What Emerge Means to Katie

Finding Creativity, Community, and a Place at Emerge

My first introduction to Emerge happened without me realizing it would eventually lead to a new career.

In the fall of 2022, my husband was grilling burgers with the Carroll County Cattlemen at an event near our home outside of Manning, and I decided to tag along. That event was Evolution of the Heartland. I remember being inspired by the way it celebrated agriculture, rural communities, and the people who make rural Iowa special.

A few years later, I found myself looking for something new in my career. I enjoyed my previous role, but frequent travel and weekend work had become harder to balance as a new mom. I was also missing a creative outlet and wanted a role where I could use that side of my brain every day.

My husband kept encouraging me to reach out to Shelly at Emerge Marketing. Thankfully, I listened. The timing couldn’t have been better, and I joined Emerge as a Creative Specialist in November 2025.

Before Emerge, I earned degrees in agricultural communications and international agriculture and spent six years working for Special Olympics Iowa. Today, I primarily support Manning Regional Healthcare Center and the Iowa Rural Development Council through marketing planning, social media content, and one of my favorite parts of the job, photography.

I’ve already had opportunities to work on projects that remind me why I was drawn to Emerge in the first place. I love working on the MRHC newsletter because it gives me a chance to step back and see everything the hospital has accomplished. Attending the RISE: Iowa Rural Summit with IRDC was another highlight. Being surrounded by people who are passionate about strengthening rural Iowa was inspiring, and it was also the first major event I photographed for Emerge.

When I think about the word “Emerge,” I think about being on the brink of something new. Growth isn’t a destination, it’s an ongoing process that unfolds with every new opportunity.

I think our team is what sets us apart from other firms. Our team is made up of incredibly talented, driven women who aren’t just talking about revitalizing rural Iowa, we’re living it. I see Emerge making a meaningful impact by helping small businesses, nonprofits, and communities when it’s often (understandably) pushed to the back burner for those organizations. We bring fresh ideas and a passionate team that is ready to help share their stories.

As Emerge celebrates 10 years, I’m excited to keep learning, meet more people, and help tell the stories of communities and organizations across Iowa.

For me, this chapter is just beginning.