Before joining Emerge, I spent nearly 20 years teaching elementary school. While I loved education and the relationships I built with students and families, I found myself doing a lot of soul-searching about what was next.
As I explored new possibilities, I kept finding myself drawn to Emerge. I followed the company on social media and was inspired by the culture, the teamwork, and most importantly, the mission of revitalizing rural Iowa. Every time I seemed to be searching for direction, something related to Emerge or Shelly would appear. Eventually, I decided to reach out, not even knowing exactly what I was looking for.
Looking back, it feels like all those paths were leading me here.
Today, I serve as a Support Specialist at Emerge. While much of my work focuses on Evolution of the Heartland, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to nearly every aspect of the company over the years. I often joke that I’m a “jack of all trades” because I jump in wherever help is needed, whether that’s social media, website updates, blog writing, Google Ads, administrative support, or client projects.
One of my favorite parts of working at Emerge has been helping tell the stories of rural Iowa through Evolution of the Heartland. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with community leaders, business owners, and organizations that are working hard to strengthen their communities. Seeing the pride people have in their hometowns and helping share those stories is incredibly rewarding.
To me, Emerge means growth and possibility. It’s about seeing potential where others might not and believing that people, businesses, and communities can become something even stronger with the right support and encouragement.
What makes Emerge different is the people. We genuinely care about the clients we serve. We don’t see them as projects. We see them as partners, and we want to help them succeed.
As we celebrate 10 years, I’m excited to see what new opportunities, partnerships, and stories the future brings. Every project is different, and that’s one of the things I love most about this work.
Most of all, I’m grateful I decided to send that message to Shelly. It led me to an opportunity that has challenged me, encouraged me, and allowed me to continue growing while supporting a mission I deeply believe in. Along the way, I’ve also gained friendships and a team that I know I can count on.
For that, I’ll always be grateful.
-Annie
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