Emily Allen

Emily was the Managing Director at START from 2012 - 2020. In this role, she directed all Center activities, including overseeing daily operations, managing a team of 30 people, interfacing with clients, and keeping approximately 15 ongoing projects running smoothly. Before joining START, Emily lived and worked in rural Belize with the United States Peace Corps, empowering women through training, leadership, and strengthening small business organizational capacities. Emily is an action-oriented leader who thrives by motivating diverse stakeholders towards a common goal. She holds a Master of Public Policy and Governance and Bachelor of Economics, both from the University of Washington, and spent her first 17 years living in Europe.  In her spare time, she can be found planning an upcoming travel adventure, trying a new recipe, moonlighting as a day-of wedding coordinator, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and cat.