Emmy King

Board Member

A long-time Board member of Art Resources in Teaching (A.R.T.), Emmy became an ardent supporter and Board member of Urban Gateways when the two organizations merged in 2013.

Emmy is widely involved in education initiatives; she spearheaded the King Conservation Science Scholars program with the Zoological Society of Chicago, through which 280 young people participate in after-school, summer, and online opportunities to expand their knowledge in science and develop interpretive skills, helping to prepare them for college. Additionally, after 20 years with Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colorado, Emmy began a project working with Native American tribal groups and students at the Santa Fe Indian School to increase the number of graduates attending college, revitalize native language and culture, and bring educated leaders back to the tribes, ensuring better futures for all. Drawn to Africa since the 1970s, and with her husband Bob’s involvement in the African Wildlife Foundation, Emmy and Bob together developed Classroom Africa to build schools in rural areas; seven schools in five countries are now operational or under construction.

A graduate of Denison University, Emmy also helped facilitate an initiative to improve postgraduate outcomes for career success. “On Board” is a series of online courses that introduce students to the language and principles of business with the goal of providing the liberal arts grad with a marketable edge in finding a job.

Emmy and her husband Bob have lived and worked on education initiatives together in Chicago for over 50 years. They have three children and seven grandchildren, have traveled the world, and love golfing, hiking, skiing, and basically enjoying life’s pleasures.