Starjam CEO Honoured After Leading Charity for a Decade

Tuesday, 4th June 2013

Starjam CEO Honoured After Leading Charity for a Decade

StarJam CEO and Founder Julie Bartlett has been appointed a Member of the NZ Order of Merit in the Queen’s Birthday Honours announced yesterday.

This coincides with the announcement that Bartlett has accepted the honour of becoming Patron of the charity and will step aside from her day to day CEO responsibilities after ten years at the helm.

Bartlett worked in a variety of roles in various charities prior to founding StarJam. She observed how charities focus on providing a myriad of services to different types of disadvantaged people but rarely provide the opportunity for their clients to make their mark by contributing to the community.

Inspired by her brother who had Down Syndrome, Bartlett created a platform where young people with disabilities and celebrities shared the same stage. In professional stage shows, StarJam’s young people are given lead roles and celebrities often supporting ones.

Bartlett, who will take up the role of Patron on August 31, says she has learnt not to underestimate anyone. “I never used to value being able to walk, talk, and see before. By hearing the stories of hundreds of children with disabilities and their families, my life has been enriched. I am truly humbled by receiving both these honours.”

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