As a professor of practice in social work policy, Emi prepares students to understand, analyze, and influence the policies that shape people’s lives and the practice of social work. Drawing on her background in law, advocacy, public service, and community engagement, she connects policy concepts to current events and real-world practice, with particular attention to voting and civic participation, immigrant rights, social justice, and the ethical use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Emi’s teaching is compassionate, interactive, and grounded in the belief that students learn policy best when they can see themselves as participants in the policy process. She creates opportunities for students to question assumptions, examine how power and inequality shape policy, strengthen their professional voice, and practice skills in advocacy, policy analysis, civic engagement, and leadership. Her goal is not only to help students understand complex systems, but also to prepare them to act ethically, think critically, and use their roles as social workers to advance meaningful and equitable change.