Area of Interest: Mental Health & Wellbeing / Education / Community / Arts
Location: Victoria, BC
Pronouns: She/Her

Originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand, Emily moved to the northern hemisphere, spent her teens in Heiltsuk Territory on the central coast of BC, and eventually found her home on Vancouver Island.

Emily graduated from the Simon Fraser University Writers Studio Program, where she discovered a passion for poetry and explored a variety of literary genres. She maintains a lifelong writing practice and is currently working on a memoir. Emily is the Executive Director and founder of the Connection Project Society, and she also holds the roles of Artistic Director and Speaker Coach for the Connection Project’s annual mental health storytelling event.

With over two decades of experience in leadership and management, Emily is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential. Her background includes practical experience in operations and people management, as well as training in acting for theatre, film, and television. Emily's recent exploration into documentary filmmaking stems from her deep appreciation for storytelling as a meaningful tool to establish genuine human connections.

Emily serves on the PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱ Board—an organization devoted to W̱SÁNEĆ restoration, revitalization, food security, and Indigenous food sovereignty. She also undertakes diverse responsibilities within various roles at the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board.

Further, Emily is a dedicated Cultivating Safe Spaces training facilitator. Her aim is to dismantle colonial influences in personal and systemic contexts, while drawing from her skill set and extensive experience to drive positive and enduring change.

Emily lives in W̱SÁNEĆ territory on Vancouver Island, BC, with her husband and two children.