Emma Houston

Emma Houston serves as Senior Program Coordinator at The Difference Engine, Arizona State University's venture studio that creates practical solutions to inequality by leveraging student innovation, faculty expertise, and community leadership. In this role, she orchestrates the operational foundation that enables the Engine's impactful work across flagship initiatives including the Women's Power & Influence Index, the Distinguished Innovation Fellows program, the Creative Justice Lab, and the New Policing Project.

Emma brings advanced expertise in program development and extensive nonprofit sector experience encompassing program management, mentorship, and youth support. Her educational foundation combines Psychology and Studio Art, reflecting her people-centered approach and creative problem-solving capabilities. As valedictorian of her college, she demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and leadership that she now applies to building practical solutions for communities nationwide.

Guided by commitments to sustainability and social justice, Emma infuses creativity into every aspect of her work at the Engine, believing in art and design's power to drive innovation. Her talent for identifying and implementing streamlined solutions has been instrumental in scaling the Engine's operations as it has grown to engage over 55 Difference Engineers and secure over $7.1 million in funding from organizations including Magic Johnson Enterprises, the Ford Foundation, and the Henry Luce Foundation.

With exceptional communication skills, keen attention to detail, and dedication to collaborative success, Emma builds meaningful relationships with colleagues, students, and community partners while fostering the organizational excellence that enables transformative social change.