Julia Van Steenberghe is a higher education professional, public speaking coach, and former Miss Maine USA. From a young age, Julia gravitated toward public speaking, often leading class presentations or being interviewed at school. This early passion evolved throughout her academic and professional journey, where she has consistently taken on roles centered around communication, mentorship, and leadership.

As both an undergraduate and graduate student at the University of Maine, Julia immersed herself in student success work while also competing in pageants. After placing 1st Runner Up in her first pageant in 2019, she returned to the Miss Maine USA stage in 2020 and won the title. Her reign lasted over 19 months, the longest in Miss Maine USA history. After stepping away from the pageant world, she completed her graduate thesis on the meaning of pageantry for women in the 21st century, blending academic research with personal experience.

Julia’s time in pageantry sharpened her public speaking and interview skills, which she now uses to help others succeed. She has served on numerous hiring committees, worked as a hiring manager, and continues to mentor both undergraduate and graduate students. She currently oversees more than 70 student leaders and is committed to helping others reach their fullest potential.

In 2022, Julia expanded from pageant coaching to launch a broader coaching practice centered on public speaking, presenting, and interviewing. She began her doctoral studies at Vanderbilt University in spring 2025, continuing her commitment to leadership development and impactful communication.

Throughout her time in the interview and public speaking coaching industry, Julia has helped clients land faculty teaching positions, prepare for dissertation and thesis oral defenses, earn promotions, and much more.