Emily was born in Des Moines, IA. She received a B.A. in political science and a minor in chemistry from the University of Northern Iowa. She continued her pursuit of education at Drake University Law School, and graduated in May 2015 with concentrations and certificates in legislative practice and public service. While attending Drake Law School, she was selected to be one of three Iowa Supreme Court interns and was elected Justice of the Cole Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta.
Emily entered law school knowing that she wanted to fight for justice and equity for all. After becoming a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, she went into private practice with the same zeal for justice. She practiced general practice law and public defense at Demichelis Law Firm. After recognizing how flawed the criminal justice system was, she realized that her fight for “justice and equity for all” was not going to be attained by working within that system. She turned her focus to civil and human rights, where she could work to proactively address current and future issues.
In her current position with the City of Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Department, she serves as a Human Rights Specialist, the Cornerstone Events Coordinator, and the City’s liaison to the LGBT Advisory Council. Emily’s current position allows her to pursue her passion for justice proactively. Emily and her wife, Rachel, live in Windsor Heights with Swayze Patrick, their miniature American Eskimo.