Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich’s wife, Julie Heinrich, is a prominent figure in the arts and entertainment industry, notably associated with the Santa Fe-based company Meow Wolf. As the chief impact officer at Meow Wolf, Julie Heinrich plays a significant role in overseeing various aspects of the organization’s operations, including social impact initiatives, sustainability efforts, government relations, community engagement, and employee volunteerism. She also served as the executive director of the Meow Wolf Foundation until May 2023.
Who is Julie Heinrich?
Julie Heinrich’s involvement with Meow Wolf has recently come under scrutiny following the cancellation of a concert by Jewish American singer Matisyahu at the venue. The cancellation prompted allegations of antisemitism, with Matisyahu himself speaking out against the decision, attributing it to a group of staff members unwilling to work his show rather than genuine security concerns.
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The controversy surrounding the cancellation has raised questions about potential implications for Senator Martin Heinrich, a Democrat from New Mexico, given his political affiliations and stance on issues related to the Middle East. Martin Heinrich has previously advocated for the United States to resume aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), despite concerns raised by some about alleged ties between UNRWA employees and anti-Israel activities.
In response to the situation, the National Republican Senatorial Committee has condemned the actions of Meow Wolf and Julie Heinrich, calling for Senator Martin Heinrich to denounce the decision to cancel Matisyahu’s concert. However, as of now, there has been no official statement from either Meow Wolf or Senator Heinrich’s office regarding the matter.
Julie Heinrich’s professional background also includes eight years of experience at the Washington, D.C.-based public relations firm Weber Shandwick, further highlighting her involvement in the realm of communications and advocacy.
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Despite the controversy surrounding the concert cancellation, Julie Heinrich remains active in her role at Meow Wolf, continuing to focus on promoting art and culture initiatives in communities, particularly among underserved populations.