In the fourth grade, Emmi ran for class governor as a part of her school’s Virginia history curriculum. Though she lost the race to one of her closest friends—who was able to bribe the class with fudgesicles—this experience sparked an interest in leadership and social issues that is a now a driving force in her aspirations. Emmi went on to earn a B.A. in Integrative Studies, concentrating in Leadership and Organizational Development, with a minor in Art and Visual Technologies from George Mason University. During her time at GMU she was involved in AAPI and Filipino-American student organizations and is still active in the Fil-Am community, having recently served as a youth ambassador with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.

As a proud, mixed Pinay, social policy and civil rights issues have always hit close to home for her, as she carries her community and family’s experiences with her wherever she goes. It is this dedication to advancing sound social policies that drives Emmi’s work as the Education Events and Partnerships Coordinator at Third Way. In this role, Emmi organizes and executes high-impact events and builds relationships with federal higher education influencers, to help persuade policymakers that students deserve a better return on their postsecondary investment.

Prior to joining Third Way, Emmi managed the awards contest program and supported the educational and events programming at the American Association of Political Consultants, was part of the management team at a café in Clifton, Virginia, and interned at a minority-owned start-up in Alexandria.

Emmi’s hobbies include furniture refinishing, watching too many Netflix originals, and lots of yoga. She is also a 2021 New Leaders’ Council Fellow, a program dedicated to training progressive Millennials in the skills needed to make social change.