Emily is originally from Ohio and joins the GHD program following two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Eastern Uganda. During her service in Uganda, Emily focused on improving literacy proficiency in a rural primary school and catering to children with special needs, primarily those who are hearing impaired. Her service culminated with a grant to implement and facilitate an empowerment camp for children of Eastern Uganda with hearing impairments. Prior to her service in Uganda, Emily served as an education volunteer for three months in Burkina Faso. Both of these experiences with the Peace Corps have prompted Emily to continue her studies in education, especially on the continent of Africa.

Emily graduated magna cum laude from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, with a BA in French and a BA in Global Studies with a concentration in Globalization and Development. Emily is excited about the GHD program and how it will allow her to deepen her knowledge of economic development, while she focuses specifically on gender and security. She speaks proficient French, basic Spanish, and basic Lusoga but hopes to begin learning Arabic.