Alumni in 5
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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