Emily was born and raised in Oceanside, California. She has always been a person of good nature, ready to give 110 percent in everything she does. Her love for non-profit organizations started at the age of eight, after taking a field trip with her Girl Scout troop to visit Canine Companions – an organization that provides service dogs to people with disabilities.
In 2018, Emily’s passions led her to become a kennel technician for Canine Companions, where she was tasked to help care for the dogs while they were in training. After almost three years of work in California, she found herself moving to the DFW area to continue her career with Canine Companions as a service dog trainer.
In March of this year, Emily sought something new, and started working for GRACE, diving right in to assist with all things special events. Her attention to detail, her desire to learn, and her willingness to always lend a helping hand are just a few special traits that have caught the attention of GRACE staff, volunteers, and even members of the GRACE Board.
GRACE Grant Writer, Kristina Davis recalled, “Halfway through her second interview with us, I started to get excited about Emily joining the GRACE Family. She has a calmness about her that during the height of Gala season will come in handy for her and us. Though I don’t get the opportunity to work with her directly, the stability she brings to the development department and her willingness to pivot with grace at a moment’s notice has not gone unnoticed.”
When asked about why she loves working with GRACE, Emily credits the mission and how directly involved GRACE is with the community surrounding it. “My work here allows me to serve the community in my own backyard, alongside a wonderful team,” said Emily. “It is a beautiful thing to see that people really do want to make a difference.”
When Emily is not working, you can find her enjoying some of her favorite hobbies, which include visiting and supporting local businesses and restaurants, watching thriller movies, and expressing her creative side through cross-stitching. Emily also enjoys traveling, having visited 17 states – but her favorite place to be is Seattle, Washington.
Emily credits American children’s television and education icon, Fred Rogers, as her biggest inspiration. His words guide her in the work she does – “As you grow, you’ll find many ways to show people your love.” It’s no wonder she’s found this passion for non-profit work as a way to show love to neighbors near and far.
As we prepare for the year’s most anticipated event, the 20th annual GRACE “angels among us” Gala, Emily has been working alongside our wonderful Gala committee to make sure that this year is the best one yet. For more information on how you can be a part of this hardworking committee, please reach out to Emily, at emiranda@GRACEGrapevine.org.
Welcome to the GRACE family, Emily!
