Emily Goodwin

Master of Science in Community Development

Clarksdale, MS

Emily is originally from New Bern; a small coastal town in North Carolina. She attended North Carolina State University where she studied film and art & design. Upon completion of her degree, she moved to Cleveland, Mississippi to teach digital art at Cleveland Central Middle School. She was able to start Art Club, create CCMS’s first yearbook, and form a mental health and female empowerment group with eight girls grade students. 

Emily’s Social Entrepreneurship Project is centered around community development and more specifically positive and accessible community spaces. She is updating basketball courts by painting murals on them, as sometimes seen in larger cities. What makes this project special though, is that the murals will be entirely designed and painted by students and community volunteers. 

An inspirational source for Emily’s passion for community projects is one of her favorite quotes, “with our thoughts, we make the world” (Buddha). Without ideas, creativity, and innovation nothing will ever change, ideas are powerful. 

Fun Fact: Emily believes part of creating change is also being brave in going after what you believe in. This is not so symbolic, but Emily is terrified of heights and once faced this fear by flying a two-seater plane.