Emily Strickler
She’s driven to impact her community through her design and branding skills, but Emily doubles down on her impact by prioritizing working with clients who do the same.
What makes you feel proud?
I feel proud anytime I get to support a client to affect positive change in their community, whenever I’m able to help a student have a creative breakthrough or achieve their goals (both in my classroom and when they’re out in the real world), and, honestly, anytime I figure out a really tricky piece of code when I’m developing a website.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
Being a confident woman in a male- dominated industry and patriarchal society has been my biggest obstacle so far. I can’t count the number of times I wasn’t taken seriously or respected for my intelligence, experience and expertise, starting as early as high school, by male peers, professors, clients or even boyfriends. Luckily I listened to my Mom’s advice and never let anyone else define my limitations.
“A community that doesn’t believe in the importance of the arts is one that will never fully thrive—the arts are an integral cornerstone to our culture and the innovation that drives our society.”
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I hope that this time next year I’ve grown in experience by constantly learning from the friends, family and community I’ve surrounded myself with.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
I would love to help others to see the significance and impact of creativity, the arts and art education. A community that doesn’t believe in the importance of the arts is one that will never fully thrive—the arts are an integral cornerstone to our culture and the innovation that drives our society.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never start a project without a contract and a downpayment.
Emily is one of 100 women we have featured in the inaugural issue of Hundred Magazine. To learn more about her and the other 99 women, buy the issue.
