Emilie Rodriguez Ellis

Emilie Rodriguez Ellis is a Senior Program Officer with a strong background in community development and a passion for promoting health equity. With over a decade of experience in public health, food access, youth engagement, environmental justice and conservation, Emilie has focused on supporting rural Indigenous communities in the United States for nearly eight years. Her career has been shaped by the belief that health is a fundamental human right, and she recognizes that it encompasses more than just access to quality health care.

Emilie’s role at the Foundation focuses on Affordable Housing, Child and Youth Physical Well-Being, and Food Access and Security. She brings her expertise and community-centered approach to foster relationships built on trust with communities, empowering them to become catalysts for change and live healthier lives. Emilie also contributes to shaping the Foundation’s strategies, ensuring they are informed by the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve.

Emilie’s commitment to the Foundation’s mission stems from personal experiences and a desire to address systemic inequalities. Having grown up in an environment with access to quality health care, safe outdoor spaces, nutritious food and education, she recognizes the privileges she has enjoyed. Her time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia exposed her to the challenges faced by isolated rural communities, igniting her passion for helping marginalized populations. Working with rural Indigenous communities in the United States further solidified her commitment to fighting injustices that disproportionately affect people of color and hinder their ability to live healthy lives.

Emilie and her husband relocated to Colorado from Southern California in 2019. Embracing the state’s natural beauty, she finds solace in strength training and practicing yoga, which contribute to her overall well-being. When indulging in downtime, Emilie enjoys feeding her chocolate addiction while watching horror movies. Additionally, she has a love for houseplants, cultivating her home into an indoor jungle.

Among Colorado’s attractions, Emilie’s favorite is Rocky Mountain National Park, particularly the hike to Emerald Lake. She also looks forward to discovering new hiking trails, attending outdoor concerts, visiting museums and enjoying Colorado’s diverse offerings. Emilie has a lifelong passion for international travel, appreciating different cultures, traditional arts and crafts, and savoring new culinary experiences. She indulges her creative side through metalsmithing, taking classes and crafting jewelry and metal art at the Boulder Metalsmithing Association. Above all, she values continuous learning and professional development as she strives to make a meaningful impact in her field.

Education

BA Anthropology and BA International Studies-Linguistics – University of California, San Diego

MA Development Studies – Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland