Staff

Emmalee Scott

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Director of Philanthropy and Engagement

Philanthropy and Engagement

Bio

Emmalee Scott serves as the Director of Philanthropy and Engagement with the ACLU of Illinois. In her role, Emmalee is responsible for developing and steering ACLU strategy for philanthropy and engaging a broad array of people, communities, and entities across the state in the ACLU’s important work.  Emmalee is also a driving force behind the creation and success of the ACLU Next Generation Society, which began in Chicago and now has a presence in other parts of the country.

Prior to joining the ACLU, Emmalee served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador, and a fellow for Habitat for Humanity. A native of central Illinois, she attended the University of Illinois before earning her master's degree in public affairs from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and certificate in social entrepreneurship from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Featured Work

News & Commentary
ACLU of Illinois Legislator Award Winnersstock

Reflecting on Five Years of the Next Generation Society

When the ACLU of Illinois founded the Next Generation Society in 2015, our goal was to bring together a diverse group of people united by a common commitment: to support the essential work of the ACLU. For a century, the ACLU has fought tirelessly to hold America to its promises. And over the last five years, the Next Generation Society has played a critical role in that fight. We have grown into a vibrant and vital part of the ACLU’s efforts to protect protestors’ First Amendment rights, reimagine policing, uphold reproductive freedom, preserve privacy, and much more. Activism and engagement have been central to Next Gen’s identity and impact from the start. Next Gen members have organized and participated in ACLU fundraising and events, taken to the streets, championed legislative initiatives, and served as cooperating attorneys and volunteers. When the Trump Administration issued the Muslim ban, Next Gen members showed up at O’Hare Airport to protest.