Key Facts
Background
Emma Phillips is a biology instructor at Blue Ridge Community College. She has previously taught at James Madison University in STEM fields. Phillips has received the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Academic Advising and is a two-time winner of Phi Theta Kappa’s Inspiring Educator award [1, 3].
Phillips has served on the Smithland Elementary School PTO and is coordinator for the Smithland Backpack Program, which distributes food to food insecure students. She is an advisor of the Prism Club at Blue Ridge Community College, a club which offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ students and allies [1, 2, 4, 5].
Key Issues
Curriculum
Phillips plans to coordinate programming between Harrisonburg City’s two high schools and support a STEM academy at the new high school. She supports programs such as On The Road Collaborative in reducing obstacles in STEM education. Phillips aims to increase the participation of girls and minority children in STEM careers [1, 3].
LGBTQIA+
Phillips plans to support policies that support the LGBTQIA+ population. She was originally motivated to run in this election after hearing parents attack transgender students [2, 4].
Miscellaneous
Phillips seeks to close gaps in education and improve equity by targeting populations who are left behind [2].
Endorsements
Harrisonburg Democratic Committee; Eileen Filler-Corn, Former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates; Rural GroundGame
Sources
1 Daily News Record
2 Facebook
3 The Citizen
4 WHSV 3
5 Harrisonburg Education Foundation
6 Twitter
7 Mobilize
8 VPAP
9 Virginia Department of Elections