Dr. Julie Thomas Achettu, EdD

Julie Achettu is a South Asian American educator and cofounder of House of Jaya, a cultural fusion brand rooted in identity and representation, with a focus on upcycling and sustainable design practices. She designed the first core Asian American literature course at the high school level in the United States, pioneering inclusive curriculum and advocating for greater representation in secondary education, creating the kind of class she wished she had growing up.

Dr. Achettu holds a master’s and doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and brings over two decades of experience in education. Her expertise includes Asian American literature, culturally sustaining pedagogy, ethnic studies policy, and the impact of representation on student engagement and achievement. Her doctoral research focused on representation, identity, and the experiences of women in male-dominated fields. She also develops educational resources and curriculum materials that support inclusive teaching and representation. She has presented on the TEAACH Act and Asian American literature at institutions including Northwestern University, University of Illinois, and National Louis University.

She is the cofounder of House of Jaya, a women-owned brand that blends South Asian and American design while supporting girls’ education globally through partnerships with organizations like the Milaan Foundation.

Media appearances include: WBEZ (an NPR affiliate), Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast, and features of House of Jaya in CEO Times and Women’s Insider. She is available for media commentary on education equity, representation, and cultural identity.

Sub-specialties:

Asian American literature and curriculum development
Asian American Studies, Ethnic Studies Education, and the TEAACH Act
Representation in K–12 education
Culturally sustaining pedagogy and inclusive curriculum design
South Asian American identity and diaspora narratives
Media representation and Eurocentric narratives in education
Dual/Hybrid identities
Women in male-dominated fields (education and beyond)
Girls’ education and global equity (U.S. and India)
Upcycling and cultural storytelling in fashion
Intersection of education, media, and cultural identity