Emmie Lacy

Emmie is a Virginia native who currently lives in the Pacific Northwest. She graduated with a BA in Creative Advertising with double minors in Technical Writing and Nonprofit Studies. Prior to joining The Land Institute’s Impact Team, Emmie worked as a Senior Program Manager, in which she facilitated luncheons with corporate sponsors to highlight the realities of in-school service for AmeriCorps members and provided first-hand experiences of how their donations support education equity. Through interacting with donors and corporate sponsors, she gained skills in articulating organizational impact through storytelling rooted in data and impactful moments to highlight key successes of service. Emmie also recently worked as a temporary Garden Educator with a local nonprofit organization called Grow Portland in Portland, Oregon, where she worked in two elementary schools teaching five classes a day on topics ranging from food systems to seeds, translating high-level scientific information into a digestible format suitable for students across all age groups. 

Q&A

What’s most inspiring about your specific position at The Land Institute?

The Land Institute’s crucial work cannot progress and grow without cultivating strong partnerships with donors. And that’s where I feel called in particular to the Impact Specialist position – I want to help drive belief and conviction in The Land Institute’s work, and show donors and prospects the transformative potential that their contributions can have on our planet and food systems. I also love the relationship-focused approach that the Impact Team has when working with donors.

What drew you to work at The Land Institute?

I really resonated with the way The Land Institute focuses on growing food in partnership with nature. That perspective reminds us that we are interconnected with nature and have a responsibility to support the future of land. I am energized by the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive alongside like-minded, service-driven people while supporting and driving the advancement of the incredible work of The Land Institute.

What’s one aspect of your life history that most people don’t know or wouldn’t expect? 

I used to do synchronized swimming for 9 years! I was on a team in Richmond, VA growing up and got to travel a decent amount around the country for competitions. It helped to ignite my interest in traveling and seeing new places.

What else are you passionate about outside of work?
I love getting to connect with nature – that was a big part of why we moved to the PNW from the east coast. From exploring hiking trails with my two pups and partner to camping amongst the large trees, there is so much beauty to see. I also love cozying up with a good book and practicing hot yoga in my free time.

What is your motto or favorite quote?
“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes
after night, and spring after the winter.” —Rachel Carson

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