Alumni Spotlights

Emma Roedel '20

Emma Roedel '20

Employer
Executive Director of the Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation

LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaroedel

1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
After graduating amidst a global pandemic, I decided to pursue a career in Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development with Steelcase’s internship program. Through working with students on a daily basis, I realized my passion for supporting the needs of educators and students. I am now able to live that passion every day as the Executive Director of the Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation, where we fundraise for and distribute $200,000 in grants to Forest Hills Area Schools annually. I am a proud West Michigander and Laker. I have continued to be involved with GVSU through mentorship, providing professional development opportunities through the career center, and University Development!

2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
My favorite memory of Grand Valley was the day that I toured campus for the first time after transferring. I immediately knew that I had made the right decision— Grand Valley was home from the moment I stepped foot on campus!

3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
My parents, who are both educators, always told my siblings and me to “use your resources.”They encouraged using any tools and technology available to you to achieve success." There’s no prize for doing a task the hard way when there’s a more efficient solution!

4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand Valley experience.
Inclusion, Enlightening, and Supported

5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I hope that I will be able to contribute to a world where everyone has opportunities and access to an equal education. There are barriers to higher education for so many, and I hope to help create a world where those barriers no longer exist.

July 2023

Interest Area(s)
Communications, Writing

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Page last modified July 7, 2023