Meet Emma Swanson, GIS Analyst

Your Journey So Far

What path led you here, and what first sparked your interest in this field?

I have always been very interested in human geography (even in elementary school when I didn’t know what that concept was) and my interest continued throughout high school and college. In high school I took a GIS course via James Madison University which helped me apply my interests to potential real-world problems. At Virginia Tech, I reviewed each major’s course offerings and those I was drawn to the most were, in no surprise, under the Department of Geography. My degree program and subsequent internships with Esri National Government Office along with the Fish and Wildlife Service propelled me into a career of marrying geospatial technology with social issues. Once I moved to Houston and started working at the Houston Independent School District, I found an enthusiasm working within the K-12 education sector. From there, I wanted to reach a wider audience of school districts across the nation and decided to join MFA!

The Why Behind the Work

What drives you in your role at MFA, and what makes it fulfilling?

Community to me is synonymous with a sense of belonging, feeling emotionally connected to a place’s physical features and atmosphere. I want to cultivate a sense of community for others where they work, live, and play.

Making an Impact

Why does your work matter — for your team, your clients, or your community?

Actions taken at the local government level have repercussions that influence the county, state, and beyond. Therefore, these impacts must be carefully considered and aimed at producing positive outcomes.

Words That Stuck with You

What’s the best piece of advice a colleague has shared with you?

None of us would be doing this work if it didn’t benefit communities, so remember there is always an end user or person who will see and value what you do.

Projects That Shaped You

What are a few memorable projects, whether for the joy, the challenge, or both?

My first boundary study project was an eye-opener! Despite my background working with the relevant data, I had never tackled a boundary study-specific project before. Witnessing the entire process, from inception to community engagement, was enlightening. It became clear how crucial it was for the data to be both defensible and transparent. This experience reinforced my commitment to advocating for school districts to consistently maintain up-to-date data.

Who Inspires You

Is there someone who motivates or influences the way you work or live?

To be honest, Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler’s character on the TV show Parks and Recreation). She is the best fictional character! I love her so much! She is determined, ambitious and unwavering in her drive to serve and improve her community.

If Not This, Then What?

If you weren’t in this career, what would you love doing instead?  

If I were not in this career, I would be running a craft store with an outdoor greenhouse and garden area. I would host summer camps and develop K-12 extracurricular activities throughout the school year.

Big Dreams and Bucket Lists

What’s something exciting you hope to cross off your list someday?

I have a few geographic goals - to go to every US state, every continent, and cross the equator and continental divides (on foot). So far, I have been to 41 states and two continents.

Hidden Talents and Hobbies

What’s a side of you most people don’t get to see?

I always have some kind of craft project going on. Whether it be knitting a blanket, crafting a surprise gift for a friend’s birthday, embroidering a hoop, (the list goes on) I always have a project on my mind.

I have moved a few times since growing up in Virginia and find it fascinating to note the different flora and fauna in new places I live. Now being in California, the complete opposite coast from what I am most familiar with, it is really exciting to turn a corner and see a wonderful new plant I have never seen before. I like to document the plants, flowers mainly, and share them with friends and family. A bonus is if I can get my beagle in the picture too. In a similar vein, my husband and I have gotten really into California viticulture and have explored Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles wineries with friends.

Your Superpower

What’s that special skill or trait you bring to the table that makes a difference?

I believe I am good at creatively approaching a problem or project and making sure to think of it from all angles. I do not believe there is just one solution to a problem in such complex systems that I work in but there are best and better solutions.

Learn More About Emma