Julia Wiener
2025-2026 University of Chicago Scholar
Chicago, IL
Tenants Rights Organizer
Organizing tenants to build community and power to achieve more affordable housing
Julia Wiener is committed to ensuring safe and affordable housing for everyone, particularly survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Julia’s experience in direct service and community organizing revealed a shortage of safe housing options for survivors, often forcing them to return to unsafe environments and deepening existing economic inequities. Alongside this work, Julia began tenant union organizing and mutual aid organizing, where they worked with neighbors to build power and community, pooling together resources to keep one another safe. As a Scholar, Julia plans to strengthen their skills in partnership building, connecting with civic practitioners and housing organizers, and learning from diverse approaches to strengthen their advocacy for tenant rights and affordable housing policy. Their long-term goal is to empower tenants through policy advocacy, ultimately bridging successful organizing efforts from different cities to create more equitable housing landscapes across the U.S.
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More About the Scholars Program
More About the Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars program gives rising leaders from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.
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