Emily was born in Seoul, South Korea, adopted, then raised in Santa Rosa California before attending college in San Francisco.

She grew up in a Christian home, but the humbleness of Jesus impacted her in a new way on a youth mission trip to Mexico. Everyone was asked to wash the feet of the person sitting next to them—something about being surrounded by people so full of love and happiness, but also being vulnerable and discomforted by having someone wash her dirty, calloused feet really left an impact on her. It reminded her of Jesus performing this lowliest of jobs for his disciples to show he’ll do anything for us, including cleanse us of our sins.

Emily was widowed at a young age while pregnant with their second child. She met her second husband, Sam, on a dating app…only to discover she had ridden to a Reality LA Women’s Retreat with his sister five years earlier!

She once prayed for God to show her how she could have a job with more meaning and fulfillment. Shortly after, an accounting position opened at her church and she’s been passionate about working for nonprofits like Reality LA and Claris Health ever since.

Emily, now a mother of three, loves snowboarding; loves LA’s diversity, weather, food, and beach; and loves her Westside community.