‘Professional Volunteer’ Julia Nichols Named 2026 Woman Of The Year In St. Mary’s County

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — For Julia Nichols, service isn’t a title; it’s a way of life. A longtime advocate for the arts, education, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement, Nichols has been named a 2026 Woman of the Year by the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women, a recognition she says reflects not only her work, but the many organizations she supports.

“I am honored to be named a 2026 Woman of the Year by the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women,” Nichols said in an interview with The BayNet. “Though I am happy to work in the background to help improve my community, I also very much appreciate being recognized for the work that I do. I hope that this recognition will highlight the groups that I work with in our county.”

A Life Of Service Rooted In Community

Nichols often refers to herself as a “professional volunteer,” a phrase she uses with humor, but one that reflects decades of dedication.

“I jokingly call myself a ‘professional volunteer’ because, of course, I don’t get paid for any of the work that I do!” she said.

Her journey into community service began while raising her children, when she sought meaningful ways to stay engaged. That early involvement quickly grew into leadership roles and long-term impact.

“My motivation started with my children,” Nichols explained. “I love living in St. Mary’s County, and I feel that I have a responsibility to give back and to make the community even better for those coming behind me.”

Championing The Arts And Education

Nichols’ passion for the arts has been a driving force throughout her life, shaping both her volunteer work and leadership roles, including her involvement with the St. Mary’s County Arts Council.

“I believe the arts enrich every community and all the lives of the people in that community, and I believe that everyone should have access to the arts,” she said.

That belief led her to found the Southern Maryland Youth Orchestra and Choir in 2010, creating opportunities for local students to experience symphonic music without traveling long distances.

“I wanted to provide the youth in St. Mary’s County the opportunity to belong to a youth orchestra without having to drive to DC, Annapolis, or Baltimore for rehearsals,” she said.

The program served students across St. Mary’s and Calvert counties for a decade before closing in 2022 following challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Nichols remains deeply involved in the arts community, currently serving as vice president of the board for COSMIC Symphony and performing as a violinist.

She emphasized that investing in arts and education benefits the entire community.

“Education of our youth builds our workforce and makes for a stronger community,” Nichols said. “The arts enrich our lives and also add to the strength of communities.”

Environmental Advocacy With Purpose

Beyond the arts, Nichols is also a dedicated environmental advocate through her work with the Sierra Club, where she supports efforts ranging from policy advocacy to hands-on community initiatives.

“I have always loved the outdoors,” she said, recalling childhood experiences hiking and spending summers in nature.

Her involvement has also deepened her understanding of environmental justice.

“People in higher economic brackets can use their funds and influence to divert projects that may negatively impact the environment around them, but those in lower economic brackets do not often have the time or funding to do the same,” Nichols said. “We have a responsibility to take care of the earth and protect it for future generations, and that includes for all, not just for a few.”

Encouraging Others To Get Involved

Despite her extensive involvement, Nichols is quick to emphasize that making a difference doesn’t require doing everything.

“My advice to others would be not to try to do it all,” she said. “Find an issue that is impactful or meaningful to you, find out what group or groups may be doing something about that issue in St. Mary’s County, and join that group.”

She added that even small contributions matter, pointing to a quote that guides her work: “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”

A Lasting Impact

Looking ahead, Nichols hopes her work will continue to strengthen the community she calls home.

“I hope that St. Mary’s County will find itself a stronger and richer community because of the education, arts, environmental, and other volunteering that I have done over the years,” she said.

Through decades of service, Nichols has not only contributed to countless organizations — she has helped shape a culture of involvement, proving that meaningful change often begins with a single step forward.

Community Praise and Recognition

Community members and leaders echoed similar sentiments in response to Nichols’ recognition on a recent Facebook post, highlighting her dedication and ability to inspire others.

In the nomination submitted to the Commission, supporter Susie Glauner described Nichols as someone who “doesn’t do anything unless her whole heart and mind are in it,” noting that her perseverance and leadership consistently bring others together.

Glauner also emphasized Nichols’ influence in the community, sharing that she “has inspired many others to participate in organizations and civic activities,” and is known as a “thoughtful advocate leader” who encourages others to get involved.

The Commission for Women’s announcement further celebrated Nichols as “another amazing woman in St. Mary’s County,” recognizing her wide-ranging impact across the arts, education, environmental advocacy, and civic engagement.

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