Juli Foscoli: Building Community Through Kindness, Leadership, and Resilience

As co-owner of South Town Glass, Juli Foscoli draws inspiration from a legacy of dedication to both business and community. Shaped by early life experiences and her parents’ example, Foscoli learned the power of giving back and prioritizing people—values that she continues to uphold as a community leader.

“My parents built their business from the ground up, often facing significant financial and emotional challenges,” Foscoli shared. “They would sometimes forgo a paycheck to ensure everyone on the team remained employed, saying things like, ‘They have three little kids at home; we can’t lay them off.'”

Foscoli’s commitment to making a difference became a focal point of her career, especially after joining the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), where she found camaraderie and inspiration. Early in her involvement, NAWIC’s then-president, Dawn Killough, encouraged her to lead Women in Construction Week. The success of the event ignited Foscoli’s confidence and led her to take on leadership roles in various community organizations, including the Salem Chamber of Commerce and SEDCOR.

One of her most impactful projects was a response to the devastating Santiam Canyon wildfires, where she spearheaded an initiative to build storage sheds for displaced families. “By rallying the generosity and compassion of our community, we came together to build 150 sheds for families who had experienced unimaginable loss,” she recounted. “These small sheds represented a glimmer of hope and a tangible step toward rebuilding lives.”

The transition to a business owner brought its own set of challenges, especially as she and her sister took over the company just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. “We had to pause, reassess, and reaffirm to our team that their health and well-being were our top priorities,” she said. “Navigating those changes underscored the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and resilience.”

Today, Foscoli works to bring people together to face challenges collaboratively and empower others to engage in community efforts. “One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Many hands make light work,’ because it captures the essence of collaboration,” she explained. Foscoli facilitates dialogues to help the community find solutions, balancing empathy for the homeless population with the concerns of residents. “I aim to shift the conversation from blame to actionable solutions,” she explained.

Looking forward, Foscoli is focused on a new initiative through SEDCOR’s Construction Alliance group, which she believes will foster connection and collaboration in the community. “Too often, I see blame-shifting and contention between businesses and city initiatives,” she said, “but this project seeks to break down those barriers and focus on solutions that benefit everyone.”

Foscoli’s passion for community building and mentorship extends to the next generation, as she actively engages with young people interested in careers in construction. “Encouraging young women, especially those who feel isolated on predominantly male teams, is incredibly important to me,” she shared. “If you’re determined to succeed, you can achieve your goals. It takes hard work and resilience.”

Her advice for aspiring leaders is straightforward yet profound: “Be kind and thoughtful. Work hard and don’t give up; you can do this.”

Ultimately, Foscoli’s goal is to leave a legacy of resilience and community spirit. “I want my work to remind others that each of us has the power to create positive change,” she said. “Through determination, collaboration, and a focus on the generations to come, we can build a legacy of strength, kindness, and progress that will endure.”