Emily Schichtel is a born and raised Grand Rapidian. She received a B.A. in Liberal Studies and went on to finish her Master’s in Public Administration at GVSU. She has extensive non-profit experience from fundraising and grant development to her current role as Community Impact Manager at Heart of West Michigan United Way.

She feels inspired by the message of St. Francis, particularly his relationship with animals. Emily and her husband, Tommy, have one teenage daughter, 2 rescue dogs, 1 rescue cat, and a very sweet hamster. Emily is excited to be volunteering with Saint Francis Sculpture Garden and believes in the power of quiet, natural, and reflective spaces to create peace and joy.