Juliet Murphy Roulhac has established herself as a distinguished expert in philanthropy and community development. Since 2022, she has excelled as the director of external affairs and corporate philanthropy at Florida Power & Light Company. Additionally, she has served as the director of external affairs for the Broward and Southwest regions at Florida Power & Light Company since 2011. In these roles, she manages the corporate foundation for NextEra Energy, the parent company of Florida Power & Light, the largest and cleanest utility in the country. While the company prioritizes giving back to Florida communities, where the utility operates exclusively, NextEra Energy conducts business in 49 states, allowing her to oversee philanthropic efforts on a national scale.
Ms. Roulhac’s responsibilities include identifying key focus areas that align with the company’s strategic priorities and directing grants to organizations equipped to implement meaningful programs. The foundation’s primary areas of focus include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, environmental sustainability, innovation, and disaster relief. In education, the foundation supports STEM initiatives for K-12 students, scholarships, and college-level programs designed to integrate technology into the energy sector. It also funds professional development programs to help energy organizations upskill their members and enhance industry excellence.
Ms. Roulhac also leads efforts in fostering innovation, particularly in STEM fields, with much of the foundation’s support directed toward universities. This commitment extends to medical research and technological advancements that align with the company’s mission. The foundation is also dedicated to environmental sustainability, funding conservation efforts such as protecting species near the company’s plants and wind turbines. Additionally, it provides grants for the preservation of national parks and other natural spaces across the country. Disaster relief and preparedness are another significant aspect of her work, as she facilitates grants for both immediate disaster relief and long-term preparedness efforts.
Ms. Roulhac laid a strong academic foundation, earning a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from the Fredric G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida in 1984. She furthered her education by earning a Juris Doctor from the same institution in 1987 and gaining admission to the Florida Bar. To stay abreast of innovations in the field, she is actively involved in the Broward County Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Greater Plantation Chamber of Commerce, American Association of Blacks in Energy, and Baptist Health Outpatient Services Board. Additionally, she serves as board chair for the Community Foundation of Broward and holds positions on several other boards. Civically, she is involved with the University of Florida Board of Trustees and the Nova Southeastern University Medical School’s executive advisory council.
In light of her impressive undertakings, Ms. Roulhac has received accolades such as the Gertrude Rush Trailblazer Award from the African American National Bar Association. She attributes her success to the power of kindness. She genuinely cherishes the people around her and consistently strives to uplift others, fostering deep and enduring relationships. This sincere approach has helped her cultivate a strong sense of community and support wherever she goes. Looking to the future, she aspires to take on a leadership role within a nonprofit organization focused on health care. Driven by a passion for making a positive impact on community health, she aims to contribute to initiatives that improve access to care and address health disparities.
In advising aspiring professionals, Ms. Roulhac encourages women entering the field of philanthropy to have a genuine passion for community building. She emphasizes that this work is more than just a financial exchange, it requires being deeply invested in the goals of the organizations they support. By going beyond simply providing funding, women in the field can create more meaningful and lasting change. She advises newcomers to remain open to possibilities, approach their work with a collaborative mindset, and recognize that their investment in the community extends far beyond financial contributions.