Emerge Staff Spotlight, January 2025:
Jill Barkley Roy, Emerge Action Fund Director
Find out more about Jill:
Why is your work at Emerge important?
I believe that representation matters at all levels of government and that everyone
deserves to feel seen and heard by their elected officials. My work at Emerge Action Fund encourages women and non-binary folks to find their pathway to leadership, including running for office!
deserves to feel seen and heard by their elected officials. My work at Emerge Action Fund encourages women and non-binary folks to find their pathway to leadership, including running for office!
Who in politics inspires you?
Locally, I’m inspired by my Emerge Maine sister, Representative Deqa Dhalac. Deqa served as one of my City Councilors here in South Portland Maine, and was the first Somali Mayor in the United States! She now serves in the Maine House for a second term, after becoming one of the first Muslims ever elected to the body when she ran the first time. She loves our community and represents the underrepresented just by being who she is and speaking her truth to power.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I serve on two commissions and volunteer for candidates and campaigns — but my favorite thing to do is spend time with my wife Amy, our daughter Kennedy and our dog, Jacob. I love my family and they bring me so much joy!