Emily Najera has over a decade of experience in nonprofit marketing, communications, and philanthropy, focused on connecting organizations with the communities they serve. She has held roles at Sierra Arts Foundation and Renown Health Foundation, and now serves as Director of Development and Marketing at the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation. Her work centers on donor engagement, communications, and supporting fundraising efforts that directly impact children and families. In addition to her nonprofit work, Emily is a published photojournalist who documents stories and places across northern Nevada.

Why I started working at NNCCF
I was drawn to NNCCF because of their commitment to supporting local children and families facing cancer. It’s an organization that truly shows up for people, and I wanted to be part of that here in our community. Cancer touches so many lives, and it’s something most of us have experienced up close in one way or another. I’m excited to support this work and the families we serve.

Ask me about
Ask me about my time in AmeriCorps and living at Camp Richardson in Lake Tahoe.

What I think is amazing
I think it’s amazing what a community can do when people come together to support each other. The generosity and care people show is something I don’t take for granted.

Something quirky about me
I love road trips along old highways and backroads, especially places like Route 66 and the Loneliest Road in America here in Nevada. I’ve also watched Clue more times than I can count.

My role model
My role models are the incredible women in my life. My mom, sister, aunts, and cousins all shaped who I am.

My favorite quote
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way.” — Georgia O’Keeffe