Emma Berry

Virginia Policy Advocate

Emma works directly with lead attorneys, communications staff, and SELC’s policy and outreach manager on priority issues. She assists in developing and implementing advocacy plans that support goals such as maintaining SELC’s strong presence in the Virginia state legislature and with state administration in Richmond. On the SELC lobbyist team, Emma tracks and advocates for or against state legislative proposals. 

“My current focus is on PFAS, the often unenforced and persistent industrial chemicals also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ that are ever present in our waterways and drinking water,” Emma said.  

Emma’s parents both have roots in South Carolina, and she grew up in Aiken, which gives her “a deep connection to the south. I think the south can often be overlooked in environmental work, but SELC is a powerhouse organization that leads the way in environmental advocacy, protection, and conservation. To have the opportunity to work with such a highly revered environmental organization is an absolute honor of mine and dream I now get to live!” 

For a decade prior to SELC, Emma lived in Charleston. “I have always found myself drawn to the Lowcountry salt marsh,” she said. “The smell of the sea salt in the air mixed with the pungent smell of the pluff mud and the feel of the coastal breeze on my skin is one of my most favorite experiences on a hot and humid, quiet summer evening. Watching the marsh grass change from a vibrant green in the summer to a golden hue in the winter has always been my way to mark the change of seasons.” 

• S.C. Coastal Conservation League, communities and transportation project manager 
• S.C. Land Trust Network (S.C. Land Protection Guidebook), environmental freelance writer  
• S.C. Department of Natural Resources, outreach specialist 
• Master in Letters (M.Litt.), University of Glasgow; graduated with distinction 
• B.A., College of Charleston, magna cum laude