JULIE JUNIO DE CASTRO

Embracing challenges abroad: How a Filipina professional excelled in a foreign land

In the realm of project management, Julie Junio de Castro stands out as a visionary leader who has carved her path to success through determination, resilience, and a thirst for knowledge.

As the CEO of DeeCee Project Management Services and the Director of Marketing at the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the United Arab Emirates, Julie has proven her mettle in the field by achieving remarkable outcomes time and time again.

Julie, or Julz as she is fondly called by her friends and colleagues, embarked on her professional career two decades ago after completing her chemical engineering degree at Adamson University in Manila.

Her first job as a technical sales engineer in the chemical industry laid the foundation for her future endeavors. In 2005, she took a leap of faith and relocated to Dubai, a city teeming with opportunities and cultural diversity.

Throughout her journey, Julie has never shied away from challenges. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, she found herself facing the daunting task of reentering the workforce during a time of limited opportunities and fierce competition.

Determined to stay ahead of the curve, she decided to enhance her project management skills by acquiring the prestigious Project Management Professional certification.

Her pursuit of continuous improvement opened doors to new possibilities and propelled her into the realm of volunteering. Julie dedicated her time to PMI, an international professional organization for project managers, where she expanded her network and deepened her knowledge of project management.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she became the first Filipino to join the PMI board of directors, appointed as the Director of Marketing for the PMI UAE Chapter.

Armed with a wealth of experiences and expertise gained through freelancing and volunteering, Julie founded DeeCee Project Management Services earlier this year, a venture that combines her passion for project and marketing management.

Located in Sustainable City, Dubai, her company is set to make waves in the industry, thanks to her extensive knowledge and versatile skill set.

When asked about her motivation to work abroad, Julie emphasizes her love for travel and her desire to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.

She firmly believes that facing obstacles is a crucial part of personal and professional growth. Choosing Dubai as her destination provided her with a rich multicultural environment that nurtured her ambitions and allowed her to broaden her horizons.

Working overseas also offered her the opportunity to improve her language skills and gain a global perspective, both of which are essential for her continuous development.

Julie’s career spans various roles in administration, quality assurance, business development, procurement, and project management. Her ability to adapt and gather a well-rounded set of skills has been instrumental in her success.

Furthermore, she finds fulfillment in not only advancing her own career but also empowering others. By sharing her knowledge and promoting the applications of project management in the workplace, she contributes to the growth and success of individuals and organizations alike.

Julie’s journey has not been without struggles. Moving to a foreign land with limited resources and no acquaintances posed significant challenges. Yet, she remained focused on her goals, driven by the desire to provide for her parents and pursue her dreams.

The initial hardships she faced, such as purchasing a visa and relying on the generosity of strangers for accommodation, served as fuel for her determination.

She worked part-time jobs and actively searched for her dream role, never losing sight of her aspirations. Throughout her journey, Julie found support from unexpected sources.

A kind-hearted Ilonggo couple based in Abu Dhabi extended a helping hand, offering her a place to stay without any advance payment.

Their warmth and shared meals provided a sense of comfort amidst the challenges. Additionally, she leaned on her own strength and perseverance, constantly reminding herself of her objectives and refusing to give up.

Looking ahead, Julie plans to bring her international experience back to her home country. Armed with a unique perspective and a valuable skill set, she aims to make meaningful contributions to her industry, community, and fellow Filipinos.