Emily Evans is the Director of the Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Insight (CNPI) at ECOnorthwest, where she leads projects that help foundations, nonprofits, and donors use data and applied research to drive meaningful impact. She specializes in social policy, applied research, community outreach, and data justice.
With two decades of experience at the intersection of philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, data justice, and systems change, Emily is known for translating complex information into insight that supports equity-centered decision-making. Before joining ECO, she ran a boutique consulting practice supporting foundations, government agencies, and mission-driven organizations with strategy and organizational development.
Earlier in her career, she served for seven years as Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, where her work on the Count Her In report and related policy briefs helped advance landmark legislation, including major child care investments, paid family leave, reproductive health equity, and one of the nation’s strongest pay equity laws. Emily has also held research and policy roles at several national think tanks focused on public policy innovation, economic equity, and systems change.
Emily lives in Northwest Portland with her wonderful wife, two terrific kids, and two rascally dogs. She is happiest where good data, bold ideas, and community wisdom meet.