Emily Long
director of development

What brought you to Austin?
My now husband brought me to Austin.  We swam all day and listened to music all night.  I was sold!

Who is a local entrepreneur you admire?
Dede Clark, founder and creative director for kidsActing.  I can identify with her as an artist and admire her for following her passion, teaching children and giving back to the community by making kidsActing classes available to low-income children through her foundation.

Who inspired you?
My theatre arts teacher at the Lafayette Parish High School Arts Academy, Ms. Sally Graham.  She pushed me even when, as a teenager, I did not want to be pushed.  She taught me to love all aspects of the theatre from performance to technical, to work as a team and to never give up. 

What is your favorite Austin business?
SprATX because they are a perfect example of how Austin embraces art and artist, allowing them to have a chance to create unconventional entrepreneurial success stories. SprATX has taken their love of street art and courageously leaped out of the box to create an entire business from installations to branding all while remembering to give back to fellow artist and our community.   

Why Junior Achievement?
JA offers a bridge to the future for all young people regardless of socioeconomic stature.  It gives students the opportunity to dream big and the tools reach their goals.  I love JA because it creates confident courageous kiddos that will in turn help to strengthen their communities. 

What is a piece of financial advice you rely on or wish you had learned earlier?
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

What is some advice you would give your high school self?
Relax, everyone is freaking out too.