On a beautiful Friday evening, as the late summer sun settled behind the west end of Wallace Field, the Hemlock Board of Education formally inducted Jennifer (Fuller) Julien into the Hemlock Hall of Fame as its 2026 Distinguished Alumni honoree.
The evening was a true homecoming for Julien, a 2007 graduate of Hemlock High School.
Before the induction, Jennifer gathered with family members and close friends at the district’s annual Staff and Family Tailgate. From there, the group moved to the Legend Balcony, where they watched the Huskies take the field and enjoyed the energy of a stadium filled with members of the Huskie Pack.
“It was a privilege for the Hemlock Board of Education to formally induct Jennifer into our Hall of Fame,” Board President Matt Wesener said. “Jennifer represents the very best of Hemlock. She took the foundation she received here, pursued ambitious goals, and built a life centered on leadership, service, and creating opportunities for others. Her accomplishments are extraordinary, and the way she continues to invest in people and communities makes her an exceptional example for today’s Huskies.”
At halftime, Jennifer made her way onto the field surrounded by family, friends, former educators, community members, and many of the people who have encouraged and championed her throughout her life. The Board of Education then formally presented her with the district’s Hall of Fame honor.
“There are moments when you can look across a stadium and see the strength of a community,” Superintendent Don Killingbeck said. “Friday night was one of those moments. Jennifer was surrounded by people who knew her when she was growing up in Hemlock, people who helped shape her journey, and people who have watched with pride as she built a remarkable life and career. She is the real deal and exactly what we mean when we talk about a Distinguished Alumna.”
Following her graduation from Hemlock High School, Julien attended Michigan Technological University, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering. During her time at Michigan Tech, she was active in student government, served as an orientation team leader, participated in an international senior design project in Panama, and was selected for the university’s Homecoming Court.
Her journey eventually took her from engineering into entrepreneurship, real estate development, construction, and hospitality. Alongside her husband, Jon, Jennifer founded Braveworks, a Midwest-based family of companies committed to revitalization, thoughtful design, exceptional hospitality, and creating spaces with purpose.
Their work has helped restore historic properties, strengthen communities, create more than 100 jobs, and bring new investment and energy to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Jennifer and Jon’s portfolio now includes nine companies spanning construction, commercial real estate, hospitality, and the service industry.
Her professional accomplishments include delivering Michigan Tech’s 2019 midyear commencement address, serving on the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association Board of Directors, being selected for Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40, and receiving recognition through the 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year program.
Yet the distinction goes beyond a list of professional accomplishments.
Jennifer has remained grounded in the values that helped shape her in Hemlock. She leads with courage, invests in people, embraces difficult challenges, and uses her success to strengthen the communities around her. She is an entrepreneur, engineer, community builder, wife, mother, and role model who demonstrates what is possible when talent is joined with purpose and perseverance.
“Jennifer’s story is not simply about achieving success,” Killingbeck said. “It is about using that success to create opportunities for others. She builds businesses, but she also builds teams, restores communities, and opens doors. She represents Hemlock exceptionally well, and we could not be prouder to welcome her home and permanently recognize her as a member of the Hemlock Hall of Fame.”
The Hemlock Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose lives and accomplishments represent the highest traditions of Hemlock Public School District. Honorees are selected in one of three categories.
Distinguished Alumni recognizes graduates who have achieved exceptional distinction in their profession, community, or public service.
Significant Contributors recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, or generosity has made a lasting impact on Hemlock Public School District.
Outstanding Athletic Accomplishments recognizes individuals or teams whose achievements have brought distinction to Hemlock athletics.
Jennifer Julien’s name will now hold a permanent place among those whose lives and contributions have helped tell the story of Hemlock.
The district will announce the opening of nominations for the 2027 Hemlock Hall of Fame later this year.