Photo: McBoat Photography
Cole: What inspired you to pursue a career in community/political service, and how did you get started? Emerson: My journey into community and political service started when I was just a little girl. Leadership has always been a part of who I am. I first got involved in student government in the third grade at Smith Elementary School. As a student body leader, I was part of a group that was responsible for bringing resources, ideas, and suggestions to the school administration. We were the voices of our peers, and I loved the feeling of being part of a group that could drive change. This early experience planted the seed for my future in leadership and advocacy. In high school at Eaglecrest, I continued this path by becoming a Student Body Representative in the student council. These experiences taught me the importance of representation and advocacy. But it wasn’t just my school experiences that fueled my passion for community service; my parents were a huge influence. My father was the president of one of the oldest Civil Rights organizations in Colorado, the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance. I remember helping him organize voter registration and information events specifically targeting the Black community. I attended political events with him, met politicians, and even at a young age, I found it exciting. My mother was equally influential;
she was adamant about understanding ballot measures and knowing where candidates stood on issues that mattered to her. She would take us to vote with her, gather pamphlets, and even had us going door to door in our neighborhood to share information about elections and voting. My parents were my first mentors in community and political service, and they instilled in me the belief that it is not just a right but a responsibility to be involved and make a difference. Cole: As an African American woman leader, what do you consider to be one of the most difficult obstacles you’ve faced? Emerson: One of the most challenging obstacles I’ve faced is being devalued because of my gender and ethnicity. There have been many instances where I’ve shown up in rooms where I was the only African American woman, and despite my qualifications, my experience and knowledge were often overlooked. It’s disheartening, especially when you know you’re highly educated and have the expertise to contribute meaningfully to the conversation. However, these experiences have also been empowering. They’ve taught me to be more assertive and outspoken. I’ve learned to demand respect for my presence and ensure that my contributions are acknowledged. It’s about
23 The Acumen
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