Emerge Staff Spotlight: April 2025

  • Apr 17, 2025
  • Emerge Staff

Emerge Staff Spotlight, April 2025:

Cristy Williams, Senior Accountant

Find out more about Cristy:

 

Why is your work at Emerge important?
As the Senior Accountant at Emerge, I am responsible for maintaining financial integrity and transparent financial records in order to show that Emerge is responsibly handling funds that are intended to support the empowerment of Democratic women and people, which is vital for building trust with our donors for continued funding and support. Maintaining integrity and transparency allows for ease in compliance with relevant laws and regulations and avoids issues to ensure the organization can continue its very important mission without major interruptions. For a while, I wasn’t sure how my work contributed to the organization as a whole but it was my colleagues that helped me realize that my role isn’t just about managing the books but that I am a key player in making sure that Emerge’s financial health supports its mission to empower Democratic women to run for office, thus contributing to a more diverse, equitable, and representative political landscape.

 

Who in politics inspires you?
 I think it is hard to narrow it down to just one person because I know that it takes more than just one person to ensure that the government is working for the people. Right now, my inspiration is coming from the women stepping up to run in their local elections in the aftermath of what has been happening at the federal level. I was lucky enough to attend the Emerge Kentucky Class Reception after legislative shadow day and there was an undeniable energy in the air – one of hope, shared dreams and collective ambition. Each person with their own story, hoping to break barriers or make history, but definitely working towards transforming political spaces to better represent the people. It made me hopeful during a time that it is so hard to be.

 

What do you like to do in your free time?
 I live for kayaking, hiking, and live comedy shows (because Kentucky gets cold in the winter). A perfect day is during a camping weekend where we take my pup (Emma B) out kayaking and/or hiking, then relaxing next to the fire under the stars.