Who is Emily
Originally from Eagan, Minnesota, Emily graduated highschool from the School of Environmental Studies in 2020 before heading to Ashland, Wisconsin to attend Northland College. During her time there, she studied Sustainable Community Development with a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), graduating in 2024.
Throughout college, she stayed heavily involved in community-focused work and nonprofit operations. One of her most impactful roles was serving as the Director of Operations for Northland’s independent nonprofit student association, where she gained experience in organizational management, budgeting, and community engagement. After graduating, she continued working primarily in nonprofit finance and operations.
During college, she also launched a sustainability-focused vending machine initiative aimed at making environmentally conscious products more accessible. When Northland College permanently closed in 2025, she was offered the opportunity to keep one of the vending machines. After relocating it to Marquette, it found a new home on Washington Street.
Her connection to the Upper Peninsula started while living near Lake Superior during college. Between spending time outdoors and already having family ties to the U.P., Marquette quickly became a place she wanted to call home. She now has been living in the area for over two years.
Connecting with Innovate Marquette
Emily was drawn to Innovate Marquette because of her background in nonprofit finance and operations, but especially because of the opportunity to work directly with entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region.
Growing up around entrepreneurship also helped shape that interest. With a father who built multiple businesses throughout her childhood, she developed an appreciation for the creativity, persistence, and problem-solving that comes with building something from the ground up.
She is excited to continue building connections within the Marquette community while supporting local founders and innovative projects across the Upper Peninsula.
Her Time Outside the Office
Outside of work, Emily enjoys a wide range of creative and outdoor activities. Her free time often includes canoeing, snorkeling, telemark skiing, and cross-country skiing, along with a variety of fiber arts including quilting, embroidery, sewing, and knitting. She’s also an avid vegetable gardener.
More recently, pottery has become a major focus. She is currently a member at a local studio where she also teaches lessons, continuing to stay connected to creativity and hands-on learning outside of work.
