Emily Gell

Emily received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Wellesley College and holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs from Brown University, where she concentrated in Data-Driven Policy. 

Emily began her career as a paralegal for the Legal Aid Society of New York, where she guided families facing eviction through the housing court system and identified resources to preserve their housing. She advanced into a position at Legal Aid’s Special Litigation and Law Reform Unit that allowed her to work closely with the NYC Department of Children and Families to improve transitional support services to young people exiting foster care to live independently. Emily’s experience fighting to dismantle unjust systems and policies that made opportunity inaccessible on the basis of race and income drove her to shift away from the legal field and pursue a graduate degree in Public Affairs.  

After earning her MPA, Emily relocated to Chicago to take a Research Analyst role at the UChicago Education Lab. In her three years there, Emily partnered with Chicago Public Schools and the New York City Department of Education to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of intensive personalized tutoring, mentoring and wellness programs at improving students’ academic and social-emotional growth. Emily is excited to bring her data analysis and evaluation skills to the Center for Equity + Social Justice to continue to advance equity in our schools.  

Fun Fact: Emily is an avid boulderer and is always looking for climbing buddies (no experience required)!