Emily Herd

As a Development Specialist, Emily helps to draft grant reports, budget narratives, and concept papers. She also processes grant awards, coordinates stewardship updates, prepares donor correspondence, manages grant and individual donor records, and conducts development-related research.

Prior to joining The Education Trust, Emily received a Fulbright grant to Estonia, where she taught English as a foreign language and promoted cultural exchange through direct regional outreach. During her junior year of college, Emily was an intern on Ed Trust’s Partnerships and Engagement team.

Emily grew up in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and moved south to attend the University of South Carolina’s Honor College, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in education, Spanish, and business administration.

What are people most surprised to learn about you?

I am scuba certified and have been sky diving! I love extreme and adventure sports.

What drew you to education?

My mother had to finish school at 16 and did not have the opportunity to attend college. She instilled the value of education in my sister and me, and made sure that school was always our top priority. My mom is now a paraprofessional educator in a special education classroom who advocates for her students to receive equitable education opportunities.

Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?

I am honored to be part of a team of talented, passionate individuals who work tirelessly to advocate for equity in education. Education holds tremendous power that cannot be fully harnessed until students of color and students from low-income backgrounds are intentionally and meaningfully supported by their school systems.