Emily Chavis, M.Ed.

Emily Chavis has nearly 5 years of experience analyzing and evaluating education policy initiatives with a focus in early childhood education. She is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and has worked closely with tribal communities across the state. Most recently, Chavis helped the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs better understand the need for early childhood engagement in tribal communities.

As a research associate in the Tribal Evaluation practice area, Chavis contributes to a range of research and evaluation projects. She currently supports the review of home visiting designs and methodologies as part of the Center for Indigenous Research Collaborations and Learning for Home Visiting. She also leads dissemination activities for the Tribal Evaluation Institute.

Chavis received an M.Ed. in education policy from the University of Washington and a B.A. in American Indian and Indigenous Studies from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

My experience as an Indigenous woman in a low-performing school system was the force that propelled me into a field where I can address the educational needs in underserved communities, specifically Indigenous communities. Education is a crucial part of a child’s future, especially in early childhood. Using my knowledge to promote systemic change will help to ensure generations of students have equitable access to the resources they need to reach their full potential.