Introducing Crain’s 2025 Women of Influence

This article is originally from Crain’s Cleveland Business published June 16, 2025.

The 10 leaders in this year’s Women of Influence class come from different backgrounds and work in a variety of industries, but they all share qualities of innovation, drive and impact that are helping to reshape the region for the better. They were selected by the editorial staff of Crain’s Cleveland Business because they’re trailblazers, mentors and changemakers, and they’re helping inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and executives.

Julie Trott | Senior Associate and Project Director for Vocon

When Julie Trott started at Kent State University in 1991, she faced a choice between two academic paths: engineering and architecture. Both offered a compelling blend of math, art and science, all nurtured in a collaborative setting. Ultimately, Trott recognized architecture as the field where she could thrive.

“It went down to the deadline, but I felt architecture was the place where I could collaborate the most,” said Trott, now Senior Associate and Project Director with the Cleveland architecture and design firm Vocon.

Today, Trott is busy brainstorming several noteworthy projects with contractors, structural engineers, interior designers and environmental consultants. Goodyear, Swagelok and the Cleveland Browns are among clients in the veteran architect’s expanding portfolio.

A native of Rochester, New York, Trott never left Ohio after earning an architecture degree from KSU. She joined Vocon in 2003 as an architect and sustainability coordinator, working on LEED-certified submissions before moving on to project management.

Trott feels fortunate to lead talented teams on many big-ticket initiatives; she particularly values working for a firm capable of both rapid and high-quality work, she said.

“We designed and constructed a 72,000-square-foot headquarters for an insurance firm in Rocky River in 19 months,” Trott said. “It took strong partnerships with the owner and construction manager to make that happen. We just had to make sure our teams were working together.”

Vocon owner Debbie Donley values her long-standing relationship with Trott, a partnership resulting in a range of intricate projects.

“Julie leads our clients through what is often a complex process with a sense of calm, patience and professionalism that is always well-received,” Donley said. “She is a true partner to me in every sense of the word: trusted, wise, calm and highly respected for her decision-making and problem-solving skills.”

Beyond her work at Vocon, Trott chairs the Cleveland Landmarks Commission and is participating in Leadership Cleveland.

With three decades of industry experience, Trott anticipates many more years of leading diverse teams through transformative building and design projects.

“There are hundreds of little decisions that go into everything you see in a building,” Trott said. “Helping clients understand the process eases their anxiety.”