Emmalee Wagner joined the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement in January as the project coordinator for the Talent Pathways Initiative, which is focused on growing talent for two of the region’s largest and fastest-growing industry clusters: Life Sciences & Biotechnology and Transportation Manufacturing & Autonomy. Raised in the sunny state of Florida, she spent the last eight years in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she pursued dual majors in political science and economics at the University of Utah.

1. What was your first job and what did it teach you?

When I was in high school, I lived in Egypt for a year and a half. I was a student hire at the United States Embassy over summer and winter breaks. I worked in the community liaison office and was in charge of newsletters and facilitating onboarding and offboarding. The job taught me how to be clear and concise in my communication and have a strong understanding of my audience.

2. What made you interested in economic development?

In high school, I learned about microloan programs for women in developing companies. Learning about that made me want to be involved in helping communities through economic policy. I looked into what education I might need to work for NGOs or similar organizations. I originally wanted to work for the Foreign Service and work at embassies. But traveling around the U.S., I saw so many discrepancies between towns, which made me interested in understanding what vibrant towns do to keep their vitality. That’s what led me back to local economic development in the U.S. versus developing countries.

3. What have you enjoyed most about working on the Talent Pathways Initiative so far?

Working with our implementation partners. As this is my first time working in economic development, the partners have helped me by sharing their experience and giving me good feedback. I’m happy to be learning new skills, and these partners have been great role models for me.

4. What are you looking forward to learning or doing as you move forward with the project?

I’ve had a great time touring life science and biotech companies in the region. I toured Virginia Tech Carilion and Qentoros, a company focused on treating orthopedic injuries in horses. In the future, I’m excited to learn more about occupations in transportation manufacturing and autonomy and go on tours of companies such as MELD Manufacturing and Volvo. Seeing companies in-person helps with my understanding of the industries, and I’ve learned so much about career opportunities in the region from talking to employers and going on tours.

5. What is your favorite part about working with organizations and employers in Region 2?

I’ve been impressed by the pride people have in the region. That’s important for maintaining momentum with development programs. It is motivating that on an individual level people are so excited and happy about where they live and have a passion for developing the region and making it successful.

6. What is the most memorable place you have ever visited?

The island of Chiloé in Chile. It’s the furthest south I’ve ever been. There’s no light pollution, and it was so dark I was able to see the Milky Way and shooting stars. There is a lot of wildlife on the island including penguins, sheep, and horses. Also, the architecture is unique, and I enjoyed seeing the rustic churches.

7. What is a book you read that you would recommend?

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. I enjoy listening to it while I go on walks to revisit topics I learned in school. I liked science a lot when I was a kid, and it’s been a great read so far.

8. What is the best advice you have ever received?

My last manager helped me learn how to establish and maintain professional boundaries. She helped me realize the importance of a healthy work-life balance – being proud of the work you do but making sure that’s not the only thing you’re proud of.