Hero Scholar: Julia Edwards

As the daughter of two Air Force veterans, Julia Edwards grew up understanding the sacrifices service members make, but it wasn’t until she began working directly with veterans that she saw how those sacrifices continue long after service ends. For the past three years, she has led Operation Battle Born, organizing the “Ruck to Remember,” a two-day, 60-mile march from Amargosa Valley to Las Vegas where teams carry the dog tags of fallen service members to symbolically bring them home.

Julia most recently served as VA School Certifying Official at UNLV’s Military and Veteran Services Center, having processed over 1,500 VA educational benefits certifications and provided daily leadership to a team of ten student workers, building on her earlier role as VA Lead Student Worker training and overseeing her peers. As Humanitarian Chair for UNLV’s American Medical Student Association, she planned and coordinated volunteer events, sharpening the organizational and communication skills she now brings to every role.

Now pursuing a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Roseman University’s Henderson campus, Julia brings a rare combination of hands-on veteran advocacy, proven leadership, and a genuine commitment to consistent, reliable support. The Hero Scholarship, funded by Stifel Public Finance, will support her mission to become a physician who communicates clearly, leads collaborative teams, and delivers thoughtful, patient-centered care.