Discover Mukilteo is back for the new year, and we talked with Emma Leedy, Events and Outreach Coordinator at the Port of Everett. For those who don’t know, Emma, the Kamiak grad and Gonzaga Alumni worked for many non-profits throughout Snohomish County. She also served as a community volunteer dating to her days at Kamiak. She is a pleasure to work with and a lot of fun to be around, which is why her current role at the Port of Everett suits her.
You currently work for the Port of Everett. Can you tell us a little about your role? At the Port of Everett, I get to work on various events like ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, customer appreciation events, outdoor movies, and more! I also help with outreach to nearby neighborhoods and communities through presentations, bus and harbor tours, and attending local fairs/festivals.
Before working for the Port, you worked for three local non-profit organizations. Can you tell us a little about these roles and how you started in the non-profit world? I’ve always been interested in events and began interning at the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce when I was in college after reaching out to a family friend that worked there. I was hired part-time after I graduated and helped with events, marketing, and tourism. I also worked for the Mukilteo Schools Foundation and assisted with events and administrative duties. After about a year and a half at the Mukilteo Chamber, I became the Development and Volunteer Manager at Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County. I worked on fundraising events and managed a group of volunteers. I was there for almost 5 years before starting a new position at the Port of Everett in June 2022.
What is your favorite type of event to plan and why? I like planning an event where I can be creative – I love a good theme! Auctions are fun because they usually have a theme, and I can work on the details, like taglines, color schemes, décor, giveaways, etc.
What is your favorite type of event to attend and why? I enjoy attending concerts – I’m big into music and enjoy seeing my favorite artists live! I also enjoy going to festivals (like wine-tasting festivals) where there is an interactive experience.
You were known for your creative icebreakers and games. Which one was your favorite and why? I always really like human bingo (i.e., find someone who has traveled outside of the country). It’s an easy icebreaker and a great conversation starter. I always learn something new – even if I think I know someone well!
Is there an achievement or contribution you are most proud of, and why? I am proud to say I donated over 10 inches of my hair to Lock of Love in 2021. For most of my life, I’ve had fairly short, and once the pandemic started I had the opportunity to grow out my hair – for a good cause.
What is your favorite place in Mukilteo to visit and why? Mukilteo has some incredible sunsets! I love heading to One Club House Lane (particularly St. Andrews Drive) to capture a great photo of the sunset – you just can’t beat it!
Do you have a favorite book, website, or podcast, and why? I’m a big reader (I usually go for “rom-coms” and thrillers), Pinterest is my happy place (I could scroll for hours), and I’m into true crime podcasts (I know a lot of people are, but I can’t explain why I am!).
If you could have dinner with someone (alive or dead, real or fictional), who would it be and why? Martha Stewart –she is the queen of entertaining! Not only do I love doing events for work, but I love entertaining friends and family, so I would want to pick her brain and soak up all the tips and tricks.
What do you think surprises people about you? That I’m an only child!
Is there anything else you would like to share with me? I’m a Gonzaga grad and proud of it – GO ZAGS!
State of the City