Background

Emma has over 10 years’ experience building relationships with clients and the community, and amplifying unique voices. Her work is now dedicated to advancing the creativity of disabled talent, and connecting clients with disability-led organisations.

Before joining Tilting the Lens, Emma worked in Entertainment Relations at Gucci, fostering relationships and meaningful collaborations with creatives that aligned with the brand’s vision. Before that, she was a PR Manager at Jessica McCormack, refining her expertise in luxury brand communications. With over five years’ experience in editorial fashion media and styling, Emma brings an understanding of the industry, storytelling, and brand positioning to her work.

“Working for Tilting the Lens is special; a truly honest and refreshing approach that allows you to be completely yourself. That has meant increased confidence in my work and in sharing ideas. I am not afraid to make mistakes or be wrong; I view these experiences as learning opportunities that contribute to my professional and personal growth. Joining the team early on could have seemed scary or risky after working in a large company. It never felt that way to me; Sinéad has always had a clear vision for Tilting the Lens. Even with changes and challenges, working here has never felt like a job. It’s so much more.” 

Role at Tilting the Lens

In her role as a Senior Consultant leading Community and Impact at Tilting the Lens, Emma manages community engagement, collaboration, and partnerships.

She leads the company’s community-based research projects, including interviews and focus groups. Additionally, she has managed projects related to event accessibility, provided HR consultation, and collaborated with clients to create customised accessibility workshops for their teams.

Emma also leads the Tilting the Lens webinar series, spotlighting essential conversations with leaders, thinkers, and creatives within the global disability community.

Her work includes strategic thinking about accessibility in Arts and Culture, and how to make work culture more inclusive, from accessible communication to psychological safety, as well as creative approaches for the future of this work.

In Emma's words

What has been your highlight so far at Tilting the Lens?

There have been many, but probably the most significant was returning to work after having my daughter and feeling truly supported. It was genuinely lovely to return, not because I didn’t miss her, but because I felt I could balance work and parenting, which is something I thought might never be possible. 

What does success look like to you?

On a larger scale, success would mean having more disabled people in leadership positions across all sectors globally. On a personal level, it would be my daughter growing up with self-belief, kindness, and compassion towards everyone, viewing a person’s differences not as weaknesses but instead being curious, asking questions to learn more. But, we may need to focus more on the personal level to achieve the larger scale. 

What’s one thing about your work that you wish more people understood?

That disability doesn’t make people less, that it’s not something to be feared, and if there were more disabled people in leadership roles (across all sectors, including government), the world would be a very different place. 

Who particularly inspires you in your work and career, and why?

My parents have always supported and encouraged me in terms of my career. They have never made me feel like I can’t do something or shouldn’t try for something based on what the role says it needs on paper, lacking a degree, or something seeming too ambitious. They have always supported and encouraged me, even during my darkest moments. 

My sister also inspires me in my work. Ten years ago, she and her husband established a drama school in Spain, teaching children, teenagers, and adults. I’m constantly in awe of her work ethic and dedication to building something from the ground up (very much like Sinéad). Through their efforts, they have created a community there and provided a safe space for people to step out of their comfort zones, be creative, and be themselves, which is really special. 

Emma's case studies