Most people don't have to guess what Julie Anderson is thinking – a wall flower she's not. Whether wearing her hat as a Tacoma City Councilwoman or as a senior policy adviser with Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, she tends to give everything away even while not saying a word.

"My personality is pretty consistent, no matter what role I play," Anderson said. "I'm very engaged with facial expressions and body language, even when I'm listening. I am not inscrutable. You can ready me pretty plainly. I don't hold anything back and generally, you know what I'm thinking and feeling." H

er inquisitive nature and earnest desire to help people at times comes across as serious, but this elected official and advisor says most people know her as a prankster.

"Who on earth would want to spend time at a meeting and have it be dull, boring and unproductive.There's no sense in doing something if you can't have fun doing it," she said. "I have a tremendous sense of humor. I can be pretty disruptive at meetings because I do like to joke around, have fun and be light-hearted."

Despite her light-hearted nature, Anderson is quite serious about her work.

"I am a highly organized and determined strategist known for excellent communication, the ability to create and promote complex initiatives, as well as swiftly identify and remove barriers to change," she said. "I am drawn to public policy, community initiatives, administration, social justice and non-profit leadership development."

Anderson is easily excited by challenges that require attention to detail and include some element of risk. Personally and professionally, achievement is important to her.

"I have to admit that achievement motivates me," she said. "I like to set tough goals for myself and meet those goals.

" Perhaps one of the most elusive characteristics is remaining aware of potential challenges she may face as she attempts to represents the interests of her constituents, as well as the interests of the state.

"As a white, educated American woman, I have to guard against complacency and a false sense of security. I must constantly test my thinking and perceptions," she said. "Real people with very real problems – people who don't look like me – depend on me to honestly represent them. I have to reach out, purposefully expose myself to diversity and intentionally put myself in the minority position."

With that mantra in mind, Anderson focuses heavily on health care needs in the community, as well as attending to the plight of homeless people. Some of her most proud accomplishments include receiving the Bishop's Cross for "care of the marginalized, the homeless and the distressed," and becoming certified as an Outward Bound instructor for students who were sexual offenders and mentally ill.

In her nomination, Maureen Larson Bonck, a vocational rehabilitation consultant, said; "Anderson authored a resolution with a fellow council member to ask state and federal legislation to recognize the right of access and availability for appropriate health care for all citizens. She speaks to the necessity of low-income housing and truly seems to care about improving the lives of all Tacoma citizens."

Anderson supports a variety of causes and groups, including Community College Center for Ethical Development, Women's Political Caucus, League of Women Voters, Historic Tacoma, Ending Chronic Homelessness, American Leadership Forum, Department of Corrections reforms, Tacoma arts and intelligent urban design. She's also president of City Club of Tacoma.

Another passion for Anderson is animal welfare. From an early age, she demonstrated a compassionate nature towards animals.

"When I was around 13 years old, I set up my own business as a stable hand. I owned a horse of my own and spent most of my waking hours hanging out at the stables," she said. "When I noticed that the working adults didn't have much time to spend with their horses, I tacked up notices in the feed room offering to clean stalls, condition and repair tack, and feed and exercise horses."

That endeavor led to a second business – a line of homemade horse treats. The level of interest in her services was quite unexpected; she ended up having to turn customers away because she was so busy.

That love for animals continues today. Anderson's companions include a Weimaraner and a chocolate-colored Labrador.