Julia Handelman-Smith
Former British diplomat, now advising on intercultural dialogue & equity in international partnerships
Julia Handelman-Smith is a former diplomat with experience working in multiple countries and cultures.
She now advises the culture and education sectors on international strategy, focusing particularly on equitable partnership and inclusive dialogue.
She is a professional musician and creative entrepreneur, establishing her own community outreach programme to support intercultural dialogue between communities worldwide.
Julia worked with the British Council for more than 10 years as a cultural diplomat, working in diverse environments from Europe and East Asia to the Middle East.
From 2014-18, she led the UK’s education and creative programmes to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.
On returning to the UK, she launched the Internationalism Alliance as a forum to support disadvantaged young people in the UK to access international and intercultural experience.
She also created the Commonwealth Young Leaders network as part of a programme of activities for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, 2022.
Julia is a professional musician and composer.
In 2022 she created and launched Our Symphony, a community outreach programme to support co-creation of new music in and between communities in the UK and worldwide.
Julia specializes in developing and supporting long-term collaboration and partnership between countries and cultures, with a particular focus on equality and mutual exchange.
Specialist knowledge:
- Intercultural dialogue and global mindset
- Cultural and social capital to promote equity in education and the workplace
- Equity and inclusivity in international partnerships
- International opportunities in education
- Professional musician and composer
Julia is an experienced and authentic public speaker. Speaking engagements include Brunel University London, UNESCO, Paris Diderot University, Eton College, Restorative Justice 4 All UK, and Asia-Pacific Europe BILT Conference.
Volunteering:
Julia is a mentor for The Prince’s Trust UK and an Advisor to UK charity My Life My Say.
Julia has a BA (Hons) Music, MMus Music, LRAM Cello.