Emory Edwards

Emory Edwards is a nationally recognized leader in advancing educational choice, equity, and social justice. As Vice President of Outreach and Entrepreneurship at EdChoice, he has spearheaded efforts to expand access to high-quality, culturally affirming educational opportunities for Black and Brown students and historically underserved communities. With more than 20 years of experience in strategy, partnerships, and community engagement, he works at the intersection of policy research, grassroots advocacy, and coalition-building. Through the Cultivating Young Black Minds framework that he developed, Emory has championed a bold agenda to reimagine education for Black students and families. His work integrates actionable research, policy innovation, and grassroots organizing to disrupt systemic inequities and incubate new school models—including charter, private, and microschools—that are culturally responsive and community-driven. He has forged critical partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Black churches, and advocacy networks to strengthen educator pipelines, encourage the development of affirming curricula/educational climates, and expand equitable pathways for families to exercise meaningful educational choice. Emory’s leadership extends to shaping policy frameworks that support educational entrepreneurship, redefine measures of high-quality education, and promote transparency and accountability in school systems. He has collaborated with national and local organizations to advance equity-driven reforms that address funding disparities, diversify school leadership, and ensure holistic approaches to student success. Beyond his national impact, Emory remains deeply engaged in the Indianapolis community, where he has served in leadership roles with 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, The Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League, Free To Choose Schools, the Madame Walker Theatre, and the Martin Luther King Community Center. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family & friends and traveling. Originally from Albany, GA, Emory currently resides in Indianapolis with his wife Chantelle and their three children, Emory Michael, Cadence, and Lance.