In the inaugural class of the MPP program, Emily concentrated in Education & Labor force policy and how postsecondary education can be made more accessible to disadvantaged groups. In her undergraduate career, she worked alongside various North Carolina education policy non-profits focused on making education in NC more equitable and affordable. Born and raised in Concord, North Carolina, Emily graduated with a BA in Public Policy and Political Science from UNC-Chapel Hill in May 2022, and the Master of Public Policy in August 2023.