Julia L. Sabin ’83, Vice President of Government Relations at The J.M. Smucker Company, has been selected for the 2024 UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry Alumni Award.
Sabin will accept the award and present the commencement address at the UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
“My UCLA experience not only became the foundation on which I built my career, but it embedded in me the tools I needed to construct and adapt to an ever-changing world,” Sabin said. “When I graduated, I had no idea what path I would embark on — but the confidence I gained at UCLA gave me the courage to act on my dreams.”
Sabin has spent her entire career with The J.M. Smucker Company, holding leadership roles of increasing responsibility across the business, including supporting operations, sustainability and government relations, which she currently oversees.
In her current role, Sabin directs the company’s efforts to positively impact its industry and communities through governmental engagement and advocacy.
Along with her functional leadership, Sabin is passionate about supporting the company’s sustainability journey to ensure a responsible approach across operations and its value chain. Additionally, she is committed to playing an active role in driving the company’s dedication to realizing its vision to cultivate an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects its consumers and its communities. This work includes providing leadership opportunities to the GROW (Greater Resources and Opportunities for Women) employee resource group.
In addition to her work at The J.M. Smucker Company, Sabin has provided leadership across the industry, including serving as chairwoman for the American Frozen Food Institute, the Organic Trade Association and the Chico Chamber of Commerce. After being appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, she also served on the USDA National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board. While living in Ohio, Sabin supported her local community as a board member for the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron and In Council with Women in Cleveland.
Sabin currently serves on the Agriculture Technical Advisory Committees for Trade within the Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, having been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
She resides in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Darryl Stephens.