JULIE McKELVEY is an entrepreneur, mountaineer, and author whose life reflects the power of surrender, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward. She is one of fewer than seventy women worldwide to complete the Seven Summits—the highest peak on each continent—and among an elite group of approximately twenty-five women to have climbed both recognized versions. Long before standing on the world’s highest mountains, however, Julie faced a far steeper climb.

After years of addiction and the unraveling that followed, Julie entered recovery and is now more than thirty years sober. The habits she built then—consistency, humility, and forward motion—became the foundation for rebuilding her life, her family, and her future.

Alongside her climbs, Julie built and led successful organizations for decades, translating the principles of recovery into leadership and service. 

For more than three decades, Julie grew Hearing Instruments Incorporated into one of the largest Miracle-Ear franchise organizations in the country – growing the company fourfold, scaling operations across Pennsylvania. 

She has raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars through her Summit for Sound initiative to provide hearing care for families in need.

A Pennsylvania native, Julie lives with her husband and two sons. When she isn’t climbing, writing, or chasing live music, she can often be found pursuing the next challenge that scares her just enough to say yes.