Julie Lea
Julie Lea is the Founder & CEO of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx, the largest parading organization in Mardi Gras history. She is also the Founder and CEO of the Krewe of Pandora and the Nola Nyxettes.
Julie Lea formed the Mystic Krewe of Nyx in 2011 and has since led it to thrive as the largest parading krewe in Mardi Gras history. The krewe is known for its roots in fun, sisterhood, and merriment for women of all backgrounds who are ready to let their inner goddess shine through. In just seven short years, the krewe has quickly become recognizable by their hot pink and black color scheme, their signature throw (beautiful hand decorated purses), and, of course, their sheer size.
The founding of the largest women’s organization in New Orleans started with a simple idea: Julie Lea was looking for something fun to do with her girlfriends that was also different. All other all-female krewes at the time were full and were not accepting new members. So, Julie decided to pave a new path of her own and open up an opportunity for ladies in the city who were also looking to ride in a parade.
With a long history in supervisory/leadership roles and a proven ability to found successful organizations from the ground up, Julie Lea is dedicated to creating positive impacts within her community of New Orleans, Louisiana. Julie has been awarded the Key to the City of New Orleans six times, and has earned New Orleans City Council Proclamations twice.
Julie Lea holds a number of community partnerships, with organizations spanning causes such as disease research and treatment, transformational learning, criminal justice, and more.
Founder and CEO
New Orleans, LA, USA
[email protected]
Careers
Founder/CEO: The Mystic Krewe of Nyx, 2011-present
Julie Lea is the Founder and CEO of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx, which has earned the honor of being the biggest Mardi Gras parade in history with over 3348 riders in its 2018 parade, the all-female krewe has broken barriers for the Super Krewes and has raised the bar for parades everywhere.
Founder/CEO: The Nola Nyxettes, 2013-present
The NOLA Nyxettes were founded in 2012 by Julie Lea and made their debut in 2014 at the Krewe of Nyx Ball on February 1, 2014 and their Carnival debut with the Krewes of Nyx, Iris, Thoth, and Zulu. They have been seen on local networks such as WWL, WDSU, and Fox 8, interviewed by Fox 8 News and were recognized in Arthur Hardy's Mardi Gras Guide and by Mr. Hardy himself on Mardi Gras Day.
Founder/CEO: The Krewe of Pandora, 2015-present
The Mystic Krewe of Nyx’s “sister krewe” in Jefferson Parish. Julie Lea started this diverse group of women who are thrilled with making new friends and enjoying the excitement of the Mardi Gras season in a fabulous and friendly environment for all to enjoy. More than just a parade, the Krewe of Pandora hosts different social events throughout the year that are optional for members to attend. Members get to meet new friends and have a fabulous network of sisterhood way before the day of the ride.
Education
California Coast University
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
2012
Delgado Community College
Associate of Arts, Criminal Justice
2009
Awards
Key to the City of New Orleans
Julie Lea has been awarded the Key to the City of New Orleans six times as of 2018.
New Orleans City Council Proclamation
Julie Lea earned New Orleans City Council Proclamations twice in the years 2012 and 2017.
The Mystic Krewe of Nyx
Official Website
Go Big or Go Home: Dreaming Big
Julie Lea discusses the benefits of dreaming big and going for your goals.
Tips for Becoming an Effective Leader
Julie Lea offers a few tips and advice on how to become an effective leader.
Organization Memberships: How They Benefit Us
Julie Lea talks about how being a member of an organization can benefit you both personally and professionally.
Thinking of Your 'Why' When Lacking Motivation
Julie Lea explains how taking a step back and thinking of your 'why' can help in sparking motivation.
Tips for Becoming an Effective Leader
Julie Lea offers a number of tips on how to develop yourself as a strong, effective leader in today's business world.
The Purse Chronicles
Julie Lea is also the host of The Purse Chronicles, a podcast where three New Orleans women leaders in business who also ride in the largest Mardi Gras Krewe in the world together, give effective and practical advice on starting a great business from the ground up. These ladies delve well beyond the boardroom and the beads when they discuss real life issues facing women today like work/life balance, dating after divorce, women friendships, being a female leader in the workplace, empty nesting, co-parenting, and much more.
For more, follow Julie Lea on SoundCloud!
Map
Julie Lea is a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana.
