Of the many educators who profoundly impacted her life, Emma remembers Mr. Johnson, her middle school choir teacher, as one of the most influential. He worked tirelessly to nurture a learning environment where students felt safe, challenged, and empowered to become the best versions of themselves. Mr. J’s passion for teaching and care for his students showed Emma how one supportive educator can make a difference—and instilled in her a lifelong love of music.
As a Program Officer, Emma leads the Grants to Educators program and supports the educator awards programs.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Emma worked in public education for two years. She first served as an AmeriCorps literacy tutor at an elementary school. After her service year, Emma joined a district-level team devoted to creating equitable learning environments for students. A graduate of Georgetown University, she earned an MA in Educational Transformation with a concentration in Advocacy and Policy. Her mother is a middle school teacher in Nebraska, and Emma believes uplifting educators is the key to achieving educational justice. She is excited to use her role to elevate the voices of educators and their students.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time outdoors, playing volleyball, and traveling to visit her family and friends.
