julie published several articles on implementing philanthropic strategy into business culture and, along with Eric Hilton, co-authored A Place at the Table.

Murray’s accolades include Woman of the Year in both 2013 and 2014, the 2016 Silver State Entrepreneur Award, the 2017 Señoras of Excellence Award, and the 2010 UNLV College of Urban Affairs Alumnus of the Year. She is a frequent university lecturer and public speaker.

Julie received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from UNLV, and has three children, Kathleen, Joe, and Riley Foley.