Julie Tereshchuk: WCA Friend, Mentor, and Leader

Loyal friend, exceptional mentor, editor supreme, and all-around unique person.

Julie Tereshchuk, longtime member, supporter, and past president of WCA, passed away on May 22, 2022, from a two-year battle with lung cancer. 

Julie joined what was then the Association for Women in Communications in 2003. She loved this organization and was one of WCA’s most beloved members. Banner Brunch held a special place in Julie’s heart. She was infamous for wearing the most fabulous hats to Banner each year, and it truly was a homecoming event for her and her husband, Trevor, who never failed to be at her side.

Julie served on the WCA Board of Directors in 2009 and went on to become president from   2011 to 2012. She met many of her dearest friends through the organization. Julie was passionate about lifting women up and supporting the future generation of women communicators. She gave generously to the Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship fund each year. She also served as a mentor for WCA’s mentor program, which was established in 2014, and wrote the Ask A Mentor blog for many years. Julie was honored by the organization numerous times, receiving the President’s Award in 2004, the Gladys Whitney Hearst Outstanding Member Award in 2007, and the Leadership Award in 2015. 

Julie served as Editor-in-Chief of Texas Lifestyle Magazine for nearly eight years. Prior to that, she was a freelance writer and editor, and the Special Features Editor for Austin Woman Magazine. She was also a past president of the Metropolitan Breakfast Club.

Julie was a connector and a nurturer, always helping others. She delighted in meeting new members, connecting them to others, and being the glue for many longtime members to stay connected to the organization. She meant so much to so many, and was a pillar of kindness and grace in this world. Julie left a significant mark on WCA and on all of us who were lucky enough to know her and love her. 

Celebration of Life Details: June 16 at 2 p.m.

The Paramount Theatre has graciously offered to host a celebration of life for Julie Tereshchuk on Thursday, June 16 at 2 p.m. There will be a reception immediately following the program. All who knew and loved Julie are welcome to join in celebrating her life and legacy.

Julie had a tradition of wearing a bold, wide brimmed hat each year at one of her favorite events, Women Communicators of Austin’s Banner Brunch. Any who would like to wear a hat in her honor are encouraged to do so.

The service will be streamed for those who would like to participate remotely. Streaming information will be shared closer to the event.

For those planning to attend in–person, parking will NOT be validated. Nearby options include a public garage at 600 Congress Ave (Entrance on 7th between Colorado St and Congress Ave) and the Perry Brooks Garage at 7th and Brazos.

Julie’s wish was to have donations made to support the Paramount Theatre in lieu of flowers. If you are so inclined, you can use the following link to make a donation in her name. Please include Trevor’s personal email trevr512@earthlink.net as the ‘someone to be notified’ so he can thank you. (The amount of the donation is not disclosed, just that a donation was made, so there is no pressure at all.)

Julie Tereshchuk Memorial Gift