Bio

With a background spanning higher education, local government, and venture capital, Emma O’Rourke-Powell (she/any) brings a unique perspective to every challenge. Her approach combines deep listening and creative problem-solving, allowing her to design and implement programs that not only look good on paper but make a real difference in people’s lives.

Whether Emma is managing a long-term initiative, facilitating a workshop, or speaking at a national conference, her goal is always the same: to bring clarity to chaos and turn visionary ideas into tangible results. Emma received her bachelor’s degree from Whitman College in Politics and her MBA from University of California, Davis.

Get to Know Emma

What excites you most about your job?

“Closing equity gaps (e.g., pay gaps, time-to-get-hired gaps) is my motivation!”

What was your dream job as a kid?

“I wanted to help change the world. So, as a kid, I was interested in government.”

What are your superpowers inside and outside of work?

“I’m a strategic generalist who thrives at the intersection of vision and execution, particularly in the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion. My expertise lies in translating complex ideas into actionable plans that create lasting change.”